Red Bud Cercis canadensis L.

Characteristics

Leaves: simple, alternate, shaped like a heart, short pointy tip, smooth or somewhat smooth on dorsal (top) surface, up to 6 inches in length and almost as wide, hairy or smooth ventral (bottom) surface,  not serrated; leafstalks skinny and around 5 inches in length, normally smooth

Flower: reddish-purple, pea-shaped, appear on last year's branches or on trunks, around 1/2 inch in length

Fruit: flat, smooth legumes as large as 4 inches in length and 1/2 inch in width,  contains many seeds, turns brown when mature

Twigs: brown, skinny, smooth, leaf scars are alternate and contain 3 bundle traces, slightly raised and triangular in shape, top is hairy

Buds: little, round, brown, smooth or somewhat smooth

Bark: brownish-red, forming long plates and thin scales

Form: small tree, can be as tall as 35 feet, trunk width-1 foot, broad crown

Wood description and uses: hard, dense, deep brownish-red, tightly grained; ornamental value

Habitat: rich forest 

Range: as far north and east as Connecticut across to southern Wisconsin, reaching to southern areas of Texas and far east as Florida, also found in Mexico

Distinguishing features: heart-shaped, smooth edged leaves

Location: Toledo, Illinois

Sources Cited: Mohlenbrock, Robert. (N.D.). Forest Trees of Illinois. Springfield, IL:

                               Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

(C) 2003 Cumberland High School. Jennifer M.  All rights reserved

Contact Information- lstarwalt@cumberland.k12.il.us

Link to Native Trees of Illinois index page