Redbuds are a genus of small, flowering trees in the legume family, Fabaceae. They are very popular in Sacramento and elsewhere for their display of pink flowers which usually bloom in March before the leaves grow.
There are several species used in horticulture but C. canadensis and C. occidentalis are by far the most common locally. The flowers and leaves are very similar between species, but the eastern redbud, C. canadensis tends to grow a bit taller and more tree-like. The native western redbud, C. occidentalis is more of a tall shrub, though it can be trained into a tree with careful pruning.
Many people assume that our native species would grow well here, but in nature it is more of a foothill riparian species, and so it does not thrive in our soils or heat. Both species grow adequately here, but prefer moist, well drained areas protected from high winds and heat. In the less than ideal conditions that are common in the valley bottom, both species tend to look very ragged by the end of the summer. In my experience, C. canadensis from the Southwestern portions of its range in Okalahoma, Texas, and Mexico actually tend to do best. These are sometimes listed as separate species, but most authorities treat all of these forms as varieties of C. canadensis.
All of these species can be heavily damaged by the red-humped caterpillar when young, but larger trees usually recover without issue. Either way, they are usually short lived, often living only 10-20 years, but potentially longer in ideal conditions.
One lesser-known feature of redbuds is that their flowers are actually quite delicious. They have a flavor that is sweet, slightly tangy, and slightly reminiscent of peas. I often stop to graze on the flowers in areas no one will miss them, and if I can harvest enough I sometimes bake them into muffins.
Redbuds aren't the easiest or most climate-ready tree for our area, but they are surprisingly tenacious, beautiful and delicious. It's not a bad choice for a small tree provided they get reasonably good care.
There are several species used in horticulture but C. canadensis and C. occidentalis are by far the most common locally. The flowers and leaves are very similar between species, but the eastern redbud, C. canadensis tends to grow a bit taller and more tree-like. The native western redbud, C. occidentalis is more of a tall shrub, though it can be trained into a tree with careful pruning.
Many people assume that our native species would grow well here, but in nature it is more of a foothill riparian species, and so it does not thrive in our soils or heat. Both species grow adequately here, but prefer moist, well drained areas protected from high winds and heat. In the less than ideal conditions that are common in the valley bottom, both species tend to look very ragged by the end of the summer. In my experience, C. canadensis from the Southwestern portions of its range in Okalahoma, Texas, and Mexico actually tend to do best. These are sometimes listed as separate species, but most authorities treat all of these forms as varieties of C. canadensis.
All of these species can be heavily damaged by the red-humped caterpillar when young, but larger trees usually recover without issue. Either way, they are usually short lived, often living only 10-20 years, but potentially longer in ideal conditions.
One lesser-known feature of redbuds is that their flowers are actually quite delicious. They have a flavor that is sweet, slightly tangy, and slightly reminiscent of peas. I often stop to graze on the flowers in areas no one will miss them, and if I can harvest enough I sometimes bake them into muffins.
Redbuds aren't the easiest or most climate-ready tree for our area, but they are surprisingly tenacious, beautiful and delicious. It's not a bad choice for a small tree provided they get reasonably good care.