Originating from southern Europe and western Asia, the Redbud tree is a relatively small tree with a 6-10 inch wide trunk and growing to 15-30 feet high. Blooming very early in spring, the Redbud tree creates a brilliant showing of white, pale pink and rosy pink blossoms. These flowers appear on the branches and directly from the trunk (an uncommon botanical trait known as cauliflory). While beautiful and fragrant, Redbud flowers are also edible. Native Americans consumed Redbud flowers raw (in salads) and boiled, however, these blooms are also pickled and fried today. Redbuds are often planted for their ornamental values within garden and landscape designs. The hard wood of the Redbud is used in the production of veneers, as well as fashioned by hobbyists within a variety of projects. The stems and branches are often used in basketry too. The Redbud is steeped in history and lore. The story of Judas Iscariot, one of the original 12 disciples, hanging himself on the Redbud tree after he betrayed Christ has left the Rebud often referred to as the Judas tree. As a result, the Redbud tree changed the color of its blooms from white to red. There are numerous interpretations of this story. Nevertheless, the Redbud tree is an important tree of Isreal where it maintains protected tree status. Learn more about Redbud at The Wood Database by clicking here.
