This Vibrant Tree Will Bring Stunning Color To Your Spring Landscape

Redbuds are popular for many reasons, including that they’re versatile. There are many varieties of eastern redbud with flowers that range from white to pink, magenta, and lavender. Further, they can grow in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate many different types of soil and moisture conditions. Because they don’t get too big, they can work in smaller landscapes and don’t require a ton of maintenance. A young eastern redbud will grow quickly, about 4 to 6 feet per year, but that growth slows down once the tree matures a bit, hitting 7 to 10 feet over 5 or 6 years.

If you’re looking to add flora to your yard that benefits the ecosystem as a whole, eastern redbuds are good for birds and bees alike. They attract early-season butterflies and other nectar-seeking pollinators like hummingbirds, while honey bees will buzz by to snack on pollen. Northern bobwhites and songbirds feast on the redbud’s seeds as well. The Morton Arboretum and other sources list the redbud as deer resistant, but the USDA says whitetail deer sometimes graze on the leaves and branches, so use your best judgment if you have a lot of pesky deer in your area. Here are some more tips on how to successfully grow an eastern redbud.