Redbud Tree

Robin asked me to address this small native tree in this week's column.

Redbud trees grow wild along back roads and fence rows. Their purple pink flowers show brilliantly all over the tree in early spring. Several landscapers have added redbud trees because of their small size and spring floral display.

Redbud will tolerate moist soils but not soggy. They can reach 30 feet tall but most often are much shorter. They are plants which do well in full sun or partial shade. The tree can get wide if left to grow natural but some occasional light pruning can keep the tree balanced.

If one chooses to purchase a redbud tree for the landscape, be sure the tree will tolerate zone 6 weather. There are several varieties available all around the world.

The redbud does have one disease very serious in this area called verticillium. There is no cure for this disease and the tree will die slowly branch by branch. Water during stressful times does help an infected tree deal with this disease.

This tree has merit in a landscape so get out and add one to your lawn.