Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

[ Trees > Hardwoods > Understory Trees . . . ]

Forest Types: Appalachian Cove / Southern Hardwood / Oak-Hickory

by Michael Kuo

Habitat: Understory tree typically mixed with other hardwoods; often in bottomlands and along streams, but not limited to these areas; growing east of the Great Plains; widely planted as an ornamental.

Stature: Rarely 40 feet high; to 2 feet in diameter; usually smaller, spreading and shrub-like.

Leaves: 3-5 inches across; simple; alternate; heart-shaped; toothless; with a point at the tip; dark green.

Bark: Thin; gray; smooth or finely scaly when mature.

Flowers: Brilliant purple; 5-petaled; in bundles.

Fruit: A pea-like pod 2-4 inches long.

Source: Preston, R. J. (1989). North American Trees. Ames: Iowa State UP.

Frequent Mushroom Associates:

I am unaware of any mushrooms exclusively associated with Eastern Redbud. Since the tree occurs as an understory tree in a wide variety of eastern forests, however, many mushrooms should be expected in its vicinity. Morel hunters often expect Yellow Morels when Eastern Redbud is in bloom.

Further Online Information:

Redbud USFS Fact Sheet (PDF file)
Redbud at Trees of Western NC

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Cite this page as:

Kuo, M. (2005, August). Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis). Retrieved from the MushroomExpert.Com Web site: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/trees/cercis_canadensis.html