I Love Redbud Trees

I love Redbud trees, when they bloom it’s a sure sign spring is not too far behind. I’ll get to enjoy them even longer this year than usually. We had to replace two of the three trees in the yard and the ones I purchased were not as far along in the blooming process as the originals so I will have later blooms to enjoy. The ones pictured here are the limbs I salvaged from one that was broken off at the base, I stuck them in a vase on the table. No need to let the blooms go to waste.

I’m not really sure why it’s called a Redbud, seems to me it should have been dubbed a Lavenderbud or a Magentabud tree. It’s believed that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were the people that gave the Eastern Redbud its name. It’s often referred to as a Judas tree, but in actuality the Judas tree was a different species, Cercis Siliquastrum. After doing a little research on these trees I was able to find out that our trees are not Eastern Redbuds, although that is the name under which they were sold to us. Eastern Redbud leaves have a satin appearance and pointed shape tips, our trees have rounded glossy leaves. I noticed last year our leaves were different from our neighbor’s tree but I just brushed it off. Maybe someone out there that’s more knowledgeable can tell me our species.

I have always been fascinated with mythology and legend, so when ever I get the opportunity to incorporate it into my blog I do. Legend has it this was the tree Judas Iscariot hung himself from after betraying Christ. Each year in shame and remorse it weeps tears of blood-like blossoms close to Easter. In most all years it blooms slightly before the dogwood which has long been associated with what? That’s right, the crucifixion. Legend also goes on to say that the limbs of this tree would never be strong enough to hang another man.