Redbud, Eastern redbud, Mexican redbud,Texas redbud

Cercis canadensis

Physical Characteristics

Cercis canadensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern and Central N. America - New York to Florida, west to Texas and Wisconsin[222].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Seedpod Edible Uses: Condiment Flowers - raw[46, 61, 94, 183] or pickled[2, 105, 149]. A nice refreshing acid taste, the flowers are rich in vitamin C and make a pleasant addition to salads[183, K]. They can also be used as a condiment[200]. The unopened buds are pickled or used as a caper substitute[183]. On a zero moisture basis, the seed contains 22.9 - 27.5% protein, 7.7 - 8.8% fat and 3% ash[218]. (This report does not say if the seed is edible[K]). There is some evidence that both the young seed pods (eaten like snow peas) and the young leaves can be eaten.

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Cancer Dysentery Febrifuge Pectoral Vitamin C A tea made from the inner bark is highly astringent[46, 61, 94, 149, 222]. Used in the treatment of fevers, diarrhoea and dysentery, it is also a folk remedy for leukaemia[222]. A cold infusion of the roots and inner bark have been used to treat various chest complaints including whooping cough and congestion[257].

Known Hazards

The plant is reported to contain a toxic saponin[274]. Although toxic, saponins are poorly absorbed by the body and most pass straight through without any problem. They are also broken down to a large extent in the cooking process. Saponins are found in many foods, such as some beans. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].