about redbud

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is an early flowering tree with brightly coloured pink flowers. The lipped flower shape characteristic of the pea family and flower/ bud colour make this tree distinctive. To correctly identify a redbud tree it may be helpful to compare it to some other early flowering species such as crab apple, choke cherry, magnolia, and flowering dogwood. Later in the season, redbud can be identified by its heart-shaped leaves and pea-shaped seed pods.

Eastern redbud is widely planted in the City of Toronto as an ornamental landscape tree, however, it is also an important tree for urban bee diversity. About a dozen different bee species visit the flowers for nectar and pollen in the spring. In the summer, a different set of bees visit redbud to collect pieces of leaves to build their nests.

Our map of the best places in Toronto to see redbuds in bloom: https://t.co/UUqy3lQEE8