A Profusion of Pink | An Early Spring Walk in the Woods

I'm obsessed with Eastern redbud trees (Cercis canadensis). Their lavender-pink flowers are unmistakeable, emerging in early March in our Piedmont region. The blooms pop before the leaves emerge, allowing the bold pink to light up the bare branches. Driving around town, it warms my heart to see how many redbud trees are growing along the roadside where land remains [yet] undisturbed. 

Our spring mornings typically start cool but warm up as the day unfolds. Afternoon walks in the woods are a must to clear the winter cobwebs and inspire the heart. The skies tend to be an electric blue on clear days, allowing the flowers to really sparkle.

As an understory tree, they take advantage of the sunshine that's allowed to reach the lower forest layers in early spring. The tall hardwood trees are just beginning to leaf out in our area, making the redbuds the star of the woodland forest. I didn't get a photo, but the pink redbud flowers also look stunning against the marcescent leaves of the American Beech trees (see my post here).

Early emerging bees, butterflies and pollinating flies are often seen foraging on these beauties.

I just can't get enought of the powerful, yet dainty blooms. They are kicking off our spring blooming season in all their glory and I am absorbing every moment.

Garden Growing Tips:

Redbud trees are a great native tree that grows well in the home landscape. Choose a tree that has been grown from locally harvested seed for best results. They prefer moist, well drained soil. Apply mulch out to the drip line of the tree to keep the soil moist and cool in the heat of the summer. Pair with other early blooming trees and shrubs such as flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) or our native deciduous azaleas (Rhododendron austrinum or Rhododendron prunifolium) for a stunning spring show.