Redbuds are native to North America.  This is an Eastern Redbud tree, the one most sold as an ornamental in the South.  There is a Texas Redbud, but it is smaller and more a shrub than a tree.  The Redbud was used by many Native Americans to treat maladies ranging from whooping cough to fever and vomiting.  Children ate the flowers of the redbud tree as treats.

The magnificent purple trees you see around town right now are redbuds. Some are quite large, but most are smallish trees. And they are absolutely gorgeous this time of year.

A few years back, our friend Karma gave us a teeny tiny redbud. It looked like a weed of a tree and was so small we had to mark it in the garden so that we wouldn’t accidentally step on it or pull it up. But Karma told us that this tree would grow successfully—and she was right.

Finally our tree, now as tall as the garage, has actual red buds on it. It’s taken three years (or it is four?), but we’re seeing the trademark blossoms. And we’re enjoying them like the proud parents we are.

I love this season. Have I said that before?