Shared by Ariel Hartman, as Guest Blogger.

The beginning of spring is a beautiful time for many reasons: flowers start blooming, bugs start flying, and the Eastern Redbud starts budding.

The Eastern Redbud is a native deciduous tree that grows between 15 to 30 feet tall. These trees are famous for their pink flowers that bloom in early spring. This explosion of pink flowers emerges before their leaves appear, making them a remarkable and unforgettable sight. However, these pink flowers last only about two to three weeks, so make sure to enjoy them while you can.

The rosy pink flowers emerge in spring

It’s undeniable that Eastern Redbuds are beautiful, but did you know that they are also incredibly important in our ecosystem? Butterflies and hummingbirds use these trees for their nectar, honeybees use their flowers for pollen, and you might even catch a squirrel munching on some flower blossoms.

It is said that Native Americans used to boil Eastern Redbud bark to make tea to treat whooping cough. Their inner roots were used for fevers and vomiting, and their flowers could be fried and eaten, making them a very important tree for our earliest Americans.

A large Eastern Redbud

As you can see, there are many reasons to love the Eastern Redbud. From their pink flowers in early spring to their heart-shaped leaves in summer, these trees are beautiful no matter the season. Next time you’re on a walk in a state park, keep an eye out for the Eastern Redbud and take a moment to appreciate all they do for us.