Meet the Eastern redbud

As far as smaller native Southeastern trees go, the Eastern redbud (Cercius Canadensis) is up there on the list.  It typically grows to 20-30 feet tall with a 25-35 foot spread.  The flowers are showy, magenta pink in color,  appearing in clusters from March to May, on bare stems before the leaves. Sometimes even on the trunk itself! The flowers are pollinated by long-tongued bees.

According to Wikipedia  "In some parts of southern Appalachia, green twigs from the Eastern redbud are used as seasoning for wild game such as venison and opossum. Because of this, in these mountain areas the Eastern redbud is sometimes known as the spicewood tree."

So spice up your lawn and your dinner with an Eastern redbud!