Certainly Cercis canadensis

Cercis canadensis, or Eastern redbud, was one of the first trees I fell in love with on my horticultural journey. I appreciated the color, the modest stature, and how captivating the small flowers were. I tend to appreciate smaller blooms; they invite you to slow down and pay attention, and once you do, you will notice more about this tree than just the color of its flowers.

Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’

Naturally found in open woodlands or forest margins, Cercis canadensis thrives in full sun to part shade; it can tolerate full shade but that will make for a leggier form and less flowers. In the spring they bloom early, before the leaves emerge, and the bright magenta blossoms will draw your attention to the edge of an increasingly darkening forest, as the larger tree canopies begin to shade out the sun. Upon closer inspection, you may first notice that the flowers are borne in clusters directly on the stems and branches, sometimes even the trunks, which is known as cauliflory-this attribute cloaks the entire tree in bright color. You may also notice that the flowers look much like a pea flower, complete with the iconic wing, banner, and keel petals. The keel petal is a helipad for bees to land on and assists in the transfer of pollen to their bodies. The redbud flowers support numerous species of nectar feeding bees, as well as butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. Another key feature in identifying this plant, especially during the winter, is the twig form, which creates a zig-zag pattern from one bud to the next.

The tree enters an awkward adolescence (don’t we all) as the flowers begin to fade the leaves begin to unfurl. Ultimately the tree comes into its own again with simple, green, heart-shaped leaves. Simple leaves are unusual within the Fabaceae family, which is primarily characterized by compound, pinnate leaves like trees such as the honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) or black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) have. On a particularly hot day or at night, you may notice the leaves drooping slightly- this is a normal feature known as sleep movement. It’s more noticeable in distant cousins like Mimosa pudica (sensitive plant), which dramatically draws its leaves inward when touched, and closes them up at night to go to “sleep”. Throughout this stage of life, the tree continues to support pollinators by providing nesting materials for leaf-cutting bees, and the seed pods provide food for small mammals and some birds. The Eastern redbud leaves often display yellow coloration for a brief time in autumn.

I want to say that the Eastern redbud is an unsung hero of the forest and garden, but the 20+ cultivars proves that this small native tree has captivated the horticultural trade for many years. The straight species naturally produces magenta flowers, and numerous varieties have been bred to explore the full range of purple-red hues. And of course, many varieties have been developed to explore leaf color and form as well. My personal favorite for leaf color is C. canadensis ‘The Rising Sun’, which we have located in the Woodland (2014-0001) and Walled Garden (2014-0344). 

Extremely versatile in the landscape, the Eastern redbud can be used as a prime ornamental feature, as seen in the Four-Season Garden, or as a naturalistic element that blends into the woodland scenery as seen in the Royce Rhododendron Garden. What’s your favorite Eastern redbud at the arboretum?

-Jessica O'Callahan, Horticultural Coordinator

Cercis canadensis ‘Appalachian Red’

A special thank you to Bartlett Tree Experts and Carol Isles for their time and donations. As well as a big thank you to all who joined us for BCA’s Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, April 27. Visitors of all ages enjoyed taking home a sapling, cracking the secret tree code, and getting a sneak peek into our upcoming educational programs. We couldn’t have asked for a better day and turnout!

Registration is filling up quick for our children’s educational programs. Be sure to visit our website to reserve a spot today: https://bayardcuttingarboretum.com/learn/education-programs/

Looking forward to a great season -K.T. Williamson, Education Coordinator

Magnolia x 'Big Dude' displays gorgeous flowers in the Pinetum Extension.

We are almost there! Great progress is being made in the completion of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Visitor Center. The opening is still anticipated for this spring. Please watch the Bayard Cutting Arboretum newsletter and website site for further information.

Saturday, June 15, 2024 - 6:30PM to 8:30PM

Join us in celebrating the grand opening of the new Visitor Center. Click here for registration and more information.

Docents will spotlight specific, seasonally appropriate areas of the Arboretum in a one-hour grounds tour. Available only on the first Wednesday and first Saturday of each month. $5.00 per person. Call (631) 581-1002 for availability, required registration, and more details.

Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection, on a walk to reconnect with the natural world around us.

Fee: $40 per person.

Please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and warm clothing for walking outdoors. Register here!

Have fun with watercolors and go home with a finished picture ready to frame!

Fee: $50 per Student

Upcoming dates:

All materials are provided by the instructor. Feel free to bring your own paints and brushes to class. Registration, additional dates, and more information can be found on our website.

Dates: Thursday, May 9 – Sunday, June 2

Exhibit Hours: Thursdays – Sundays, 11AM – 4PM

Artist Reception: Sunday, May 19 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Location: Annex Art Gallery

June 1 and 2; 9 AM - 4 PM

Lower Carriage House

Offering perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, natives, small shrubs and trees.This year, houseplants will be offered for the first time!

Manor House Tours are offered Thursdays thru Sundays at 1PM. Ground Tours are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:30AM. Call (631) 581-1002 for availability, costs, required registration, and more details.

We welcome you and your children to explore our program. Tours are available on Tuesdays at 9:30 am. Reservations are required and payment must be made in advance. For more information, please contact Carolann Gaites, Volunteer Coordinator, at 631-581-1002, ext. 105.