Plant Spotlight: Specimen Tree: Redbuds

Redbuds are frequently used as specimen or ornamental trees. Red buds are smaller trees, with beautiful, dark pink blossoms that line its main branches in spring. The large, heart-shaped leaves are usually green but can differ in color, depending on the variety. 

‘Ruby Falls’ is a small variety, growing six to eight feet tall, with deep purple leaves, a reddish-purple flower, and a weeping habit. There are other varieties that are dark maroon, green and even a tree whose leaves emerge orange, and gradually fade to yellow, then green. Red buds are multi-stem trees, typically reach a height of 20-30 feet.