Southern Redbud Tree–Spring Flowers before Leaves!

Red Bud Tree against the Spring Sky

The Southern Redbud tree in my garden has dependably attempted to produce the bright pink blooms each year about early March. I say “attempted” because there have been years when a frost or light freeze destroyed the emerging blooms. With tempertures rarely below 50 degrees for the last ten days, this year was perfect for the redbud flowers!

In the photos above — from left to right — the first signs of emergent reveal the “bud” shapes, that evolve to form what appears to be small red hummingbirds—all visiting the same “flower” or nectar source.

The buds will be soon replaced with the heart-shaped green leaves, but these interesting little flowers always announce the arrival of Spring.