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Cercis canadensis
A relatively small tree with a short trunk and spreading branches. The smooth bark is dark brown to gray or black. On older trees it is marked with shallow furrows and scaly ridges. Its flowers, appearing from March to May, are light to vibrant pink in color and almost a half inch long. Flowers appear in clusters on bare stems before the leaves. At times, the flowers even appear on the trunk itself.
Yard in Austin, Texas
The redbud tree's flowers are edible, eaten raw in salads or fried. The flowers are also used in making relish and other condiments, offering a slightly nutty flavor. The redbud tree's seedpods are also edible, often cooked and used in cuisine like peas. The seedpods are best eaten when they're still green. Read more: Uses for a Redbud Tree | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6304671_uses-re...
Spotted on Feb 10, 2013
Submitted on Feb 18, 2013
3 Comments
Thanks for sharing!
I have actually, but not recently, so to be honest, I don't recall how the flower tasted. The pod I tried was still green, but very mature. I was not impressed by the flavor, but I plan to try a younger one and see how that tastes. It's also possible I just tried a bad tree, so to speak. From experience with other plants I know that not all plants are created equal flavor-wise.
Beautiful color! Interesting to know the flowers and pods are edible. Have you ever tried them?