Redbud trees are harbinger of spring

Spring is happening and so are the flowering redbuds (cercis canadensis). When you look real close, the petite flowers resemble a tiny pea, hence they are called "Pea Flowers" This species is native to eastern and central North America and is in the legume family.

It's one of my favorite early flowering trees that announce the beginning of a new season, but there other species from California, Texas, Oklahoma, Mexico and even China with many cultivars.

Redbuds are considered a smaller tree and can fit in to so many of the small and urban gardens that are becoming more prevalent these days. I l...