92. Cercis canadensis – Redbud
Scientific Name: Cercis canadensis
Nativity: Eastern North America
Interesting Info:
There are three varieties in North America: Mexican redbud, eastern redbud, and the Texas redbud. It is often challenging to grow west of Colorado due to low precipitation levels. Leaves are often eaten by Lepidoptera (butterfly/moth) caterpillars. Green twigs of the redbud are used on the east coast to season wild game. Flowers have high vitamin C levels and are edible for humans. The inner bark of the redbud is also a folk remedy for leukemia. However, the redbud contains the toxin saponin, which is why it has traditionally been used to kill fish while fishing.