Ontario Plants
Eastern Redbud- Circus Canadensis
This tree grows to about 9 m tall by about 9 m in spread, and it has a shrubby look to it. They grow about half a metre a year, and the trunk can become twisted, like piece of living origami or a natural bonsai. But this delicate, origami-like appearance isn’t why people want to grow this tree.
The real reason is very different.
The Eastern redbud produces hundreds of brilliant, pink flowers, which linger on the tree for a very long time. For much of the spring, an Eastern Redbud looks like the plant world’s equivalent of a brilliant fireworks display. There’s almost nothing like it in North America – it’s almost shocking in its spectacular display.
This tree is, however, not just a pretty tree. The plant is also a source of food and a great addition to any natural kitchen.
The flower buds are actually edible, raw and cooked, and were a traditional food of native Canadians. They lend a salad a sour flavour, and are used as a condiment; the flowers can also be pickled. They have a high amount of vitamin C. The flavour they create is something like sour green beans. They can even be baked into bread, pies, or other items that need fruity flavours.
The leaves can be eaten when they’re young, too. The seed pods can be eaten, especially when fresh, like steamed beans, and the mature seeds can be roasted.