Ornamental Trees #1

cerciscanadensis, originally uploaded by Randuwa.

cercis canadensis - "Eastern Redbud" is a weed tree really. They grow fast and tend to dye at a relatively young age for trees. This one grew from a twig that I got from the city of Takoma Park one Earth Day some years back now-- 2000? I fear the picture does it no justice as it positively glows in the back light from the late afternoon sun.

And here's a fun fact: you can eat the flowers. They are tart and sweet with a mild aromatic quality. They really bring magic to a salad of mixed field greens.