The Texas Redbuds (Cercis canadensis var. texensis) are blooming around town.
Although they are called “redbuds,” they really are magenta in color. These native small trees surprise me each year when they burst into bloom rapidly. They are in the pea family, and this becomes obvious when the elongated seed pods form. The oval heart shaped leaves develop after the flowers.
You may also have noticed the white larger trees blooming along with the redbuds. These Mexican Plums (Prunus Mexicana) are also native to the Hill Country area. The wildlife consumes the plums that form on this tree. Both of these native early spring blooming trees drop their seeds — which then germinate to produce new plants. If you are patient, you can start these trees in your yard by transplanting volunteer plants or planting their seeds.
