March 23, 2025

Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) are budding out, soon to become charming clouds of pink scattered throughout the trails here in the mountains.

Those buds don’t just occur on twigs. Redbud trees send out buds directly on the tree’s trunk and large branches as well. This behavior is called cauliflory and is found not only in trees but also in some bushes and woody vines. It is found most often in the tropics in trees such as breadfruit, cacao, some figs and papayas.

I love to see the clouds of pink in the woods. It’s particularly enchanting on a foggy day.

_______________________

If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!