Wonderful information and I love all the clickable links to learn more. We have a two mile stretch of road along the main thoroughfare of our small, rural community that is populated by Redbuds on both sides. In the spring they bloom gloriously and it's known locally as "Redbud Alley." They will be in bloom in about another month here. I realized reading your essay that this is something that really unites our community. No matter what differentiates us, we all love Redbud Alley. People share their best photographic captures on social media, the local newspaper adds a picture to its pages, and everyone is talking about the Redbuds and sharing recipes and fun facts. In these divisive times it is so nice to be reminded of the things we share that bring us joy. Thank you, Redbud!
Yes, yes! And isn't it wonderful to have ways to share that joy? We complain about social media, but it can bring the community together. Hope you can hold onto that local newspaper--they're an endangered species these days 😥
Yes, I have a love/hate relationship with our local newspaper, but mostly love. It is a weekly and the "hate" (not really) part is that they frequently publish information about events or community happenings that come out AFTER the event has already happened. That's frustrating. But I love how they highlight locals and what they are doing and how they contribute to our community. I have found so many kindred spirits this way, like the new Hops (Humulus lupulus) farmer just a few miles from our home. My husband has been spotlighted and interviewed for his stringed instrument making and wood carving, and I have had the same privilege for my herbal adventures and community Fire Cider (an immune system supporting herbal vinegar) making days. Despite the timing issues that pop up I do love our local Hampshire Review and hope it stays viable for many more generations.
Lucky you, Leenie, to have such a responsive newspaper! They deserve all the support they can get--especially that editor, who is no doubt juggling stories and employees and $$. It's a tough job, even tougher these days, with costs so high and competition from the internet and social media.
I love redbud trees, and like many others, I didn't know how many ways they could be used. I try to plant only plants and trees that have multiple uses, especially if they are partially or fully edible.
Well Susan! Good to know that I am not alone in not knowing the many wonders of redbud! It is like a little miracle plant hiding in plain sight! Once again, I thank the China Bayles side of you for digging in and uncovering what there is to know, beyond its welcome beauty in early spring. This post has also woke (God help me for using that word in these crazy political times!?!) but, yes it has awakened my sleeping desire to learn to do some basket weaving. I happen to have a basket very much like the one you have pictured with this post. Wish me luck with finding someone who will give me a good start with basket weaving!
I never thought of adding redbud flowers to my nightly salad. I shall try it when my redbud comes into bloom. There's so many interesting things to read and do. Thank you for your wonderful suggestions.
Wow! Something new everyday! Edible redbud flowers! Since Spring is most definitely, probably, maybe here to stay, we have buds everywhere and our huge old palm trees are covered with yellow blooming vines! I need to carry your list of edible plants around this huge old yard with me and put check marks beside the ones we have. As usual, great thyme, place and story!
Also, worth reading is “Where Lilacs Still Bloom” by Jane Kirkpatrick. Burbank is featured in this true story of the woman in Washington who created 90% of the hybrid Lilacs in North America. Hilda Klager corresponded with him for years. Today her home and gardens are a national historic site.
Love the Redbud tips. That is the only plant I miss from our five years living in Washington DC. On this day, of March 4, 1789 the US Constitution was put into effect across the states and my favorite classical composer was born— Antonio Vivaldi. Strange tidbits to know, but it is my 72nd birthday. In high school we had a history assignment to discover events and people born on our birthday. That was when I really fell in love with librarians, who help me find weird information.
Having kept various flocks of ducks, and cared for a neighbor's with still more breeds of ducks, over the past 15 years, I'm well aware of the variability in size that the duck egg represents. So, yes, using a duck egg as a standard of measure gave me a chuckle! All hail to Fannie Farmer!
And then there's Luther Burbank. I wanted to be the next Luther Burbank when I was a child of 8 to 10ish. Now, having lived with Himalayan blackberries for those same 15 years, I'm ready to demote him from plant-breeding-god status. He had many good ideas. That wasn't one of them.
Thanks so much. I too had no idea about the redbuds. I was just admiring one in my backyard today. So dainty and beautiful. Mine are all pretty young being that I planted them last year. Would it be classified as an herb too since you can eat it, use it for medicine and various other things?
Wonderful information and I love all the clickable links to learn more. We have a two mile stretch of road along the main thoroughfare of our small, rural community that is populated by Redbuds on both sides. In the spring they bloom gloriously and it's known locally as "Redbud Alley." They will be in bloom in about another month here. I realized reading your essay that this is something that really unites our community. No matter what differentiates us, we all love Redbud Alley. People share their best photographic captures on social media, the local newspaper adds a picture to its pages, and everyone is talking about the Redbuds and sharing recipes and fun facts. In these divisive times it is so nice to be reminded of the things we share that bring us joy. Thank you, Redbud!
Yes, yes! And isn't it wonderful to have ways to share that joy? We complain about social media, but it can bring the community together. Hope you can hold onto that local newspaper--they're an endangered species these days 😥
Yes, I have a love/hate relationship with our local newspaper, but mostly love. It is a weekly and the "hate" (not really) part is that they frequently publish information about events or community happenings that come out AFTER the event has already happened. That's frustrating. But I love how they highlight locals and what they are doing and how they contribute to our community. I have found so many kindred spirits this way, like the new Hops (Humulus lupulus) farmer just a few miles from our home. My husband has been spotlighted and interviewed for his stringed instrument making and wood carving, and I have had the same privilege for my herbal adventures and community Fire Cider (an immune system supporting herbal vinegar) making days. Despite the timing issues that pop up I do love our local Hampshire Review and hope it stays viable for many more generations.
Lucky you, Leenie, to have such a responsive newspaper! They deserve all the support they can get--especially that editor, who is no doubt juggling stories and employees and $$. It's a tough job, even tougher these days, with costs so high and competition from the internet and social media.
I love redbud trees, and like many others, I didn't know how many ways they could be used. I try to plant only plants and trees that have multiple uses, especially if they are partially or fully edible.
Well Susan! Good to know that I am not alone in not knowing the many wonders of redbud! It is like a little miracle plant hiding in plain sight! Once again, I thank the China Bayles side of you for digging in and uncovering what there is to know, beyond its welcome beauty in early spring. This post has also woke (God help me for using that word in these crazy political times!?!) but, yes it has awakened my sleeping desire to learn to do some basket weaving. I happen to have a basket very much like the one you have pictured with this post. Wish me luck with finding someone who will give me a good start with basket weaving!
I never thought of adding redbud flowers to my nightly salad. I shall try it when my redbud comes into bloom. There's so many interesting things to read and do. Thank you for your wonderful suggestions.
Wow! Something new everyday! Edible redbud flowers! Since Spring is most definitely, probably, maybe here to stay, we have buds everywhere and our huge old palm trees are covered with yellow blooming vines! I need to carry your list of edible plants around this huge old yard with me and put check marks beside the ones we have. As usual, great thyme, place and story!
Also, worth reading is “Where Lilacs Still Bloom” by Jane Kirkpatrick. Burbank is featured in this true story of the woman in Washington who created 90% of the hybrid Lilacs in North America. Hilda Klager corresponded with him for years. Today her home and gardens are a national historic site.
Love the Redbud tips. That is the only plant I miss from our five years living in Washington DC. On this day, of March 4, 1789 the US Constitution was put into effect across the states and my favorite classical composer was born— Antonio Vivaldi. Strange tidbits to know, but it is my 72nd birthday. In high school we had a history assignment to discover events and people born on our birthday. That was when I really fell in love with librarians, who help me find weird information.
Having kept various flocks of ducks, and cared for a neighbor's with still more breeds of ducks, over the past 15 years, I'm well aware of the variability in size that the duck egg represents. So, yes, using a duck egg as a standard of measure gave me a chuckle! All hail to Fannie Farmer!
And then there's Luther Burbank. I wanted to be the next Luther Burbank when I was a child of 8 to 10ish. Now, having lived with Himalayan blackberries for those same 15 years, I'm ready to demote him from plant-breeding-god status. He had many good ideas. That wasn't one of them.
Thanks so much. I too had no idea about the redbuds. I was just admiring one in my backyard today. So dainty and beautiful. Mine are all pretty young being that I planted them last year. Would it be classified as an herb too since you can eat it, use it for medicine and various other things?
Absolutely. It's one of the herbal trees, like birch, witch hazel, hawthorn, juniper, ginkgo, more.
I never dreamed that redbud flowers were edible. What a wonderful idea, whose time will come soon to Iowa!
I had no idea the redbud provided so many uses! We can eat the blossoms, and the inner bark is medicinal - Wow.
Yes, more than just pretty . . .