Cercis canadensis x. texensis var. ‘Merlot’
This flowering ornamental small tree with many branches belongs to the Fabaceae (bean) family, and is native to Texas and the southwest. Texas Redbud grows well on thin, calcareous well-drained soil, and is smaller and more drought tolerant than our Eastern redbud. The waxy upper surface of the leaves helps slow transpiration. Its lovely flowers appear on bare stems in early spring.
This sweet redbud in memory of a loved one was settled into its new home in the Mapleton Preserve as part of the Friends’ Arbor Day celebration in April 2018.