Cercis canadensis var. mexicana --Mexican Redbud--

A small tree 10-20 feet that produces dark pinky-red, dramatically clustered blossoms before it leafs out in the spring. Will grow in the shade and often becomes a dense undergrowth in the wild. Dislikes growing in wet soils, especially when these are of clay. Prefers a deep sandy loam and sunny position, but will tolerate shade. Grows rapidly, and in autumn leaves turn bright clear yellow. Flowers can also be eaten! Raw or pickled, with nice refreshing acid taste, the flowers are rich in vitamin C and make a pleasant addition to salads. They can also be used as a condiment. The unopened buds are pickled or used as a caper substitute. There is some evidence that both the young seed pods (eaten like snow peas) and the young leaves can be eaten.