Redbud

Cercis canadensis

North Idaho College campus

Because its leaves are shaped like hearts, the genus of this tree is named after "Cercis," the Greek goddess of love. Redbuds are most noticeable in early spring when purplish-pink flowers appear on the naked zig-zag branches. Not until this striking display is over do the leaves begin to unfurl. A native of the eastern United States, redbud is a small spreading tree with the trunk often dividing.

This mature specimen, west of the N.I.C. library entrance, has already lost several of its major trunks. It used to be an impressive 23 feet in height and 37 feet at its greatest width. Although no longer this size, it is still the largest specimen redbud tree in the area.