The North American Caper?

"A Plant a Day"- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)-

The North American Caper? This favorite North American shrub or small tree grows up to about 30 feet tall and is characterized by its profuse and bright display of pink flowers early in the Spring through early Summer. The Eastern Redbud makes a beautiful ornamental plant, with all-year round interest. In the Spring it has its display of flowers, in the Summer it has heart-shaped leaves which in the Fall turn bright yellow, and then drop leaving the 2-4 inch long brown seed pods hanging on the branches into Winter. Also known as “Spicewood Tree” in Appalachia, the green twigs are used as a seasoning for wild game. The bark of the young shoots was also used by Native Americans for basketmaking. The flowers of the Redbud are edible and can be consumed fresh or dry. Native Americans consumed the flowers and roasted seeds. The flower buds are also edible and can be pickled like capers, making a gourmet treat!

Analysis of the flowers has found it contain antioxidant anthocyanins, as one would expect from the color of the blooms, and also vitamin C. The green seedpods also contained antioxidant proanthocyanidins, and the seeds contained linolenic, alphal-linolenic, oleic and palmitic acids. The inner bark was also used medicinally for its astringent properties, used for fever, diarrhea, coughs and dysentery.

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**This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.

Photo by Phyzome (Tim McCormack)