WHERE IS THE REDBUD? (CERCIS Occidentalis)

The EASTERN REDBUD TREE is a favorite of mine, especially the
"Forrest Pansy," with its bright red leaves.  We planted several in our yard in Michigan, including a weeping variety.   They are a small deciduous tree 
(7-20ft) with heart shaped leaves & beautiful clusters of rose-purple flowers that appear in very early spring. Not surprisingly, they are very fragrant, attract butterflies  & can be eaten in salads. This tree is in the pea family. so it produces seed pods that songbirds favor. 

When we moved to California, I was pleasantly surprised to learn a cousin, the WESTERN REDBUD, is native here in riparian zones below 4000 feet.
(also native to Arizona & Utah)  It prefers a damp or irrigated location, a cool Winter & morning sun. This Redbud is more drought tolerant than its cousin, but only lives 50-70 years.

There are many WESTERN REDBUD TREES planted in the parks in our city, so I see them every Spring.  They are always a welcome sight.