Redbuds are one of the park’s most beautiful native trees. They are versatile trees that tolerate both sun and shade. Their name comes from the plant’s red flower buds, which appear in early April. These buds can be found all over the tree’s trunk and branches, unlike many other flowering trees. This trait is known as being ramiflorous, a rare trait in non-tropical trees. Bean-like seed pods appear after the flowers, hanging on to the branches through the winter.

Cercis canadensis ‘JN16’ is prized for its dark burgundy foliage considered to be the most deeply colored of any redbud.