White Eastern Redbud

The purplish pink buds of Eastern Redbud trees have been putting on their annual show this past month or so. 

I came across what looked like a redbud growing near one of the picnic pavilions at the park, but was confused because it had white flowers.

I've learned that there are White-flowered genetic variations  of the Eastern Redbud occur naturally but infrequently in the wild. Our tree at the park may be one of those rare occurrences, or it may be an example of a cultivated tree. Cultivation of the white-flowered forms began formally around the start of the 20th century.  

What really struck about this tree were the buds growing directly on the trunk and limbs, a phenomena called cauliflory. The Eastern Redbud is the only native species locally that employs cauliflory. Cauliflory is an adaptation of a number of tree species worldwide that is likely to attract specific pollinators and produce seed pods more likely to be spread.

Redbuds have a lifespan of around 30-70 years, the scaly bark on this tree makes me think it is older than other redbuds I have seen around town. It doesn't really have the look of a cultivated tree, it looks like a tree formed by competing for sunlight. Is it a remnant of the scrubby forest that was in this area when the park was founded? Your guess is probably as good as mine. Pay this interesting tree a visit before the flowers are all gone and tell me what you think.