When the first signs of spring appear, many trees display a reddish hue on their bare branches, signaling the start of the growing season. This color comes from structures that have been dormant all winter, offering an early visual cue before the leaves fully unfurl. This distinct coloration is a common trait among several native and ornamental tree species that are among the first to break dormancy.
The Primary Suspects
The primary candidates are the Red Maple and the Eastern Redbud. The Red Maple, or Acer rubrum, is one of the earliest trees to display color, often giving its entire canopy a subtle red haze from a distance. Its red display comes from both the vegetative and floral buds, which swell noticeably on the reddish winter twigs. The flower buds are larger and more spherical than the smaller, oblong leaf buds, and they typically appear in dense clusters along the branches.
The Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is known for its “red buds,” which are tight clusters of tiny flowers. These flowers emerge directly from the bark of the twigs and branches, a phenomenon known as cauliflory. These reddish-purple clusters open to produce small, pea-like flowers that range from light pink to deep magenta. The dense flower clusters provide a vibrant accent for two to three weeks before the tree begins to leaf out.
The Science Behind the Color
The intense red coloration seen in the buds and young shoots of these trees is due to the presence of water-soluble pigments called anthocyanins. These compounds are responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors in various plant tissues, including fruits and autumn leaves. Unlike the green chlorophyll, which is present to capture light for photosynthesis, anthocyanins serve a protective function during the vulnerable early spring growth phase. The pigment acts as a kind of internal sunscreen, absorbing excessive ultraviolet light that could damage the delicate, newly forming tissues.
This photoprotection is particularly beneficial because young leaves and buds often lack the full complement of photosynthetic machinery needed to process high light levels. Anthocyanins also help shield the plant cells from temperature fluctuations. By developing this red pigment, the tree safeguards its most sensitive tissues.
Beyond the Buds: Distinguishing Characteristics
Once the initial red buds have opened, distinct features confirm the tree’s identity. The Red Maple is a large shade tree, typically reaching 40 to 60 feet at maturity, and exhibits an opposite branching pattern. Its bark is smooth and light gray on young trees, but older specimens develop dark gray, rough bark with long, narrow, scaly ridges.
The Eastern Redbud, in contrast, is a smaller, understory tree, reaching 20 to 30 feet and often growing with multiple trunks. Its branching is alternate, meaning each bud or twig is offset from the next, creating a noticeable zig-zag pattern on the stem. The bark is dark reddish-brown, scaly, and deeply fissured. After the flowers fade, the Red Maple produces paired, winged seeds called samaras, while the Redbud develops flat, pea-like seed pods. The leaves are the easiest identifier: Red Maple leaves are lobed with serrated edges, while the Redbud is known for its smooth-edged, distinct heart shape.