February's tree of the month is the Eastern redbud, Cercis canadensis, a small, native tree to the United States that is known for it's dazzling early spring blooms. The pink/purple blooms give this tree it's name because they appear before the leaves on the tree bud out. The tree is easily identified during it's bloom since these flowers stick out in a array of still dormant, and still bare trees. Although this tree grows in a wide range across the country, our area in Jacksonville is the most southern range. Whereas most of these trees prefer full sun farther north, here in Jacksonville these trees thrive in partial shade. After the recognizable blooms, these trees are also easily identified by it's leaves. The leaves are chordate shaped, or heart shaped, making it an ideal tree of the month choice for Valentine's Day. This tree provides wildlife benefits as well filling a niche of small tree species that can be planted in an urban setting. Keep an eye out these next weeks and you will be able to spot these beautiful trees across our urban forest.