What blooms do you most look forward to in spring? Many people would pick the ephemeral wildflowers that provide pops of color on the forest floor, but the eastern redbud is another solid choice. These trees add their own splash of color when they bloom each spring.

Redbuds are among the earliest trees to bloom each spring, but their pink or purplish-pink blooms would get our attention at any time of year. In northern Illinois, they typically bloom from April into May. The trees bloom first, then reddish-colored leaves appear that will turn green as they mature, the University of Illinois Extension reports.

In the forest preserves and other natural spaces, eastern redbuds add a pop of pink at a time when we are eagerly awaiting a carpet of green. And you won't have to crane your neck to get a good look because these trees don't get very tall. They are typically part of the understory in the forests where they grow. 

Because they bloom so early in the season, eastern redbuds play an important ecosystem role. They are a crucial food source for bumble bees, carpenter bees and other insects that become active early in the season, when not much is in bloom and nectar is scarce, according to the University of Illinois Extension. 

As the season progresses, other animals utilize redbud trees as a food source as well. Birds such as bobwhites, cardinals and grosbeaks will eat the seeds, as will squirrels. Some moths and butterflies also feed on the trees, including the io moth and American dagger moth, the Extension reports. 

Redbuds are part of the pea family, and their flowers resemble those from other pea plants. The trees are native to Illinois and much of the eastern United States, according to the Morton Arboretum.

Eastern redbuds aren't tall by tree standards. They typically grow to be 20 feet to 30 feet tall, the arboretum reports. They grow quickly when they are young, reaching 7 feet to 10 feet tall by the time they are 5 to 6 years old, but their growth rate slows as they mature.

Because of their pretty spring blooms and manageable size, redbuds are a popular choice for home landscapes. If you're adding one to your yard, look for a sunny spot with well-drained soil, the Illinois Extension advises. The trees will grow in partial shade, but they will not flower as prolifically. 

It's best to transplant young redbud trees because older trees do not always tolerate a move. You won't have to wait long to be wowed by their color. Redbuds will begin to flower when they are as young as 4 years old. 

When planting, water it thoroughly immediately so it gets a deep soaking. In the months after planting, water it at least once a week during dry periods, using 1 gallon to 2 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter, the Illinois Extension advises.

Mulch is also important for newly planted trees. Add a 2-inch to 3-inch layer around the tree in at least a 3-foot diameter, but do not add mulch at the base of the trunk. Instead, leave a 4-inch circle free of mulch around the base.