Tree Bud Facts

Formation

• Trees form their buds in the summer, not in the spring. This is because most trees are dormant during the winter and lack the energy to produce their complex buds. Buds, however, appear in the spring, remaining virtually unseen throughout autumn and winter.

General Appearance

• Different species of trees produce different types of buds that vary in color, shape, size and number. Some buds appear in clusters while others appear singly; some trees produce yellow buds whereas others produce red and green buds. Buds may be conical and appear at the tip of twigs, such as on ash trees; long and pointed, such as on beech trees; and clustered and surrounded by ragged, hairlike protective stipules, which you can find on oak trees. Most buds are covered with modified leaves, or scales, which function to protect them from humidity, excessive heat and cold.

Types

• The three primary types of buds include the mixed bud, the flower bud and the leaf bud. Mixed buds contain both flowers and leaves, flower buds yield flowers and leaf buds contain several rudimentary leaves. Tree buds may also be flower or vegetative. Reproductive tree buds yield new tree parts whereas vegetative buds extend branches and stems.

Interesting Facts

• Brussels sprouts and cabbage heads are both buds; Brussels sprouts are lateral buds whereas cabbage heads are terminal buds. Flower buds make the edible part of broccoli. Other edible buds include artichoke, head lettuce, capers and sunflower buds. Buds have medicinal uses. Native Americans apply ground buds of trees to treat cuts, wounds and sores and prevent sunburn. An infusion of the buds and leaves of the Camellia sinensis tree is prescribed to treat fever and headache in traditional Indian medicine. Black currant buds and leaves are also used as medicinal herbs. Leaf buds of the balsam poplar trees exhibit diuretic, tonic, stimulant and antiscorbutic properties.