eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Family: Caesalpiniaceae
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| Form:
Small tree ranging from 25 – 50 ft., the crown can be flat or somewhat rounded. |
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Leaves: Shape: cordate to reniform Margin: entire Texture: glabrous Variation: parallel |
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| Bark:
It has reddish brown to gray bark that is smooth when young; becoming scaly with fine furrows with age. |
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| Twigs and Buds:
The leaf scar is fringed on top with tiny hairs. The twig zigzags between nodes. |
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| Flowers and Fruit:
Flowers are bright pink and clustered; The fruit is a legume, resembling a pea pod. |
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| Distinguishing Characteristics:
Look for the heart shaped leaves with entire margins and the “pea pod” fruit. |
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| Range:
Southern Michigan south to eastern Texas and east along the coastal plain. |
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| Silvics:
Intolerant; moist stream banks, bottom lands; low slopes and coves |
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| Ecological and Cultural Importance:
No commercial value, fruit eaten by deer, pheasants and quail. Also called the Judas-tree. State tree of Oklahoma. |
