Redbud, Eastern

The Eastern Redbud, sometimes called the Judas-tree from its oriental relative of that name, is a small tree scattered throughout the woods from East Texas to the Brazos River. It can attain a height from 25 to 50 feet and a diameter of 6 to 12 inches. Its stout branches usually form a wide, flat head. The characteristic showy pink, white or even crimson blossoms are diagnostic in early spring. At times the tree can be “fooled” by mild spells during winter to bloom months early.

The LEAVES are alternate, heart-shaped, entire, 3 to 5 inches long and wide, glossy green, turning a bright clear yellow in autumn.

The conspicuous, bright purplish-red FLOWERS are in clusters along the twigs and small branches, and appear before or with the leaves in early spring.

The FRUIT is an oblong, flattened, many-seeded pod, 2 to 4 inches long, reddish during the summer and often hanging on the tree through the following summer.

The WOOD is heavy, hard, not strong, rich dark brown in color and of little commercial importance. The redbud is cultivated as an ornamental tree and for that purpose might be more generally planted in the state.
The BARK of the trunk is divided into long narrow plates with the bright red-brown surface separating into thin scales.
The seeds are food for must ruminant or scavenger type of WILDLIFE. The pods hanging low to the ground attract deer and raccoons.