This native tree grows up to 20 feet tall, with a trunk up to 9 inches in diameter. The mature bark is scaly and gray (C). Pink, pea-like flowers open from dark red clustered buds (A,D), well before its heart-shaped leaves (E). The fruit is a light green pod (F), about 3-4 inches long, which turns dark brown and often remains on the tree during winter (G).
Scattered in upland and floodplain woods, flowering in April. We are on the northern edge of its natural range. In Fontenelle Forest, locally common on Redbud Trail and elsewhere. At Neale Woods, only a few planted trees remain near the CJIC and Neale Trail overlook.
Also known as Eastern Redbud and “Judas-tree”.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.