Typical Eastern Redbud

Common Names

Judas Tree

American Redbud 

Scientific Names

History of
the Tree Species

(See #3, #12, #37, #40, and #42)

Name derives from the Green "kerkis" meaning "weaver's shuttle" which refers to the fruit's shape

"Canadensis" means "of/from Canada"

Native to eastern North America and known for its pink-reddish buds

Has cousins in Europe and Asia

Noted by Spaniards who marked differences between New World species and their counterparts in the Mediterranean in 1571

George Washington wrote in his diary about his admiration of the tree's beauty and regularly transplanted seedlings into his garden from a nearby forest

Chosen as OK state tree in 1937 

Scientific Facts

Flowers are edible, slightly sour, and high in vitamin C

Young pods can be eaten raw, boiled, or sauteed

Inner bark high in tannins, which can be used as a cough suppressant cold treatment

Also useful for calming digestive issues

When boiled, redbud twigs produce a yellow dye

Moderate deer resistance

Attracts birds

Makes a bold statement for landscaping via irregular branching and often broad crown