Eastern Redbud

(Fabaceae Cercis canadensis)

Adopted in 1937; June 24, 1971

The Eastern Redbud, Fabaceae Cercis canadensis,  was adopted in 1937 as the state tree. The Redbud grows in the valleys and ravines of Oklahoma. In early spring, its reddish-pink blossoms brighten the landscape throughout the state.

Eastern redbud is a small, short-lived deciduous tree found throughout the eastern United States. Redbud is also known as Judas-tree. According to legend, Judas Iscariot hanged himself from a branch of the European species Cercis siliquastrum (13). Eastern redbud is a strikingly conspicuous tree in the spring because it flowers before other tree leaves form. The wood is heavy, hard, and close-grained, but because of the small size and irregular shape of the tree it is of no commercial value as a source of lumber. This tree is most valued as an ornamental and is extensively planted.

Description:

• Leaf: Alternate, simple, cordate in shape with an entire margin, 3 to 5 inches long and wide. The leaves are thin and papery, and may be slightly hairy below.
• Flower: Very showy, light to dark pink in color, 1/2 inch long, appearing in clusters in March to May, before the leaves.
• Fruit: Fruits are flattened, dry, brown, pea-like pods, 2 to 4 inches long that contain flat, elliptical, brown seeds 1/4 inch long. Maturing in July to August.
• Twig: Slender and zigzag, nearly black in color, spotted with lighter lenticels. Winter buds are tiny, rounded and dark red to chestnut in color.
• Bark: Smooth, later scaly with ridges somewhat apparent. Dark in color. May have some maroon patches evident.
• Form: A large shrub or small tree with a short, often twisted trunk and spreading branches.

Approved June 24, 1971. Emergency.

[Codified in the Oklahoma Statutes in Title 2, Section 1301-313, which is in Article III, General Forestry Laws, of the Oklahoma Forestry Code, Chapter 28 of Title 2.]