USA Official State Tree of Oklahoma

Eastern Redbud

(Fabaceae Cercis canadensis)

Adopted in 1937; June 24, 1971

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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.

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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.

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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.]

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