Tree Identification 12: Eastern Redbud

Eastern Redbud: Ceris canadensis

aka Judas Tree

This is a tree that I photographed the flowers in early March, when we began our Forest and Rail class. The flowers were beautiful and provided a welcomed display of color after the dull of winter. They have since given way to deep green leaves and pale green-brown pods. While the tree featured here is an urban transplant, this is a native species to our area and can be readily found on the sides of roads and forests.

The tree is a relative of the western Asian variety of Ceris siliquastrum or Judas Tree. This is the tree is believed to be the tree that Judas Iscariot hanged himself on after his betrayal of Jesus. The flowers which were originally white then turned red with shame or blood.

The fruit are flattened, dry, brown, pea-like pods, 2-4 inches long that contain flat, elliptical, brown seeds ¼ inch long, maturing in August to October.

Red brown, with deep fissures and scaly surface. 

The flowers appear in early spring before the leaves appear.