Redbud, also known as Eastern Redbud or Judas Tree, is abundant
in the southern two-thirds of Ohio, with scattered distribution
in the northern one-third of the state . It heralds the arrival
of spring with its showy, lavendar-pink flowers that typically
open in April, long before the foliage emerges. Redbud is a
native of the entire eastern half of the United States except
for New England, but is not found in Canada, as its scientific
name implies. This ornamental tree is rapidly growing and
usually multitrunked in the wild, having a vase shape with a
rounded crown that reaches about 20 feet tall and 20 feet wide
at maturity, when found in the open. However, since it is often
located at the edge of woodlands, it commonly has a leaning
growth habit, trying to grow into as much sunlight as possible.
As a member of the Bean Family, Redbud is also related to
Honeylocust, Kentucky Coffeetree, Black Locust, and Wisteria, as
well as other types of Redbuds. The Bean Family is also known as
the Legume, Pea, or Pulse