The Red Bud tree, Cercis Canadensis, is also known as the eastern red bud, and sometimes referred to as the Judas tree because it dates back to biblical times. It is a small deciduous tree that displays an abundance of purple blossoms in the spring. It has large heart shaped leaves during the summer, and long seedpods in the fall. Red Bud trees have a yellow fall color.
These trees are effective as a single specimen, in groupings, in a shrub border, and especially nice in woodland and naturalized type situations. It has low water requirements and displays a high tolerance to salt and alkali soils. Thousands of small rosy-pink flowers appear in the spring before leaves appear. It can be used in full sun to part shade. Does well in many soil types, except permanently wet soils. The seed pods attract wildlife.