Redbud

Redbud, flowering tree (genus Cercis) of the pea family, native to North America, southern Europe, and Asia. Redbuds display their pink blossoms in early spring before their heart-shaped leaves unfold. The flowers ripen into seed pods that wild game feed on. The reddish-brown trees grow as high as 40 feet (12 m) and thrive on fertile, sandy soil. Redbuds are sometimes called Judas trees because, according to legend, Judas Iscariot hanged himself from a redbud tree after betraying Jesus.