The eastern redbud is Oklahoma’s state tree, known for its pinkish-red flowers that bloom in spring. Its adoption was controversial due to its association with Judas Iscariot, but was eventually established as a different species. The tree is also found in other parts of the US and has edible parts. Native Americans used it for dyes and medicine, and it grows well in most soils.
The eastern redbud was officially adopted as the state tree of Oklahoma in 1937 and is prized for its bright pinkish-red flowers that bloom at the first sign of spring. The small tree, known by its scientific name Cercis canadensis, grows wild on hillsides and in valleys throughout the state. The eastern redbud serves as an ornamental tree or shrub to decorate residential landscaping and line city streets.
The adoption of Oklahoma’s state tree has attracted controversy. Just as the governor was preparing to sign the papers making Redbud the Oklahoma state tree, he received a telegram objecting to the action from the president of the national women’s club. He deemed Redbud inappropriate, claiming it represented the tree used by Judas Iscariot to hang himself after betraying Jesus Christ. The controversy led to national news and blocked the nomination of an Oklahoma state tree. It was finally established when a native Israeli living in Oklahoma City declared the eastern redbud to be different from the species found in the Mediterranean known as the Judas tree.
The Oklahoma state tree also grows in parts of the eastern United States, including Texas and Kansas. It flowers on a short trunk and produces pale pink to purplish-red flowers. Flowers appear as early as March, when other plants lie dormant, emerging from the trunk and slender twigs before leaves develop. Bees, the state insect, cross-pollinate the tree after the flowers appear.
Most parts of the Oklahoma state tree are edible. The flowers can be added to salads, pancake batter, or pickles to add a nutty flavor. The red to brown pods develop in autumn and winter. They are similar in taste and texture to peas and are best eaten before they dry out. Some cooks add butter to the seeds to enhance the flavor.
Native Americans used the root of the redbud to make decorative dyes, while the bark served as a cure for diarrhea. The bark is smooth and grayish in young trees, but becomes scaly and rough in older trees. Brown or brown spots often appear on the bark of old redbud trees.
Redbud grows well in most soils, including areas with limestone-rich soil. Once a sapling is established, a long taproot takes hold. The Oklahoma state tree might be found in forests under larger trees because it tolerates shade well. It is considered to be a robust plant that is resistant to pests and diseases.
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