The Eastern Redbud is a small-sized, deciduous tree with heart-shaped leaves and flattened brown legumes that are 2-4 inches long. This tree is known for its small but showy pink-to-light-purple flowers that form clusters in early spring.

Found as an understory tree in open oak woods, as well as in cut-over areas in calcareous soil, the Eastern Redbud can be described as a pioneer species, as it often increases in dominance on sites experiencing disturbance.

Common throughout Kentucky. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill boasts the Kentucky state champion Eastern Redbud, located at the West Lot Dwelling parking lot.

Images courtesy of:
Franklin Bonner
Virginia Tech
University of Georgia