Leguminosae -- Legume family

    James G. Dickson

    Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small, short-lived  deciduous tree found throughout the eastern United States. Redbud  is also known as Judas-tree. According to legend, Judas Iscariot  hanged himself from a branch of the European species Cercis  siliquastrum (13). Eastern redbud is a strikingly conspicuous  tree in the spring because it flowers before other tree leaves  form. The wood is heavy, hard, and close-grained, but because of  the small size and irregular shape of the tree it is of no  commercial value as a source of lumber. This tree is most valued  as an ornamental and is extensively planted.