Eastern redbud is a popular small native tree that has purple-pink flowers in early spring before the dark green, heart-shaped leaves unfold. Growing to 20 to 30 feet in height, this ornamental native tree has a rounded habit with branches that are usually quite close to the ground. Early spring brings blossoms, and fall brings yellow leaves and brown pods. Pealike purple-pink flowers bloom all along the branches and even sprout from the trunk of Eastern redbud. Cheery rosy-pink blooms in early spring as well as picturesque branching habit are attractive. Redbud is adaptable to a wide range of soils as long as there is not standing water. However, diseases such as canker can be a problem.

Illinois native species.