Tree with short trunk, rounded crown of spreading branches, and pink flowers that cover the twigs in spring. Redbud is a 15-30 ft. tree with one to several picturesque, maroon-purple trunks and a wide, umbrella-like crown. Its pink flowers, borne in tight clusters along the stems and branches before new leaves appear, create a showy spring display. Smooth, heart-shaped, deciduous foliage does not have significant fall color. Trees from the southern part of the species’ range have smaller, glossier leaves and often a more compact form. Stunning tiny pink flower clusters cover the entire tree in April. [wildflower.org]

Redbud flowers, flower buds, seed pods, seeds and young stems are edible. Flowers and buds are sour and can be eaten raw, added to salads and fruit salads, or cooked in pancakes or baked deserts. Young seed pods may be boiled or sauteed, much in the same preparation as stringbeans. Mature seeds can be roasted. Young stems have been used to season wild game. [izelplants.com]