Oklahoma state tree

By Aaron Horrell

The Oklahoma state tree is a small tree that grows to about 30 feet tall. It is also one of Missouri's most beautiful small trees. This tree is called the redbud tree. In springtime it produces an over abundance of small blossoms that are actually more purple or pink than red.

Maybe a scientist suffering from mild color blindness named the tree. Maybe he/she thought the name "purple tree" just didn't sound right.

I photographed this tree along with a closeup of its flowers going to seed the last week in April. The closeup shows small yellow/green butterbean-like pods growing out of the blossoms.

The redbud tree is still quite beautiful as it turns from bountiful purple to a more pastel green favoring pink. This is a great small native tree that you should consider as a replacement for the nonnative invasive ornamental Bradford pear tree that you should not want in your yard.