Form: Small tree ranging from 25 - 50 ft., the crown can be flat or somewhat rounded.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate; simple

Shape: cordate to reniform

Margin: entire

Texture: glabrous

Venation: parallel

Bark: It has reddish brown to gray bark that is smooth when young; becoming scaly with fine furrows with age.

Twigs and buds: The leaf scar is fringed on top with tiny hairs. The twig zigzags between nodes.

Flowers and fruit: Flowers are bright pink and clustered; The fruit is a legume, resembling a pea pod.

Distinguishing characteristics: Look for the heart shaped leaves with entire margins and the "pea pod" fruit.

Range: Southern Michigan south to eastern Texas and east along the coastal plain.

Silvics: Intolerant; moist stream banks, bottom lands; low slopes and coves

Ecological and cultural importance: No commercial value, fruit eaten by deer, pheasants and quail. Also called the Judas-tree. State tree of Oklahoma.