The redbud is accursed here in River City, but not because of Judas. It's weak, and given to dropping branches. In dangerous conditions (ice storm, snow on leafy trees) you don't want to be under one of them. It also seeds prolifically, and I have ripped out dozens of its useless seedlings over the years.

It's hard to picture anybody hanging themselves on a redbud, because for one thing the trees are so small you could hardly get off the ground. For another, the branch would probably break. Embarrassing!

It's pretty when it flowers, but when that's over, it's rather ugly all summer long.