What are the Purple Flowering Trees That Bloom in April in Indiana & Kentucky and Are They Invasive?

Spring is here, and I love cruising around town, soaking in all the vibrant colors popping up everywhere. You know what steals the show? Those stunning flowering trees. But in the past couple of years, environmental groups have been raising red flags about some seriously invasive tree species.

Do NOT Plant this Invasive Tree

The Bradford Pear and its cousin Callery Pear flower put on a gorgeous display, but here's the kicker—they stink, they're prone to tipping over in windy weather because they're so top-heavy, and worst of all, they're major troublemakers in terms of invasiveness. I was driving down I-69 the other day, and man, the sides of the road were just blanketed with white flowers. That's a sign that our native trees are getting squeezed out by these invaders.

What are the Purple Trees that Pop Up in April in Indiana and Are They Invasive?

Then, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed, and I stumbled upon a photo I took a few years back. It was springtime, and my friends were posing for an engagement photo. Behind them? A bunch of those pretty purple trees. Naturally, I got curious. Were those beauties invasive too? A quick Google search later, I found out that the beautiful purple trees you see in the spring in Indiana are usually Eastern Redbud trees. 

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According to arbordayfoundation.org, "Known as the harbinger of spring, the Eastern Redbud’s delicate blossoms and buds are one of the season’s most dramatic displays. But this tree’s beauty doesn’t end with its flowery show. Unique and irregular branching patterns combine with a trunk that commonly divides close to the ground to create a very handsome, spreading and often flat-topped crown."

Read More: Popular Landscaping Trees Wreak Havoc on Indiana’s Biodiversity 

The Eastern Redbud show begins in April, painting the landscape with their delightful blooms. And their leaves are heart-shaped and initially tinged with red, gradually transitioning into a lush dark green as summer unfolds. Pollinators can't resist those flowers, and birds? They're all over the seeds nestled snugly in pods. It's like a full-on ecosystem party, with everyone getting a piece of the action.

Eastern Redbuds are not invasive and are actually native to the area which is great news if you are looking for a decorative ornamental tree to plant. Purdue University states that "Redbud trees, which grow 20 to 30 feet tall, are often found along the edge of woodlands and open fields and brushy areas. The species grows best in partial sun and in moist, well-drained soils, but is tolerant of alkaline soil and clay."

Other Non-Invasive Native Flowering Trees

Looking for a non-invasive flowering tree? Consider a eastern redbud, sweetbay magnolia, or flowering dogwood. Their are other flowering trees that are non-invasive but these three are actually native to the tri-state and are great for the ecosystem in our area.

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