My Mighty, Mighty Viking Tree

Back in college, I was a member of a group that had a houseplant mascot that was cared for by a different group member each week.  (No, it wasn't the horticulture club.)  The plant was named Cindy (short for Scindapsus aureus, her species.)  I have decided, after many years, I should continue the plant-naming tradition.  I will start with a tree called Erik.  (Hey, if John Cleese can have all sorts of pets named Eric, why can't I do the same with plants?)

Here, then, is the tree Erik.  He is an Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis).  Erik the Redbud.  Get it?