Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Eastern Redbud, also known as the Judas-Tree, gracing the idyllic landscapes of East Texas Piney Woods. Adorned with heart-shaped leaves and delightful pink to purplish flowers, this small to medium-sized tree enchants with its mesmerizing allure, announcing the arrival of spring. Amidst the woodlands, witness the enchanting bloom and the red fruits that follow, attracting a myriad of wildlife. While facing challenges in the wild, the Eastern Redbud's charm and significance as a native treasure continue to make it an enduring part of the Piney Woods' natural wonders.

Explore the enchanting Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis) thriving in Sabine National Forest. As a deciduous small tree or multi-trunk shrub, it stands at 15-20 feet tall, adorned with glossy, rounder leaves that differ from its Eastern cousin. This drought and heat-tolerant variety captivates with its spring display of purple-red clusters of flowers on bare gray branches. Native to Central Texas, the Texas Redbud finds its place along limestone slopes and upland sites, boasting thick, leathery leaves and a distinctive bark that complements its natural beauty.

Trumpet Creeper, a vigorous and fast-growing vine, adorns the Southeast U.S. with its stunning red (or rare yellow) tubular flowers throughout the summer. Climbing quickly over structures and trees with aerial rootlets, it thrives in moist woods and forests, stretching from Texas to Central and South Texas. Attracting hummingbirds with its alluring blooms, this drought-tolerant creeper can become invasive in fertile soil with ample moisture, overpowering smaller plants through root sprouts or layering. Flourishing in full sun and regular moisture, pruning in early spring encourages bushier growth, while its resilience allows it to bounce back after severe winters.

The Ezekiel Cullen House, a distinguished property listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands as a testament to Greek Revival architecture. Commissioned by Ezekiel Cullen and completed in 1839 by Augustus Phelps, this grand residence boasts a single-story central hall flanked by elegant rooms on each side. Thanks to the dedicated restoration efforts by Raiford Stripling and the generous donation by Hugh Roy Cullen, the house is now cherished by the Ezekiel Cullen Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, preserving its rich history for future generations.

Text for an article about San Augustine, Texas that was published in the June 1994 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Text for an article about San Augustine, Texas that was published in the June 1994 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Resource list for an article about San Augustine, Texas that was published in the June 1994 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Text about San Augustine, Texas attractions that was published in the "When..." section of a June 1994 Texas Highways magazine article.

Research about towns in the Forest Trail region of Texas compiled for a Texas Highways article describing historic sites, museums, parks, and other attractions near each town.

Text about attractions in the Piney Woods region of Texas that was published in the "When..." section of a June 2003 Texas Highways magazine article.

Text for a sidebar about noteworthy places in the Piney Woods region of East Texas that was published in the September 2003 issue of Texas Highways magazine.