Forest Pansy Redbud

Partial shade is best in hot climates. It is a small, deciduous, understory tree with a spreading, flat-to-rounded crown. Redbuds are true harbingers of spring. Heart-shaped leaves open bright reddish-purple and gradually mature to a more muted purple. Flowers tend to be darker and more purplish than other species. It can eventually grow to 20-30' tall and the trunk usually divides somewhat close to the ground. The Forest Pansy Redbud tree, Cercis canadensis, 'Forest Pansy', is an excellent small tree for lawns, woodland gardens or naturalized areas. Fall color is variable, but often includes attractive shades of reddish-purple and orange. It is frequently planted as a street tree in residential areas. Clusters of tiny, rose-purple, pea-like flowers bloom profusely on the branches and mature trunks for 2-3 weeks in early spring (March-April) before the foliage emerges. Effective if planted as a specimen or in groups. 'Forest Pansy' Redbud trees are a purple-leaved cultivar of the popular Missouri native redbud tree. Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Seed pods resembling snow peas appear in late spring after flowering. ... more