Forest Pansy Redbud

Heart-shaped leaves open bright reddish-purple and gradually mature to a more muted purple. Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Partial shade is best in hot climates. 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. It is frequently planted as a street tree in residential areas. 'Forest Pansy' Redbud trees are a purple-leaved cultivar of the popular Missouri native redbud tree. 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. Redbuds are true harbingers of spring. Flowers tend to be darker and more purplish than other species. Fall color is variable, but often includes attractive shades of reddish-purple and orange. Seed pods resembling snow peas appear in late spring after flowering. Effective if planted as a specimen or in groups. It is a small, deciduous, understory tree with a spreading, flat-to-rounded crown. ... more