WSU Clark County Extension
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Forest Pansy Eastern Redbud

Scientific name: Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’
Taxonomy
Family:Fabaceae
Type:Deciduous tree
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 9
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:20 ft
Width:25 ft
Bloom:Spring flowers
Bloom Time:March to April
Bloom Color:Lavender
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description ‘Forest Pansy’ Eastern Redbud is a valued small tree for the home landscape.It has a profusion of tiny rose-purple, pea-like flower blooms which blanket the tree in early spring before the leaves emerge. During the summer the leaves become a beautiful purplish red color which will brighten up any landscape.

  Morphology:
This is a deciduous tree which typically grows to a height of 20’ and a width of 25’ spreading horizontally on tiered reddish colored limbs. The tree bears simple alternately arranged leaves which are glossy and purple red when young. During the summer the color fades to maroon or dark green. By fall the leaf color can be a combination of red, green and orange. Leaves are heart shaped and 3” to 5” in width.

Beginning in late March and extending into early April, flower clusters begin to emerge, heralding the formal beginning of another growing season. Flowers give rise to pendulous, flat, bean-like, 2-4" long seed pods (which resemble snow peas). With time these seeds pods grow to a length of 2”-3” and eventually turn brown.

The shape of this species is considered irregular at first. Over time it develops into a graceful, flat-topped, vase shaped multi-trunk garden tree. The lower branches can be pruned out in order to allow access beneath the canopy.

  Adaptation:
This tree is adaptable to wide array of sites and soil types. It does best in full sun but can take partial shade.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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