Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'
Plant Common Name
Eastern Redbud, Forest Pansy Redbud
General Description
The interesting purple-red hued leaves of 'Forest Pansy' really stand out in the landscape. This cultivated deciduous, medium-sized tree originates from eastern and central North America. Prized as both a specimen tree and small shade tree, it may be multi-stemmed or single-trunked and has a broad, rounded or spreading canopy.
Eastern redbud has very distinctive large, heart-shaped leaves that turn shades of yellow in fall. Those of 'Forest Pansy' are purple when new and young, slowly becoming more greenish purple by late summer with purpled undersides. Before these leaves emerge in spring, its brown branches become covered with clusters of small, sweetpea-like flowers of purple-pink. These are followed by dark brown seed pods that persist well after the leaves fall in autumn.
Grow Forest Pansy redbud in sites with full to partial sun and fertile, well-drained but evenly moist soil. It can also grow in shadier sites but will not develop a full robust canopy in an understory. It is a fine small shade tree for naturalistic landscapes as well as more formal gardens.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
25'-30' / 7.6m - 9.1m
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Width
25'-30' / 7.6m - 9.1m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Canada
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Red, Purple, Violet
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Fruit Color
Brown, Chocolate
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Purple, Plum
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Yellow Green
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Bark Color
Brown, Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
