Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' (Eastern Redbud)

Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' is an attractive, ornamental cultivar of eastern redbud known for its striking foliage and profuse, rosy-pink flowers that appear before the foliage in early spring. These cheerful blossoms persist for several weeks, attracting early-season bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds before its broad, heart-shaped leaves emerge late in spring; while typical redbud specimens have deep green leaves, 'Forest Pansy' adds a ton of ornamental appeal through the spring and summer with its dark, wine-red leaves. As fall approaches, the foliage turns into attractive, darker shades of bronze and red-purple, adding multi-season interest.

Typically found as a small understory tree or large multi-stemmed shrub, Cercis canadensis is slow growing, but can reach heights of 20-30' tall over time. The 'Forest Pansy' cultivar's vase-shaped, upright habit makes it a great compact specimen tree to attract birds, butterflies, and bees. Since it is typically found as an understory tree or in forest margins, Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' grows well in full sun to partial shade and excels in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Like the parent species, this cultivar is also deer resistant and tolerant of black walnut and heavy clay soils.