Cercis Canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ - Redbud

Cercis Canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ is a deciduous tree or large shrub originally from North America and the North East of Mexico.

It is grown mostly for its foliage of heart shaped, purple leaves in spring and summer which as they age turn to vibrant shades of orange, red and yellow in autumn.

Hanging from dark branches some leaves will be translucent whilst others will seem to reflect the light producing an array of subtle shades.

If grown in a warm and sheltered spot you can also get a smattering of bright, pretty pink-purple pea like flowers appearing in clusters on the bare stems in the spring.

FACT: Native Americans ate raw or boiled flowers of the wild relative of this tree as well as roasted seeds. They also used the wood for their bows.