Each flower and tree is interesting to see ~ watch closely as each unfolds.
 

Cercis canadensis(Eastern redbud)'Forest Pansy'
Genus of about 6 species of deciduous trees and shrubs found in woodland, at woodland margins, and on rocky hillsides in the mediterranean, C. and E. Asia, and North America. They have alternate, heart shaped leaves and bear brightly colored, pea-like flowers in stalkless clusters or short racemes in spring, followed by flattened pods. The flowers are normally produced on the previous years wood, either before or as the leaves unfold, but they may be borne on wood that is several years old.

Spreading often multi-stemmed tree with heart shaped leaves, pointed at the tips, to 4 inches long. In spring the heart-shaped leaves emerge a reddish purple, then turn to bronzy green as the season progresses. The flowers are a bit deeper in color and open later than the species. A smaller, yet valuable specimen tree.
Twig: Slender and zigzag, nearly black in color, spotted with lighter lenticels, leaf buds are tiny and dark red to chestnut in color; flowers buds are round and often numerous in large clusters.
Bark: Initially smooth and brown; later ridged and furrowed to scaly and dark gray; may have some maroon patches evident and orange in the cracks.

At the end of the first year I was skeptical on whether the tree location - the leaves turned green and rather ugly by the heat of summer - not the look for next to a deck. The second year was not so bad - but I still wanted to move it. We held off. The third season - the tree finally is showing its potential for a wonderful specimen worthy of it's position - next to the deck where we sit all summer. Whew. The canopy provides the darkest shade of any of the trees I have. Very cool in the shade on those hot summer days.

CULTIVATION: Grow in fertile, deep, moist but well-drained, preferably loam soil in full sun or sappled shade. Plant in the final location when young; older plants resent transplanting. Pruning group 7 for 'Forest Pansy'; group 1 for others.
PROPAGATION: Sow seed in containers in acold frame in autumn. Root semi-ripe cuttings or bud selected clones in summer.
PESTS AND DISEASES: Scale insects, weevils, caterpillars, whiteflies, and leafhoppers, can cause problems. Leaf spots, blights, downy mildew, canker, dieback, and Verticillium wilt occur.

C. canadensis 'Forest Pansy'

Zone: 4 - 9    -    H 9 - 2	Shade/Part Shade.
Height: to 30 ft	Width: to 30 ft
Bloom Time: Spring	Bloom Color: L. Purple/Pink
Location: Backyard	Planted: May 2003