Outstanding Features:
Pinkish purple flowers in early spring. Picturesque form.

Description:
Height: 12-18'
Width: 12-15'
Hardiness Zone: 4b

Redbud is a desirable small tree that is grown for its showy, pinkish purple flowers that emerge and cover the tree in spring before the leaves appear. The large heart shaped, dark green foliage is also quite attractive throughout the growing season. Fall color is a clear yellow. Fruit is a 2-3" long flat pod which turns brown in the fall and persists into the winter. Redbud can be grown as a single or multi-stemmed small tree with a round to wide spreading crown. With age, Redbud develops an informal, picturesque habit of growth. Trunk of older specimens often becomes fissured and reddish brown in color.

Requirements and Culture:
Marginally hardy at best in the upper midwest and thus should be grown only in favorable microclimates. Plant only trees that are grown from seed from a hardy source. Needs a well drained soil with good moisture. Plant in full sun or light shade. Performs well in a naturalized or woodland setting. Adaptable to a fairly wide range of soil pH.

Limitations:
Lack of hardiness is the primary limitation in the upper midwest.
Subject to cankers and verticillium wilt.

Selected Cultivars:

There are several named cultivars but none of them are reliably hardy in the upper midwest. Plants chosen for planting should be grown from a hardy seed source.

Photo Credit: 1, 2, & 3 MLA.

Minnesota Power | University of Minnesota | Northern States Power Company

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