A nice small early blooming tree. Hardiness is linked geographically linked. Make sure the tree you but is hardy to your area.
Pronunciation
(SER-sis)(kan-a-DEN-sis)
Plant Type
All Plants, Trees Deciduous
Hardiness Zone
4-9
Sunlight
full, light shade
Moisture
average
Soil & Site
well drained, moist
Flowers
rosy purple to magenta, in short clusters, bloom before the leaves appear, found on all but the oldest parts of the stems
Fruit
bean-like pods, 2-3 inches long.
Leaves
heart-shaped, emerge reddish, green during the growing season, fall color is variable from a nice yellow to a poor yellow
Dimensions
A small tree, around 20' by 20' or more.
Propagation
The seed source should be compatible to the region you live in. Seeds from southern plants are not hardy in northern zones.
Native Site
Found in many parts of North America growing as an understory tree.
Author's Notes
I have seen this tree used in naturalized areas and borders. The flowers stand out in the early spring since they bloom on naked branches. During the spring of 2013 the Cercis seemed to bloom greater than normal. We had many requests for this plant at the garden center.
Notes & Reference
#01-Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (Michael Dirr), #39-The Natural History of Trees (Donald Cultrose Pattie), #181-Native Trees for North America (Guy Sternberg)