Origin

China

Although in its native habitat Chinese redbud will often grow as a tree to 50' tall, in cultivation in other countries like the U. S. It usually grows much smaller as an open, multi-stemmed shrub from 8-15' tall. Clusters of tiny, rose-purple, pea-like flowers bloom profusely on the stems and branches for 2-3 weeks in early spring (March-April) before the foliage emerges. Heart-shaped green leaves are attractive during the growing season, but only at their best will turn a respectable yellow in fall. Pendulous, flat, bean-like, seed pods (to 5" long) resembling snow peas appear in late spring after flowering. Regardless of species, redbuds are true harbingers of spring.