Plants of Merit: Forest pansy

Published 2:30 pm Wednesday, December 5, 2012

WHAT: Cercis Canadensis Forest pansy, an Eastern redbud commonly known as the forest pansy, is native to Missouri. It is a small deciduous tree, an excellent choice for urban landscapes and has multiseasonal appeal.

Its leaves open a reddish purple with contrasting dark veins and are preceded by rosy pink flowers. Long seed pods develop after flowering and as fall approaches, the shimmering leaves take on a darker color.

It is truly the tree that keeps on giving as the twigs have a reddish color that are most beautiful when set against snow. Before you know it, the cycle of beauty starts all over again, with its soft rosy flowers.

SUN OR SHADE: Forest pansy likes full sun and tolerates some shade.

SIZE: 20- by 30-feet tall, it spreads up to 25 feet wide over time.

SEE IT: At the Evergreen Arboretum &Gardens, 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett; in the Urban Tree Walk adjacent to the parking lot. For more information, see the virtual photo tour on www.evergreenarboretum.com or call 425-257-8597.

Source: Sandra Schumacher of Evergreen Arboretum &Gardens Foundation