The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Heart's Desire™ eastern redbud

Family: Fabaceae (pea family)

Synonym: Cercis canadensis (MN Strain)

Distribution: Species native from e. United States to Mexico

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: A beautiful and vigorously growing selection of a small, deciduous, understory tree, native in our area. This selection originated as an open-pollinated seedling of unknown origin growing at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. For more than 40 years this time-tested, exceptionally hardy tree has welcomed spring with a stunning profusion of lavender pink blooms. The rounded, spreading tree is cold hardy through USDA Zone 4 and grows 15-20 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide. It features medium green summer foliage that changes to yellow in the fall. The pale magenta to light purple, pea-like flowers grow in clusters, and the tree produces 2 to 4-inch brownish-gray pods.