SPECIES: Cercis (sir'sis) canadensis (kan-a-den'sis) ``Forest Pansy.'' Name means ``ancient Greek name'' and ``from Canada.''

FORM: Redbuds typically get some top spread. Dense in sun, loose and open in shade. Has single stem that divides close to the ground or multiple stems.

SIZE: 18-20 feet tall, 20-25 feet wide at top spread. Moderate grower, growing 7-10 feet in 5-6 years.

EXPOSURE: Sun to part shade.

LEAVES: Deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves over winter. Rounded, heart-shaped leaves start off scarlet-purple and mature to rusty maroon with tinges of green. Fall color deepens.

FLOWERS: Pinkish-purplish in early spring.

FRUIT: Long, flattened seed pod.

CULTURE: Basic soil with medium fertility; needs moderate water. Tolerates some dryness but does not like permanently wet soil.

USES: Colorful flowers and foliage makes it a nice focal plant in the landscape. Good small tree that gets showy with blooms when other plants are often still dormant.

PRUNING: Very little, only for neatness and shape. Can prune to encourage multiple or strong branching.

WINTER PROTECTION: Hardy to 20-30 degrees below zero.

PROBLEMS: Subject to insects and leaf diseases.

RELATED REDBUDS: Alba, white flowers; Flame, large semi-double pink flowers; Oklahoma, glossy foliage, purple flowers, tolerates some drought; Pinkbud, bright pure pink flowers; Royal, white flowers; Texensis, rose-pink flowers; likes dry soils; Wither's Pink Charm, flowers soft pale pink.