Cercis canadensis ‘Hearts of Gold’

‘Hearts of Gold’ is a golden-leaved cultivar that was discovered growing in a garden at a private residence in Greensboro, North Carolina in 2002. ‘Hearts of Gold’ is primarily distinguished from other redbuds by (a) its attractive golden foliage and (b) its ability to produce flower buds on one-year old whips. It typically grows to 10′ tall over the first 5 years, eventually maturing over time to 20-25′ tall. Clusters of tiny, reddish-purple, pea-like flowers bloom for 2-3 weeks in early spring (March-April) before the foliage emerges. Flower buds are produced on one year whips, whereas flower buds on most other cultivars of this species appear only after two or three years. Fruits (flattened legumes) on this cultivar are rarely produced.  (Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder)