The Characteristics of Forest Pansy Trees
Forest Pansy trees are a variety of Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis). Unlike the pink blooms of the standard species, "Forest Pansy" Eastern redbud trees yield distinctive purple blooms and leaves. They tolerate a range of soil conditions and make ideal specimens or group plantings. Forest Pansy trees tend to develop fungal diseases and may be hard to find outside U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 to 9. Does this Spark an idea?
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Growth and Shape
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Forest Pansy trees grow 20 to 30 foot tall. Young trees rapidly grow and develop upright, vase shapes. Trees 10 years and older demonstrate moderate growth and develop a spreading, round shapes. Trees on the edges of wooded areas often develop irregular shapes as they stretch toward the sunlight.
Identification
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The ascending branches of Forest Pansy trees bear some of the first blooms in spring. The trees produce purple-red flowers and heart-shaped leaves that change from purple to green. The undersides of leaves feature prominent maroon veins. Forest Pansy trees form zig-zag stems and green seed pods that turn brown at maturity. The pods may persist for over a year.
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Considerations
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Forest Pansy trees typically live 10 to 20 years in urban settings before they succumb to pest infestations and environmental stress. The trees are prone to several lethal diseases, such as heartwood rot, leaf anthracnose and Verticillium wilt. The most serious disease appears to be canker fungus. Infected trees form knot-like lesions along the trunk, stem and twigs. Other symptoms include discolored bark and leaves. No chemical control exists for canker, but removal of diseased branches serves as the next best remedy.
Warning
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Forest Pansy trees split limbs during storms. Older trees tend to lean. Trees infected with heartwood rot disease have deteriorating inner wood. Some trees form V-shaped crotches, as opposed to U-shaped crotches. These v-shaped crotches are weak points that make trees vulnerable to breakage. Remove limbs that form V-shaped crotches. Retain limbs that form U-shaped crotches. Prune lateral branches to less than one-half the size of the trunk diameter to encourage longevity.
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