Cercis canadensis

Cercis canadensis is a small tree native throughout the southeast. It is well known and recognizable for its showy pink-purple buds and flowers in the spring, as well as its vaguely heart-shaped leaves. It is common in moist to dry forests in the area, where it is often found over calcareous or mafic rock. It can thrive in various cultivated settings. Cercis canadensis is great for stream restoration, as a street tree, as an impressive yard tree, or in a rain garden. This is a very important host plant to several native butterfly species.