Description

Leaves: Opposite or sub-opposite; simple; 2" to 4" long and wide; deciduous; nearly orbicular to broad-ovate, cordate at base, similar shape to redbud (Cercis); margin with rounded (crenate) teeth; 3 to 5 main veins extending out from the petiole; obtuse or rounded apex; glabrous above, slightly waxy underneath; purple color in spring, dark blue-green in summer, yellow to orange to red in fall.

Twigs/buds: Twigs slender; swollen at nodes where leaves attach; brown; spur shoots form in the second year at each node that each bear one leaf and flowers.  No terminal bud; lateral buds reddish, covered with two scales, fairly small, appressed.

Flowers/fruit: Dioecious.  Flowers small and inconspicuous, appearing in spring before the leaves.  Fruit a small, 1/2" to 1" long pod that splits to reveal thin, winged seeds; matures in fall.

Bark: Brown; shaggy and distinctive when older.

Wood: No information available.

General: Native to eastern Asia.  Likes plenty of water, especially when young.  Also prefers rich, well-drained soils.  Intermediate shade tolerance. Prefers abundant water, but may survive on drier sites.

Landscape Use: This tree grows fairly quickly and has great foliage color through the year, especially the yellow fall color (may get orange as well) with falling leaves exuding a spicy odor.  Make sure to give it plenty of water when young.  Grows fairly quickly and can get quite large.  Pyramidal when young and more flat-topped when older.  Fairly free of problems, but suffers if exposed to high temperatures and low humidity.  Zones 4-8.

Cultivars: 'Aureum', 'Heronswood Globe', 'Pendula'.

Characteristics