Cercis canadensis 'Lavender Twist' - Weeping eastern redbud

Six species of Cercis are native to Europe, Asia and North America. Most have the unusual trait of producing flowers on the trunk and large branches. A close look at the flowers shows clearly that they are a member of the bean family. The eastern redbud is native to the eastern U.S. and northeastern Mexico. It is commonly grown as an ornamental tree for its heavy crop of pink to white flowers in early spring. Trees can grow to forty feet tall but are usually half that in the landscape. Flowers and young pods have been eaten but reportedly parts of the plant contain toxic saponins.

Variety 'Lavender Twist' is a horticultural selection with drooping branches. It droops so strongly that it must be staked when young to develop an upright trunk.