In early spring, clusters of small brilliant purplish-pink pea-like flowers are so abundant they fill the entire tree, dotting the branches and even coming right out of the trunk. Flowers edible raw or cooked. Flat leguminous 2-3" pods have roastable edible seeds high in antioxidants. Nitrogen-fixing tree is also valuable as an early-season nectar plant for bees.

Large heart-shaped leaves emerge opaque pink, mature to deep green and turn yellow in fall. Smooth dark bark becomes plated and brick-red with purple undertones. Sun or partial shade, soil adaptable. Fine as a specimen tree or in groups.

Native to central and eastern U.S. and may not reach full maturity size in northern areas. Very tender and only marginally hardy in Zone 5. Maine Grown. (1-3' bare-root plants)