It's hard to miss redbuds in the spring. They burst into flower before the leaves have opened, making them a cloud of pinkish-red. Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold' is the first known redbud with yellow foliage. Actually the new leaves open red and gradually turn a golden yellow. The inner leaves will eventually fade to green, from being shaded. So the tree can have three colors of leaves at one time.

Who needs flowers?

With a mature height of only about 15', 'Hearts of Gold' would make an excellent feature in any lawn. 'Hearts of Gold' should bloom its first year and appears to be a faster grower than other cultivars of Cercis, growing 10' in its first 5 years.

• Height: 15'
• Spread: 18'
• Shape: Vase-shaped, pendulous
• Flower Color: Reddish-Purple
• Fall Leaf Color: Golden Yellow
• Exposure: Full Sun
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9