Flowers:
Pink (Purplish-pink (lavender) flower clusters in early spring)
Foliage:
Red-Violet (Young and emerging leaves); Green (Dark green summer foliage); Yellow (Yellow fall foliage that can be quite attractive)
Fruit:
Green (Flattened green seed pods that eventually mature to brown in late summer)
Soil:
Grows in soil of low fertility and higher alkalinity
Range:
Eastern to South-Central United States
Diagnostic Characteristics:
Cordate (heart-shaped), 3-5" long and wide leaves are alternate and simple, with pulvinus (distinct swelling) just below the blade. Young leaves emerge with a red-purple tinge. Stems form a zig-zag pattern. Flowers are small (0.5" long), lavender, and pea-like. Bark on older mature trees can be an attractive brownish-black with orange inner bark showing through.
