Texas redbud
Cercis canadensis var. texensis 路 Fabaceae
The Hill Country form of redbud: a small tree (15-20 feet) covered in pink-purple flowers on bare branches in March, followed by glossy, thick, wavy-edged heart-shaped leaves that resist heat better than eastern redbud. Fine for small yards, under power lines and as an understory tree. Austin's Grow Green guide specifically recommends it (and the Mexican variety) instead of eastern redbud.
Where it stands
Care
Plant in a well-drained spot; it will not tolerate wet feet. Give young trees a little afternoon shade and weekly water through the first two summers, then it is quite drought tolerant. Prune after flowering to shape, raise the canopy or remove suckers. Few pests; seed pods persist and can be harvested or ignored.
Benefits
Good for