Zone: 4 - 9

Soil: Sand to clay

Light: Full sun to shade

Bloom colour: Magenta to pink

Bloom period: April to early May

Height: Typically, 15 feet, up to 25 feet

Moisture: Moist but not wet

Attracts: A variety of bees and possibly hummingbirds.

Notes: The tip of southern Ontario is the northern most point of its natural range, but it has been quite widely planted in other parts of the province. Otherwise, it grows throughout the North East and all the way down to Mexico. In its natural setting, it is found as an understorey tree close to streams. It produces flowers all along its branches before the leaves appear giving it an unusually ornamental appearance when in bloom.

Since it flowers quite early, it may be an important nectar source for bees. While this tree has been recommended by other sources as important for pollinators and hummingbirds, I have not been able to personally verify this in Ontario. This plant is quite adaptable and easy to grow. When not in flower, the tree looks perfectly respectable. When in flower, it looks stunning. This tree therefore deserves its popularity with gardeners.