The Western Redbud is a California native small tree or large shrub.  This tree changes with each season... it will lose it's leaves in the cool months, will flower prolific pink flowers in the Spring and Summer, then produce elongated seed pods which will remain on the tree for several months.  Cercis can thrive in sun or shade, however will have a nicer more dense foliage when planted in full sun.  It will grow up to 20 feet tall by 15 feet wide and is very drought tolerant.  This tree can also adapt to various soils including clay.  Cercis is hardy to about 15 deg. F. For the purple colored leaf variety, see Cercis 'Forest Pansy'.