The mature heights of the American hornbeam and ironwood are 20 to 25 feet and 25 to 40 feet, respectively. Their use in the landscape has been limited by the fact that both are somewhat difficult to transplant. However, once established they develop into small, attractive trees. It reaches a height of 20 to 25 feet. Redbuds are cherished for their pinkish-purple flowers that appear in late April or early May.
Mature trees possess a handsome flat-topped to rounded appearance.
When purchasing a redbud, select a tree grown from a northern seed source. Redbuds grown from a northern seed source are more likely to be cold hardy in Iowa. They perform best in moist, well-drained soils. Its mature height and spread is 15 to 25 feet. Ornamental characteristics include a horizontal branching habit, yellowish white flowers in late spring, and reddish purple fall foliage.