Forest Pansy (Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy')

Unlike many purple leafed trees, this one does not green out in the summer. The purple flowers are heavy in spring and the tree is very hardy to zone 5. What’s not to like? Well, here’s the problem: for no reason after maybe 10 years or sometimes less, the tree does not leaf out in the spring. Mine here seems to be fine going on 20 years, but I have heard lots of stories about cared for trees biting the dust.