Grows in full sun to partial shade to a small sized tree, 8-10 m high and  7-8 m wide. It requires moist, well-drained soil of various types.
Magenta flowers in spring are very showy and bloom before the  beautiful heart-shaped leaves emerge. The leaves emerge reddish, turning dark green in summer and a bright canary yellow for fall interest. The flowers give rise to clusters of bean-like pods that remain on the tree into winter. 
It is very tolerant of urban conditions. 
Eastern Redbud is one of the earliest blooming trees in Toronto and provides an important early source of pollen and nectar for many different kinds of early emerging native bees.
The leaves are loved by leafcutter bees to separate their larvae in their nests.
Cardinals. Ring-necked pheasants, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and bobwhites feed on the seeds.