Trees With Dark Purple Leaves: Unusual and Stunning

If you’re looking for something unusual and stunning in the world of trees, look no further than those with dark purple leaves. While they may be a bit harder to find, these trees are definitely worth the search. Their unique color makes them a standout addition to any landscape, and their foliage is sure to turn heads.

In this guide, we will discuss some of the most popular dark purple-leafed trees, as well as how to care for them. So, if you’re ready to add a touch of elegance and intrigue to your yard, read on.

10 Stunning Trees With Dark Purple Leaves

Trees with dark purple leaves are not only beautiful, they are also relatively rare. While there are many different species of trees that boast this stunning hue, we’ve compiled a list of our ten favorites.

1. Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

The aspen is a deciduous tree that is native to North America. It has smooth, glossy leaves that are oval-shaped, and come to a point at the end.

The leaves are dark purple in color with a silver sheen on the underside. Aspens are fast-growing trees, and can reach heights of 50 feet or more.

2. Tamukeyama (Japanese maples)

These Japanese maples are commonly found in North America and Europe. They have dark purple, deeply lobed leaves, and a compact growth habit. Tamukeyama maples are perfect for small gardens, or as accent plants in larger landscapes.

3. Smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria)

The smoke tree is a small to medium-sized deciduous shrub or small tree that’s native to southern Europe and Asia. It has dark purple leaves that turn red in the fall, and its flowers are borne in clusters of fluffy, white panicles.

The smoke tree is an excellent choice for adding color and interest to your garden, and it’s relatively easy to care for. Smoke trees are generally low-maintenance plants, but they do require some basic care in order to thrive.

4. Purple-leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera ‘Nigra’)

This tree is a deciduous plum and part of the rose family. It grows to about 15 feet high, and 20 feet wide. The purple-leaf plum is fast-growing and blooms in the spring with white or pale pink flowers.

The dark purple leaves make this tree stunning in the fall. This tree is best suited for USDA hardiness zones five through eight. This colorful foliage can brighten up any garden.

5. Eastern redbud tree (Cercis canadensis)

The Eastern redbud tree is a small deciduous tree that typically grows to about 30 feet tall. It has heart-shaped leaves, and the leaf color ranges from deep purple to chartreuse. The Eastern redbud tree is native to the eastern United States and Canada.

The flowers of the Eastern redbud tree are pink or white, and they bloom in early spring before the leaves appear. The flowers are also followed by dark purple, round fruits.

The Eastern redbud tree is a popular ornamental tree because of its stunning flowers and unusual leaf color. It is a relatively low-maintenance tree, and it is tolerant of urban pollution.

6. Fagus sylvatica (copper beech)

The copper beech is a stately tree with beautiful, deep purple leaves. It’s a popular choice for landscaping and gardens, and it’s easy to see why. This tree is sure to add some wow factor to any space.

Fagus sylvatica is native to Europe, but it has been introduced to North America and other parts of the world. This tree prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It is also tolerant of a wide range of soils, including clay.

7. Crimson king maple (Acer Platanoides 'Crimson King')

The crimson king maple is a medium to a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall. It is characterized by its dark purple leaves, which turn red in the fall. This tree is native to Europe and Asia, but can be found in North America as well.

Crimson king maples are low maintenance, and are tolerant to drought and pollution. They prefer full sun but can also grow in partial shade. These trees are relatively disease and pest-resistant.

8. Beech tree (Fagus sylvatica)

The beech tree is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. The leaves of this tree are deep purple foliage in color, and have a glossy texture. The beech tree is native to Europe and Asia, but can also be found in North America.

The bark of the beech tree is smooth and gray in color. The wood of this tree is hard and durable, making it a popular choice for furniture and floors.

9. Sherwood flame (Acer cappadocicum 'Sherwood Flame')

This stunning Acer has all the hallmarks of a great garden tree: it’s hardy, fast-growing, and easy to care for. The ‘Sherwood Flame’ is a particularly eye-catching variety, with its deep purple leaves and bright red flowers.

This tree is a great choice for adding some drama to your garden. Acer cappadocicum ‘Sherwood Flame’ is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15m tall. It’s native to Turkey and Iran, but it’s also widely cultivated in Europe and North America.

10. Burgundy Lace Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Burgundy Lace’)

Acer palmatum ‘Burgundy Lace’ is a small deciduous tree that typically matures to only 15-20 feet tall and wide.

It has deeply cut, seven-lobed leaves that emerge dark purple foliage in spring and turn deep green in summer before finally changing to brilliant shades of red and orange in fall. This is a stunning tree that would be perfect as an accent in any garden.

How to Take Care of Trees With Dark Purple Leaves

Trees with dark purple leaves are typically low-maintenance. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure they stay healthy and happy.

  • Make sure they are getting enough sun - These trees prefer full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
  • Water them regularly - Water your tree once a week, or more often if it is in a pot.
  • Fertilize them in the spring - Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen to encourage growth.
  • Prune them as needed - Remove any dead or dying leaves or branches.

With a little care, your trees with dark purple leaves will thrive and add beauty to your landscape for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the reddish-purple foliage is not an indicator of poor soil conditions. This coloration is due to the presence of anthocyanin, which is a pigment that helps protect the leaves from damage from UV rays.

No, the royal purple smoke tree and purple leaf plum tree do not belong to the same family. They are both members of the genus Prunus, but they are in different families – a royal purple smoke tree is in the family Myrtaceae, while a purple leaf plum tree is in the family Rosaceae.

No, the purple leaf plum tree and crimson king maple tree do not have the same leaves. The leaves of the purple leaf plum tree are oval-shaped and have a smooth texture, while the leaves of the crimson king maple tree are deeply lobed and have a rough texture.

Purple leaf sand cherry is a deciduous tree, meaning it will lose its leaves in the fall. However, it is a relatively short-lived tree, with a lifespan of only 15-20 years. It has purple and green leaves, and its flowers are white.

So, there you have it. Trees with dark purple leaves are definitely an eye-catching sight. If you’re looking to add a little bit of drama and intrigue to your garden, then consider planting one of these unique trees. Who knows, you might just start a trend in your neighborhood.