Trees With Purple Leaves: A Unique and Stunning Feature

Many people enjoy looking for trees with purple leaves because they are a unique and stunning feature. These trees can be found in many different parts of the world, and each one has its own distinct coloration. Some people think that the purple leaves are so beautiful that they almost look like flowers.

In this guide, we will go over some of the most popular types of trees with purple leaves so that you can learn more about them.

Top 10 Trees with Purple Leaves

Trees with purple leaves are not as common as other trees, but they are just as beautiful. Here are ten of the most popular types of trees with purple leaves:

1. Blue jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)

The blue jacaranda is a South American native that’s become a favorite around the world for its beautiful, lilac-colored flowers. It’s not uncommon to see these trees in full bloom during the spring and summer months, adding a lovely splash of color to any landscape.

While the blue jacaranda is most commonly known for its flowers, it’s also a tree that features stunning purple leaves. These leaves are lance-shaped, and measure anywhere from four to eight inches in length. They’re a deep purple color with a glossy sheen, making them a real eye-catcher in any garden or yard.

2. Purple Ghost Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

Acer palmatum, or the Purple Ghost Japanese Maple, is a deciduous tree that is native to Japan. The leaves of this tree are a beautiful purple color with white veins running through them.

The Purple Ghost Japanese Maple grows to be about 15 feet tall, and has a spread of 12 feet. This tree is perfect for small gardens, or as a focal point in larger ones.

3. Redbud forest pansy (Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’)

The Redbud forest pansy is a small deciduous tree that reaches a height of 15-20 feet, and a spread of 20-25 feet. It has heart-shaped, purple leaves that turn green in the summer.

The tree produces lavender-pink flowers in the spring. Redbud forest pansy is native to eastern North America. The tree does best in full sun to partial shade, and prefers moist, well-drained soil.

It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including clay. The Redbud Forest pansy is also drought tolerant once it is established. The purple coloration of the leaves is more intense in full sun.

4. Purple-leaf European beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea')

Purple-leaf European beech is a stunning tree that’s perfect for adding a splash of color to your landscape. This deciduous tree is native to Europe, where it’s been cultivated for centuries.

The leaves of the purple-leaf European beech are a deep purple color, and they turn a beautiful bronzy purple in the fall. The tree grows to a height of 40-50 feet, and has a spreading, round canopy.

5. Purple leaf plum tree (Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii’)

The purple leaf plum tree is a deciduous tree that grows to about 15-20 feet tall. It has pretty light pink flowers in the spring, and its leaves turn shades of purple, red, and orange in the fall. The fruit is small and tart, good for making jelly or jam.

A purple leaf plum flowering tree is a great choice for landscaping because it is both beautiful and easy to care for. It is tolerant of most soil types, and does not require a lot of water. These purple flowering trees are also resistant to most pests and diseases.

6. Elderberries (Sambucus)

The elderberry is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be 20 feet tall. Its leaves are opposite, ovate, and have serrated margins. The flowers are white and borne in clusters. The fruit is a dark purple berry that is about ¼ inch in diameter.

Elderberries are found in woods, hedges, and along stream banks. The purple leaves of the elderberry are a beautiful addition to any garden. Elderberries are not only beautiful, they are also useful for a variety of reasons.

The berries can be used to make pies, jams, and wine. The leaves can also be used to make tea. Elderberries are also said to have medicinal properties. They are rich in vitamins A and C, and they are a good source of iron.

7. Copper beech (Fagus sylvatica)

Copper beech trees are native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They can grow to be over 100 feet tall, and live for hundreds of years. Copper beech trees have purple leaves that turn red in the fall. The wood from copper beech trees is used to make furniture and flooring.

This tree is a striking addition to any landscape, and would be a great conversation starter at your next dinner party.

8. Purple smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria "Royal Purple")

The purple smoke tree is a deciduous shrub that’s native to the southeastern United States. It grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones five through nine.

The species typically reaches a height of 15 feet, but “Royal Purple” only gets to about half that size. Its deep purple leaves appear in late spring, and remain until fall. The tree’s flowers are actually small and insignificant, but the purple-hued leaves more than make up for them.

The smoke tree gets its name from the wispy, smoky-looking blooms that appear in late summer and early fall. These flowers are actually tiny clusters of reddish-purple fruits. The fruits are popular with birds, but not so much with people since they’re rather astringent.

9. Purple-leaf acacia (Paraserianthes toona)

A purple-leaf acacia is a type of tree that is known for its unique and stunning purple leaves. This tree is native to Australia, and it is a member of the legume family.

The leaves of this tree are used in traditional Aboriginal medicine, and they are also used as food for livestock. The purple-leaf acacia is a popular tree in landscaping, and it is often used as an ornamental tree.

10. Crimson king maple (Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’)

Crimson king maples are a type of Norway maple that is known for their deep purple leaves. These trees can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 40 feet.

Crimson king maples do best in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. These trees are fairly low-maintenance, and are resistant to pests and disease. These are also excellent shade trees.

These are just a few of the many trees that have purple leaves. As you can see, these trees are not only beautiful, they are also incredibly useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, both of these trees have leaves that turn purple in the fall. Both of these trees are a type of plum tree, and are native to Europe and Asia.

Yes, there are many types of ornamental trees that have purple leaves. Some examples include the copper beech tree, the purple smoke tree, and the crimson king maple. These trees are often used in landscaping, and are known for their unique and beautiful leaves.

No, purple foliage is not rare. In fact, there are many types of trees and plants that have purple leaves. Some examples include the elderberry, the copper beech tree, and the purple smoke tree. Purple foliage is often associated with royalty and luxury.

Trees with purple leaves are a unique and stunning feature. They add beauty and interest to any landscape, and can be a great conversation starter. If you’re looking for something different in your garden, consider planting a tree with purple leaves. You won’t be disappointed.