20 Trees with Heart-Shaped Leaves: Identification Guide

Last Updated on June 26, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

There is something undeniably enchanting about trees with heart-shaped leaves. They add a touch of romance to any garden or landscape, evoking feelings of love and warmth. These beautiful trees not only capture the hearts of those who see them, but they also provide unique visual interest and can become the focal point in any outdoor space.

In this article, we will explore 20 trees with heart-shaped leaves that you can incorporate into your garden or landscape design.

Each tree has its own distinctive features, from vibrant flowers to striking foliage colors, ensuring there is a perfect option for everyone. So, let’s dive in and discover the charm of these lovely trees and how they can enhance the beauty of your outdoor spaces.

1. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Eastern Redbud, native to North America, is a small deciduous tree that is cherished for its stunning pink flowers that bloom in early spring.

The heart-shaped leaves of this tree create a lovely contrast against the vibrant blossoms, making it an excellent choice for adding a burst of color to your garden or landscape.

2. Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)

Catalpa, also known as the Northern Catalpa or Western Catalpa, is a deciduous tree native to North America.

It is characterized by its large, heart-shaped leaves and attractive white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.

Due to its size and striking appearance, it is an ideal choice for large gardens, parks, and other spacious landscapes.

3. Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum)

Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum) is a small, deciduous tree native to the Mediterranean region. It is known for its unique purple flowers that bloom in spring before the appearance of heart-shaped leaves. Here are some growing and care tips for the Judas Tree:

• Soil: Plant your Judas Tree in well-drained, loamy or sandy soil. It can tolerate a wide range of pH levels, including slightly alkaline soils.
• Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade. Ensure it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering.
• Water: Water the tree regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system. Once established, the Judas Tree is drought-tolerant and requires only occasional watering during dry periods.
• Fertilization: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
• Pruning: Prune the Judas Tree in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a healthy and attractive shape. Regular pruning also helps to encourage more abundant flowering.
• Pests and Diseases: The Judas Tree is relatively pest-free but can be susceptible to pests like aphids and scale insects, as well as diseases such as canker and verticillium wilt. Monitor your tree regularly and treat any issues promptly to maintain its health.
• Hardiness Zones: The Judas Tree is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9.

4. Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)

Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is a medium-sized, deciduous tree native to Japan and China.

It is well-known for its heart-shaped leaves and stunning autumn foliage that displays shades of yellow, orange, and red.

5. Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum x watereri)

Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum x watereri) is a stunning deciduous tree that boasts bright yellow, pendulous flower clusters in late spring, creating a visually striking display.

Its heart-shaped leaves add to its charm, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. Here’s a quick list of essential information about the Golden Chain Tree:

• Appearance: Bright yellow flowers in long racemes, heart-shaped leaves
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 5-7
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to light shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

6. Little Leaf Linden (Tilia cordata)

Little Leaf Linden (Tilia cordata) is a graceful deciduous tree known for its fragrant, pale yellow flowers that bloom in early summer and attractive heart-shaped leaves.

Its elegant form makes it an appealing addition to gardens and landscapes. Here’s a quick list of essential information about the Little Leaf Linden:

• Appearance: Pale yellow, fragrant flowers; heart-shaped leaves
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

7. Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa)

Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa) is a fast-growing deciduous tree that showcases large, fragrant, lavender-blue flowers in spring and attractive, heart-shaped leaves.

Its majestic appearance makes it a captivating addition to gardens and landscapes. Here’s a quick list of essential information about the Empress Tree:

• Appearance: Large lavender-blue, fragrant flowers; heart-shaped leaves
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

8. Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora)

Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora) is an evergreen tree known for its aromatic foliage, which releases a camphor scent when crushed.

Its glossy leaves and clusters of small, yellowish-white flowers make it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes. Here’s a quick list of essential information about the Camphor Tree:

• Appearance: Glossy, aromatic leaves; small yellowish-white flowers
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

9. Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria)

Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria) is a striking deciduous tree or shrub known for its unique, cloud-like clusters of tiny flowers that create a smoky effect, hence the name.

Its oval-shaped leaves often display vibrant shades of purple, orange, and red, making it an eye-catching addition to gardens and landscapes. Here’s a quick list of essential information about the Smoke Tree:

• Appearance: Cloud-like flower clusters; oval-shaped leaves with vibrant colors
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to light shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

10. Northern Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides)

Northern Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides) is a deciduous tree known for its showy, trumpet-shaped white flowers with yellow and purple markings that bloom in late spring.

Its large, heart-shaped leaves and elongated seed pods further add to its unique appearance, making it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes. Here’s a quick list of essential information about the Northern Catalpa:

• Appearance: Trumpet-shaped white flowers with yellow and purple markings; large heart-shaped leaves; elongated seed pods
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to light shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

11. American Lime (Tilia americana)

American Lime (Tilia americana), also known as American Basswood, is a large deciduous tree with a broad, rounded crown.

It features heart-shaped leaves, fragrant yellowish-white flowers that bloom in summer, and small nut-like fruit. This elegant tree is an excellent choice for gardens and landscapes. Here’s a quick list of essential information about the American Lime:

• Appearance: Heart-shaped leaves; fragrant yellowish-white flowers; small nut-like fruit
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

12. Caucasian Lime (Tilia euchlora)

Caucasian Lime (Tilia euchlora) is a medium-sized deciduous tree known for its dense, rounded crown and glossy, dark green leaves.

Its fragrant, yellowish-white flowers bloom in summer, attracting bees and other pollinators, while its small fruit adds an interesting visual element.

This attractive tree is well-suited for gardens and urban landscapes. Here’s a quick list of essential information about the Caucasian Lime:

• Appearance: Glossy, dark green leaves; fragrant yellowish-white flowers; small fruit
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

13. Handkerchief Tree (Davidia involucrata)

Handkerchief Tree (Davidia involucrata) is a unique deciduous tree known for its striking, white, fluttering bracts that resemble handkerchiefs or doves, giving it the nickname “Dove Tree.”

Its heart-shaped leaves and clusters of small, reddish-purple flowers add to its distinctive appearance.

This eye-catching tree is an excellent focal point for gardens and landscapes. Here’s a quick list of essential information about the Handkerchief Tree:

• Appearance: White, fluttering bracts; heart-shaped leaves; clusters of small reddish-purple flowers
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 6-8
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained, fertile soil with full sun to partial shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

14. Henry’s Lime (Tilia henryana)

Henry’s Lime (Tilia henryana) is a rare and distinctive deciduous tree with a rounded, spreading crown. Its unique features include long, narrow, serrated leaves that have a soft, downy texture and turn a lovely shade of yellow in autumn.

In late summer, fragrant, creamy-white flowers appear, attracting bees and other pollinators. This elegant tree is a beautiful addition to gardens and landscapes. Here’s a quick list of essential information about Henry’s Lime:

• Appearance: Long, narrow, serrated leaves; fragrant, creamy-white flowers
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

15. Italian Alder (Alnus cordata)

Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) is a fast-growing deciduous tree known for its attractive, glossy, heart-shaped leaves and conical crown.

In late winter to early spring, it produces yellow catkins and small, cone-like fruit, adding visual interest throughout the year.

This resilient tree is suitable for urban environments and can tolerate poor soil conditions. Here’s a quick list of essential information about the Italian Alder:

• Appearance: Glossy, heart-shaped leaves; yellow catkins; small, cone-like fruit
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained soil, tolerates various soil types including poor soils; full sun to partial shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

16. Quaking Aspen Tree (Populus tremuloides)

Quaking Aspen Tree (Populus tremuloides) is a fast-growing deciduous tree known for its slender, straight trunk and rounded crown.

Its distinctive, heart-shaped leaves with finely serrated margins create a mesmerizing quaking effect in the breeze, hence its name.

The tree’s smooth, greenish-white bark adds to its visual appeal. This hardy tree is a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes. Here’s a quick list of essential information about the Quaking Aspen Tree:

• Appearance: Heart-shaped leaves with finely serrated margins; smooth, greenish-white bark
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 1-7
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

17. Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa)

Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa), also known as the Bodhi Tree or Peepal Tree, is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree with a distinctive heart-shaped leaf and a spreading crown.

It holds significant cultural and religious importance, as it is believed to be the tree under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.

Its aerial roots and unique fig-like fruits add to its visual appeal. Here’s a quick list of essential information about the Sacred Fig:

• Appearance: Heart-shaped leaves; aerial roots; fig-like fruits
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 10-12
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

18. Silver Linden (Tilia tomentosa)

Silver Linden (Tilia tomentosa) is a majestic deciduous tree known for its dense, pyramidal crown and heart-shaped leaves with a silvery-white underside.

In summer, fragrant, pale-yellow flowers bloom, attracting bees and other pollinators.

The tree’s striking contrast of dark green and silver foliage adds visual interest to gardens and landscapes. Here’s a quick list of essential information about Silver Linden:

• Appearance: Heart-shaped leaves with silvery-white underside; fragrant, pale-yellow flowers
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

19. Tilia americana (Catalpa ovata)

Tilia americana, also known as the American Basswood or American Linden, is a large deciduous tree with a broad, rounded crown and heart-shaped leaves.

In summer, fragrant, pale-yellow flowers bloom in clusters, attracting bees and other pollinators. The tree’s straight trunk and gray, smooth bark add to its visual appeal.

However, it seems you might have confused Tilia americana with Catalpa ovata (Chinese Catalpa), which is a separate species. Here’s a quick list of essential information about Tilia americana:

• Appearance: Heart-shaped leaves; fragrant, pale-yellow flowers in clusters; straight trunk and smooth gray bark
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained, fertile soil with full sun to partial shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

20. Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis)

Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) is a stunning deciduous tree or large shrub with a rounded, multi-stemmed form. Its eye-catching magenta-pink flowers bloom in clusters along the branches in early spring before the heart-shaped leaves emerge.

As the leaves mature, they turn a vibrant green and develop into a stunning yellow color in autumn. The tree’s reddish-brown bark adds to its visual appeal. Here’s a quick list of essential information about Western Redbud:

• Appearance: Magenta-pink flowers in clusters; heart-shaped leaves; reddish-brown bark
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

21. White Mulberry (Morus alba)

White Mulberry (Morus alba) is a fast-growing deciduous tree with a rounded crown and broad, heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in autumn.

Known for its sweet, edible white to pinkish-red fruits, this tree attracts birds and wildlife. Its smooth, light gray bark adds to its visual appeal. Here’s a quick list of essential information about White Mulberry:

• Appearance: Broad, heart-shaped leaves; edible white to pinkish-red fruits; smooth, light gray bark
• Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8
• Where to plant: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade
• Best time to prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth begins

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is a diverse selection of trees with heart-shaped leaves available, each with its unique characteristics and appeal. These trees, such as Quaking Aspen, Sacred Fig, Silver Linden, Tilia americana, Western Redbud, and White Mulberry, bring an added layer of beauty and charm to gardens and landscapes.

The captivating foliage, distinctive flowers, striking bark, and even edible fruits of these trees provide visual interest and enjoyment throughout the year.

By incorporating these trees into your outdoor spaces, you can create a stunning and dynamic environment that showcases the best of nature’s offerings.

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