Its most striking feature is the glossy, heart-shaped leaves that emerge a deep wine-red or burgundy color in the spring. Unlike some other purple-leafed redbuds, the Merlot is known for holding this color well into the summer, often retaining a deep olive-green or maroon shade. In early spring, before the leaves emerge, the tree is covered in a spectacular display of bright lavender-pink, pea-like flowers along its bare branches.