No images found for this plant ID: 9502.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "9502" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
Judas-tree
Scientific Name: Cercis siliquastrum
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum)
Cercis siliquastrum, commonly known as the Judas tree or Judas-tree, is a captivating deciduous tree celebrated for its vibrant floral display.
Considerations for Pets
- This tree produces flattened, deep purple seed pods.
- The tree is often cultivated in gardens.
Considerations for Children
- This tree produces flattened, deep purple seed pods.
- The tree is often cultivated in gardens.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cercis siliquastrum
- Common Names: Judas tree, Judas-tree
- Genus: Cercis (member of the family Leguminosae)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Southern Europe and Western Asia.
- A prominent feature of the Mediterranean landscape.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Deciduous shrub or small tree, typically growing to 12m (40ft) in height and 10m (35ft) in diameter.
- Often forms a low and irregular 1-sided dome of bushy habit.
- Heart-shaped leaves.
- Clusters of bright pink pea-flowers open before or with the leaves.
- Flattened, deep purple seed pods develop after flowering.
- Foliage turns yellow in Autumn.
- Flowers often appear directly from the stem and trunk.
Quirky Facts
- The common name "Judas tree" stems from the legend that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from a tree of this species. The blossoms are said to have blushed with shame as a result.
- Cercis siliquastrum produces its bloom straight from the trunk and stems of the tree, an unusual characteristic.
- Judas Tree seeds have a very shallow dormancy combined with a hard, water-impermeable seed coat and require pretreatment for successful germination.