Judas Tree

Cercis siliquastrum (SER-sis sil-ee-KWAS-trum)

Family: Fabaceae Unknown Understory (15-40 ft)

Mediterranean redbud is a small, flowering, understory, deciduous tree with a rounded crown and is often multi-trunked. It is native to the woodlands of southern Europe to western Asia. This tree grows up to 15 to 25 feet tall and equally as wide. In the early spring, clusters of rose-purple flowers appear along the stems and branches of the tree. The heart-shaped leaves emerge after flowering and are initially bronze-red and then mature to a deep green during the summer. Its fruits are flat purple seed pods. This tree is a member of the bean family (Fabaceae). The genus name Cercis comes from the Greek word kerkis, which means weaver's shuttle, referring to the fact that the seed pod resembles the size and shape of a weaver's shuttle used to move thread back and forth on a loom. Its specific epithet, siliquastrum, originates from the Latin words siliqua , meaning pod, and astrum , meaning slightly resembling. The common name, Judas Tree, refers to Judas Iscariot. Some people believe that he hung himself from this type of tree. Naturally, Mediterranean redbud references its native origin, and love tree references the tree's heart-shaped leaves. Full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained, fertile soil are recommended. It is intolerant of wet or poorly drained soil. Like other Cercis species, it prefers not to be transplanted and is best planted young and then left alone. It is also best placed in a protected or sheltered area, and this tree is winter hardy from zones 6a to 9b. The flowers of the Mediterranean redbud tend to be larger than most of the other Cercis species. Its leaves are more rounded and lack the sharp pointed tip as is seen on Cercis canadensis. Use this tree in woodland settings, as a street tree, specimen tree, or in groups. This species is not widely available, and it is not recommended for NC gardens. Please consider planting Cercis canadensis and its cultivars. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Potential insect pests include Japanese beetles, tree hoppers, leaf hoppers, caterpillars, borers, webworms, whiteflies, and scales. This tree is susceptible to canker, as well as verticillium wilt, dieback, powdery mildew, blight, and leaf spots.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 65 attributes.