Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum)
The Judas Tree is a large shrub or multi-stemmed small tree 4-6m high; funnel or umbrella-shaped; grows slowly. The striking purple-pink flower clusters grow directly on the stem and branches. The tree produces a delicate fragrance.
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Appearance
The Judas Tree is a large shrub or multi-stemmed small tree 4-6m high; funnel or umbrella-shaped; grows slowly. The striking purple-pink flower clusters grow directly on the stem and branches. The tree produces a delicate fragrance.
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Spring
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Leaves
Kidney-shaped to round leaves, 6-12cm long, 6-12cm wide, leaf stem 2-4cm long. Leaves are blue-green above, pale blue green below, turning pale yellow in autumn.
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Leaf upperside
Kidney-shaped to round leaves, 6-12cm long, 6-12cm wide, leaf stem 2-4cm long. Leaves are blue-green above, pale blue green below, turning pale yellow in autumn.
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Leaf underside
Kidney-shaped to round leaves, 6-12cm long, 6-12cm wide, leaf stem 2-4cm long. Leaves are blue-green above, pale blue green below, turning pale yellow in autumn.
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Leaf autumn
Kidney-shaped to round leaves, 6-12cm long, 6-12cm wide, leaf stem 2-4cm long. Leaves are blue-green above, pale blue green below, turning pale yellow in autumn.
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Flowers
Flowering period IV-V, conspicuous purple-pink flower clusters, butterfly-shaped, located directly on the stem and branches. Appear before the leaves.
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Fruits
Leathery brown pod with two dehiscent flaps, approx. 12cm long, 2.5cm wide. The fruits remain on the tree for a long time in winter.
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Bark
Grey or grey-green bark turns dark brown with age. Smooth. Glossy dark brown branches.
Application
Soil improvement, wind-break, forage for honey-bees, public areas, parks, urban areas, roadside verges, pedestrian precincts, roof-gardens, container plants, espalier, private parks, gardens, front gardens, verandas
Native regions
Southern Europe, Southeastern Europe, Middle East, Asia Minor, Balkans, Mediterranean countries, Caucasus
Location parameters
Light: full sun to sunny, temperature: hot to warm, soil: dry to fresh, stagnant moisture: to be avoided, soil structure: loose, soil depth: medium to very deep, soil quality: high, pH value: 5.5 to 8.0
Demands
Sunny, hot locations; frost-tender, therefore protected locations only; prefers moderately dry, well-drained soil not too rich in nutrients, likes high lime concentration; intolerant of wetness; resistant to urban climates
Growth
Height of growth: 5m to 8m, spread: 5m to 8m slow growth potential, growth habits: tree-like, shrubby, funnel-shaped, umbrella-shaped, with a small crown
Leaves
Kidney-shaped to round leaves, 6-12cm long, 6-12cm wide, leaf stem 2-4cm long. Leaves are blue-green above, pale blue green below, turning pale yellow in autumn.
Flowers
Flowering period IV-V, conspicuous purple-pink flower clusters, butterfly-shaped, located directly on the stem and branches. Appear before the leaves.
Fruits
Leathery brown pod with two dehiscent flaps, approx. 12cm long, 2.5cm wide. The fruits remain on the tree for a long time in winter.
Bark
Grey or grey-green bark turns dark brown with age. Smooth. Glossy dark brown branches.
Roots
Deep-rooting, taprooter