Cercis siliquastrum
Judas Tree
Arbre de Judée commun, Arbre de Judas
Judasbam

Size:
The Judas tree is actually a multi-stemmed large shrub that grows 4-6 m tall. The crown grows funnel-shaped to spreading like an umbrella.

Leaf: 
The small round leaves are slightly kidney-shaped. The autumn colouring is pale yellow.

Flower/fruit: 
The purple flower clusters with a delicate fragrance appear before the leaves shoot. They can last 2-3 weeks. A remarkable feature of the Judas tree is that the flowers can appear both on the branches and directly on the trunk (cauliflory).

Wood: 
The very hard wood is used as veneer wood because of its beautiful grain.

Trivia/Use: 
The Judas tree needs sheltered warm locations and well-drained, loose soils, it is sensitive to wetness. Its original home is the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor. According to legend, Judas hanged himself on such a tree; hence the name.