Family:	Caesalpiniaceae
Genus:	Cercis
Species:	siliquastrum
Common name:	the Judas tree
Height:	10m
Spread:	10m

Origins are eastern Mediterranean, introduced sometime in the 16th century.

Species name ‘siliquastrum‘ denotes a plant with pods.

According to legend, this is the tree on which Judas hanged himself, leading to the common name of ‘Judas tree’.

A bushy, spreading, deciduous tree, often grown multistemmed, with vibrant spring blossom and good autumn leaf colour. Height and spread to 10m. Fully hardy, although new growth may be damaged by frost.

Leaves are up to 10cm long, shaped like a fat heart, and have palmate veining. They emerge coppery-yellow and glossy, become light green with red-tinged margins and mature to pale, slightly glaucus grey-green. In autumn, they turn yellow before falling.

In April and May, bears clusters of cerise flowers similar to those of the pea family (eg lupins). These are followed by purple seed pods, which are flat and up to 12cm long. Flowering vigour depends on the heat of the previous summer, and Cercis are cauliflorous, meaning they can flower directly from old wood.

Bark is grey, with fissures and pale horizonal lenticels. Twigs are smooth and dark red, later becoming purplish, and buds are alternate and dark red.

Is tolerant of most situations, but flowers best given heat, so a south-facing sheltered spot will result in the most blossom. Happy on any soil as long as drainage is good.

Formative pruning not usually required, but pruning to tidy can be done in early spring. Resents being transplanted once established.

Generally pest-free. Coral spot or verticillum wilt may be a problem.

Propagate by seed or by hardwood cuttings.

Suitable for adding spring colour to a mediterranean-style garden or in a mixed border. Can also be grown as a multistemmed specimen, underplanted with spring bulbs and late-flowering crocosmia or Japanese anemone.

For a smaller garden, C. chinensis ‘Avondale’ (RHS AGM) is similar, but grows to only 3m.

Where attractive foliage is more important than abundant flowering, C. canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ (RHS AGM) is a good choice, and does better in shade.