Tree Of The Week Cercis siliquastrum Judas tree

A deciduous tree, which on a clear stem can grow to 30ft tall, though can also have a low bushy habit, a native of the Eastern Mediterranean it requires dry sunny sites to grow well and is better suited to southern England than the north. The leaves are rounded and heart shaped and late to appear in the UK.

The flowers appear when the tree is leafless, the rosy pink blossom is so profuse that it gives the impression of a pink mist in the distance.

The popular name Judas tree is commonly believed to be derived from the legend that this was the tree that Judas Iscariot hanged himself upon after the great Betrayal.  Though the name could also be a corruption of ‘Tree of Judea’