Common Name: Judas Tree

General Information

Cercis siliquastrum is a deciduous shrubby tree usually growing up to 7 metres tall with multiple stems, though occasionally forming a distinctive main trunk and growing up to 12 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of wood. It is often grown as an ornamental, there are many named varieties.
siliquastrum is found across southeastern Europe, and parts of west Asia, though the natural distribution is uncertain due to widespread introduction and cultivation. The population of this species, however, is likely to be large. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Southern Europe - France, Italy, the Balkans to Bulgaria and Greece; W. Europe - Turkey, south to Israel and Jordan, east to Iran, Iraq

Habitat

Stony, arid slopes, in arid warm woods, often in maquis, along the banks of rivers and streams, most commonly growing in calcareous soils[, , ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	12.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Dormant plants are hardy to about -15°c[]. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[]. Plants do not generally thrive in regions with cool summers, they prefer a hotter, continental climate in order to fully ripen their wood and initiate blossom production[]. One report says that plants require cool greenhouse treatment in Britain[], though several good specimens have been seen outdoors in this country[].
Succeeds in most soils and pH types, but dislikes growing in wet soils, especially when these are of clay[]. Prefers a deep sandy loam and a very sunny position[, ]. Thrives on chalk[, ] and in dry sandy soils[]. Probably does best on a poorish soil[]. Succeeds in light shade[]. Dislikes drought[].
Plants are susceptible to coral spot fungus, especially when growing in areas with cool summers where the wood is not fully ripened[]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
Resents root disturbance, plants should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible, preferably in mid spring, and should be kept well watered until established[].
Any pruning is best carried out in the winter[].
A very ornamental plant[], flowering well in Cornwall[]. It flowers better when growing in a continental climate[]. The flowers are produced on the branches of the previous or earlier years, and also on the trunk of the plant[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].
A good bee plant[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

Flowers - raw[, , ]. A sweetish-acid taste, they are a nice addition to the salad bowl[, , ]. The flower buds are pickled and used as a condiment[].

Seedpods - raw[].

Leaves - eaten as a vegetable[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Flower buds are used for dyeing hair[].

The wood of Cercis species is generally of good quality. It is coarse-textured, easy to work and finishes smoothly. It has a limited use in turnery and cabinet making, but is not available in quantity[].
The wood of this species is very hard, beautifully grained and takes a very fine polish. It is used for turnery and cabinet making and, when available in sufficient dimensions, it is used for veneers[, , ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water then cold stratify for 3 months[]. Sow spring in the greenhouse[]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Plants resent root disturbance and are best planted out in their permanent positions as soon as possible[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].