Cercis is a small genus of 10 species distributed in temperate forests across the northern hemisphere (northern America and Asia) belongs to Fabaceaa (Legume-Pea Family). The genus name Cercis comes from the Greek word ‘kerkis’ meaning ‘weaver’s shuttle’ in reference to the resemblance of the seed pods.

Cercis siliquastrum is a small deciduous, often multi-trunked, understory tree with a rounded crown in the Cercis genus. Specific epithet comes from the Latin word ‘siliqua’ meaning pod and the suffix; ‘astrum’ meaning partial resemblance. There is a myth that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from a tree of this species, causing its white flowers to turn red. This belief is related to the common name ‘Judas tree’, which is possibly a corrupted derivation from the French common name, ‘Arbre de Judée’, meaning tree of Judea, referring to the hilly regions of France where the tree used to be common. Common name of Love Tree is given for the heart-shaped (cordate) leaves of this tree. Judas Tree is native to Southern Europe and Western Asia (France, Italia, Balkan Peninsula, Turkiye, Syria, Palestine and Crimean Peninsula).

Cercis siliquastrum forms a small tree up to 12 m in height and 10 m in width. Generally, it is a multi-trunked tree. In spring from March to April, the bare branches of the tree are smothered in pea-like, magenta flowers, before the foliage emerges. 2 cm long flowers bloom in clusters of 3 to 6 on the older growth, typically covering the branches and stems but sometimes also growing from the trunk of the tree. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by bees. Flowers have five free petals and fused sepals, a flower shape typical of much of the pea family (Fabaceae). 5-10 cm long, almost orbicular, heart-shaped, simple leaves are alternate. They emerge bronze-red in spring, mature to deep green by summer and finally turn attractive yellow to brown in autumn. Flowers are followed by ornamentally showy, pendant, leguminous, flattened, purple, 10 cm long seed pods which mature by late summer but usually remain on the tree well into winter.

Judas Tree easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Plant is not particular about pH of the soil, withstand very alkaline environment. Wet or poorly drained soils should be avoided. Since this tree does not transplant well, it should be planted to correct place when young and left undisturbed. The tree can tolerate temperatures down to -18°C. and drought. Cercis siliquastrum will look its best when left to grow naturally without much pruning. As a member of the legume family along with peas and beans, the tree hosts bacteria in the root which can take atmospheric nitrogen and make it available in the soil, commonly known as a ‘nitrogen fixer’. Propagation is done by seed, cuttings or budding. The species produces hard wood with an attractive grain. It is used in veneers and polishes well.

There are several varieties and subspecies of Judas Tree including: ‘Alba’, ‘Bodnant’, ‘Carnea’, ‘Fructa Rubra’, ‘Penduliflora’, ‘Rubra’, ‘Variegata’ etc.

Judas Trees in Istanbul, specially the Bosphorus, give their distinctive purple color in spring. Redbud Trees have been the symbol of Bursa, Turkiye for centuries. “Erguvan (redbud) festivals” started to be organized since the 14th century. Emir Sultan (Şemseddin Muhammed) one of the Muslim Anatolian saints, had started the festival, meeting with his followers, every year during the Redbud Tree blooming season in Bursa.

Use in Landscape: Cercis siliquastrum is a relatively slow-growing tree that will not grow too large, so it may be a good choice for fairly small gardens. It’s often multi-stemmed, which means it has an architectural appearance even when the branches are bare in winter. The tree can be used as a specimen or small groups. It is suitable for woodland margins, shrub borders or along patios. Also, can be used as a street tree.