Family: Fabaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 374 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cercis
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: France to Afghanistan
Description
The Judastree, scientifically known as Cercis siliquastrum, is a remarkable species belonging to the Fabaceae family. First described in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, this beautiful deciduous tree has captured the interest of botanists and horticulturists alike.
Originating from a geographical range that extends from France to Afghanistan, the Judastree thrives in a variety of climates and soil conditions, making it a versatile addition to gardens and natural landscapes. This adaptability also contributes to its widespread cultivation beyond its native range.
One of the most striking features of the Judastree is its profusion of vibrant, pink-lavender blossoms that appear in early spring, often before the leaves unfurl. These flowers, which grow in clusters directly on the branches as well as the trunk—an unusual botanical trait called cauliflory—create a stunning visual display. The blossoms are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as an important nectar source for pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Following the blooming season, the Judastree produces heart-shaped leaves that provide a lush, green canopy throughout the summer months. In the autumn, the foliage turns a warm yellow, offering a seasonal display of color. The tree also develops leguminous seed pods that add to its ornamental value and point to its classification within the Fabaceae family.
Historically and culturally, the Judastree has garnered various associations and legends, one of the most well-known being linked to Judas Iscariot from Christian tradition, who is reputed to have hanged himself from such a tree, hence the name “Judastree.” Despite this somber association, the tree is celebrated for its beauty and hardiness.
In horticulture, the Judastree is appreciated for its modest maintenance needs. It can be planted in full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil. Once established, it requires minimal watering and is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, making it a practical choice for both amateur gardeners and professional landscapers.
In summary, Cercis siliquastrum, or the Judastree, is a captivating and resilient tree that enriches the landscape with its seasonal blooms and vibrant foliage. Its historical significance, coupled with its horticultural virtues, ensures that the Judastree will continue to be cherished and cultivated in gardens and natural settings around the world.
Common Names
Fra: arbre de judée, gainier, gainier commun
Mlt: is-siğra ġuda
Eng: judas-tree, judastree, lovetree, judas tree
Deu: judasbaum
Swe: judasträd
Hun: közönséges júdásfa
Por: olaia, árvore-de-judas
Nld: europese judasboom
En: Judastree, Lovetree, Judas-tree, Ficus carica, Redbud, Judas Tree, Mediterranean Redbud
Af: Judasboom
Ar: زمزريق أثيبي
Hy: Ցերցիս եվրոպական
Eu: Judasen arbola
Bg: Дърво на Юда
Ca: Arbre de l’amor, Arbre de Judes
Zh: 南欧紫荆
Co: Arburi di Ghjuda
Hr: Judić
Cs: Zmarlika Jidášova
Da: Judastræ
Nl: Europese judasboom, Judasboom, Judasbloom
Et: Harilik juudapuu
Fi: Juudaksenpuu
Fr: Arbre de Judée, Gainier, Gainier commun, Génisté
Gl: Árbore do amor
Ka: Არღავანი
De: Gemeiner Judasbaum, Gewöhnlicher Judasbaum, Judasbaum, Gemeine Judasbaum, Herzbaum, Judenbaum
El: Κουτσουπιά
He: כליל החורש
Hu: Közönséges júdásfa
Ga: Crann Iúdáis
It: Albero di giuda, Albero-di-Giuda, Siliquastro
Ko: 박태기나무
Ml: സെർസിസ് സെലിക്വാസ്ട്രം
Mt: Siġra ta’ Ġuda, Is-siğra ġuda
No: Judastre
Fa: ارغوان
Pl: Judaszowiec południowy
Pt: Árvore-de-Judas, Olaia
Ro: Arborele Iudei
Ru: Багрянник европейский
Sc: Cercide
Sr: Јудино дрво
Sk: Judášovec strukový
Es: Árbol de Judas, Árbol del amor, Navadni jadikovec, Algarrobo loco, Árbol de Judea, Ciclamor
Sv: Judasträd
Tr: Erguvan
Synonyms
- Cercis florida (Salisb.)
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Albania (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Iran (native)
- Iraq (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Algeria (introduced)
- Austria (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Krym (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- Morocco (introduced)
- North Caucasus (introduced)
- Pakistan (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Romania (introduced)
- South Australia (introduced)
- Tadzhikistan (introduced)
- Transcaucasus (introduced)
- Tunisia (introduced)
- Turkmenistan (introduced)
- Ukraine (introduced)
- Uzbekistan (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Mar 29, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 29, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 29, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 29, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Apr 12, 2018 by nagihan acar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 22, 2021 by Angelos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 12, 2021 by Raphaël Granet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2019 by G. Tisserand (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 1, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 1, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 16, 2017 by Jean François Disch (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 22, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 12, 2021 by emmanuelle schwartz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 1, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2017 by Giovanni (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Dec 1, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2018 by Jean Marc Sotitropoulos (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2017 by maududr (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 9, 2016 by Maximilien Servajean (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 24, 2021 by MOLLA RAFA (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2022 by Cedric Lacrambe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2020 by leo84 (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Pascal MILCENT (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5353590)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:485691-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cercis siliquastrum L.)