How to identify Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum)

How to identify Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum)

Judas tree, also known as Lovetree

Judas tree is distinguished by its slender trunk and a spread that can reach up to 15 to 25 feet (4.6 to 7.6 meters) in height and nearly the same in width. It showcases alternate, simple heart-shaped leaves, starting as a rich bronze reddish-purple before maturing to a dark green. In early spring, judas tree bedazzles with clusters of magenta flowers, spanning 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 centimeters), blossoming on year-old wood and older stems before leaf emergence. This species thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers a moist, well-drained soil. It is known for its drought tolerance and ability to withstand cold to 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 to -9 degrees Celsius).

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Judas tree

Slender trunk reaching 15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 meters) in height and width.

Heart-shaped leaves starting bronzy-red, maturing to dark green, then yellow-bronze.

Clusters of magenta flowers, 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm) in diameter, on older stems.

Distinctive 4-inch (10 cm) long leguminous seedpods with vibrant purple hue in late summer.

Dark grey bark with deep furrows and ridges, creating a textured appearance.

Detailed Traits of Judas tree

Leaf Features

The nearly round, heart-shaped leaves of judas tree are 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm) wide and long. Young leaves emerge bronzy-red in spring, transitioning to a deep green during summer, and shifting to yellow or yellow-bronze in fall. The leaves feature a smooth texture with a prominent vein pattern running through the center and spreading to the edges, enhancing their distinctive shape and seasonal color change.

Leaf Shape

Reniform

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Obtuse

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Judas tree produces striking clusters of magenta, pea-shaped flowers, each measuring approximately 3/4 inch (2 cm) in diameter. These vibrant blooms appear in 3-5 inch (8-13 cm) clusters during early spring, showcasing their beauty before the foliage emerges. The flowers blossom on older growth, adorning the branches and sometimes the trunk. Each flower exhibits a papilionaceous structure, typical of the pea family, adding an enchanting touch to the plant's overall appearance.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of judas tree is a conspicuous and distinctive feature, characterized by its striking 4-inch (approximately 10 cm) long leguminous seedpods. These seedpods exhibit a flat, slightly curved profile with a vibrant purple hue that catches the eye. They develop in late summer, persisting on the tree well into the winter months, providing visual interest even after the leaves have fallen. The texture of the seedpods is initially smooth, becoming more rigid as they mature. These fruits embody both an ornamental and a botanical curiosity for their long-lasting and colorful appearance.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Judas tree and Their Similar Plants

Eastern redbud vs. Judas tree: What's The Difference?

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small understory tree native to North America. In spring or early summer clusters of purple-pink flowers appear on bare branches and sometimes on the trunk. The characteristic seed pod reveals that Eastern redbud belongs to the legume family, which makes it a cousin to peas, and locust trees.

Western redbud vs. Judas tree: What's The Difference?

Western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) is a flowering plant used by the indigenous people of California for weaving baskets. The bark can be used to make a reddish dye. Western redbud is often planted as an ornamental species.

Chinese redbud vs. Judas tree: What's The Difference?

Chinese redbud is a densely branched small tree or shrub known for its abundant purple-red flowers. These blooms make it a popular ornamental plant well suited to specimen or group plantings in naturalized gardens. It is also grown as a street tree. The flowers attract bees, and the seedpods are eaten by birds.

Eastern redbud 'Forest Pansy' vs. Judas tree: What's The Difference?

A variant of Redbud, eastern redbud 'Forest Pansy' possesses distinctive, striking foliage; unlike other cultivars, this plant's leaves are well and truly red, emerging in late summer after several weeks of displaying pea-like pink flowers (from which the cultivar derives its name). It thrives in full sun or partial shade and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Eastern redbud 'Ruby Falls' vs. Judas tree: What's The Difference?

The description of the Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls' is of a beautiful small weeping tree that offers velvety purple- or ruby-colored heart-shaped leaves that turn to green-bronze in the fall. Purple-rose flowers emerge in spring. It was bred by Dr. Dennis Werner of NCSU and named by 5-year-old Porter Neubauer of Tennessee. You can plant this beautiful ornamental tree to use as a focal point in your garden to attract butterflies and bees.

Eastern redbud 'Hearts of Gold' vs. Judas tree: What's The Difference?

Eastern redbud 'Hearts of Gold' is distinct for its pink-purple flowers and golden leaves. A cultivar of Cercis canadensis, its name refers to those heart-shaped leaves. Gardeners love this plant for its colorful foliage: Complementing its springtime blooms, the leaves emerge orange-red, mature to gold, and fade to chartreuse over the summer.

Eastern redbud 'Merlot' vs. Judas tree: What's The Difference?

Eastern redbud 'Merlot' is a cultivated Eastern redbud tree with distinctive leaves that set it apart from others in the family. The leaves are a dark, almost blackish red color, similar to Merlot wine. It’s also how the tree got its name. While cultivated for its foliage, the tree is also heat and drought tolerant, unlike other Redbud species.

Texas redbud vs. Judas tree: What's The Difference?

Texas redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis) is a variant of the eastern redbud tree found between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains of North America. The redbud is the official state tree of Oklahoma. The flowers can be eaten raw or fried, so they're occasionally added to foods as flavoring. The nuts can also be roasted.

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Key Facts About Judas tree

Attributes of Judas tree

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

4.5 m to 12 m

Spread

10 m

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Bronze

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Pink

White

Purple

Fruit Color

Purple

Brown

Copper

Lavender

Stem Color

Green

Yellow

Purple

Brown

Pink

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Judas tree

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Legumes, milkworts and allies

Family

Legume

Genus

Redbuds

Species

Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum)

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Distribution Map of Judas tree

Judas tree is indigenous to the Mediterranean basin and parts of the Middle East. Over time, it has been introduced and cultivated in areas across Central Asia, South Asia, and North Africa. While mainly found in its native Mediterranean and Middle Eastern habitats, judas tree's ornamental value has led to its cultivation in various temperate regions beyond its natural range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Judas tree

A Comprehensive Guide to Judas tree How to Grow and Care for Judas tree