Mar 25, 2011

Judas Tree and Eastern Redbud - Same Thing?

Not exactly, although the two ornamental landscape trees are close, but geographically distant, cousins in the plant world. The Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum) is also called the Mediterranean redbud. It takes its name from its native habitat, where it is common. The Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is somewhat more hardy native to the United States. They both serve similar decorative landscape functions within their respective regions.
Plant Description - The Judas tree grows up to 36 feet in height and 30 feet in diameter. It is a single-stemmed, slender tree. The Judas tree produces early spring flowers 3 to 5 inches in length. New leaves are reddish purple in color. The Judas tree is prized for its showy buds and bright rose-colored flowers that will appear before leaves in the spring. Its heart-shaped leaves and dark-colored bark also also atttactive.
Site Requirements - The Judas tree is an eastern Mediterranean native that tolerates a wide range of soil, with the exception of wet, clay soil. Above all else, it thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. The Judas tree prefers partial shade to full sunlight and can withstand temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

References:
Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici; The Effects of Different Acid Treatment and Stratification Duration on Germination of Cercis siliquastrum L. Seeds; Murat Zencirkiran et al.; February 2009
African Journal of Agricultural Research; Some engineering properties of Cercis siliquastrum
Natural History Museum; Cercis siliquastrum (Judas tree); Fred Rumsey
What Is A Judas Tree; Christine Mclachlan; March 2011

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