Judas tree – Cercis siliquastrum

Cercis siliquastrum, commonly known as the Judas tree, can be grown as either a shrub or a small tree.

It features deciduous, glaucous green leaves. A highly valued feature is its bloom in April and May, when pinkish-violet flowers appear along the entire length of the branches before the leaves emerge.

The fruits are pods that persist even into winter. It tolerates all soil types, but requires sunny locations. It is used as a solitary specimen, in group plantings, or for hedges.