This small tree is commonly called
Redbud because in the Spring, before any leaves are formed, the tree is
covered with bright, magenta-colored flowers that look very much like
pea blossoms but are about half that size. This is Cercis canadensis, a member of the
Pea and Bean Family, the Fabaceae.
Why "Judas Tree?" An old legend says that Judas hung himself from
one of these trees after betraying Christ. The legend also says
that these trees had white blossoms that turned red during the
crucifixion. Today the tree exists in white- and pink-flowered
forms, both available in local tree nurseries.
This is a wonderful plant for the home landscape but be careful -- the
Redbud is what botanists call an "edge species." This means that
it prefers to grow at the edge of the forest. The tree needs
sunlight during part of the day but also needs some shade for part of
the day. These are the conditions at the forest's edge. We
will be successful growing these partial sun (or partial shade!) plants
only if we duplicate these conditions. Redbud trees will not
perform as well in the center of your lawn, in full sun.
-- David Kramer
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