Judas-Tree
Cercis siliquastrum
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, NW. Balkan Pen., Palestine, Sicilia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe
Didier Descouens
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Cercis
- Species:
- Cercis siliquastrum
- USDA Symbol:
- CESI9
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 1200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, magenta
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, calcareous, stony soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to Mediterranean regions; prefers limestone-rich soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by cold stratification for 2-3 months.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Use repeated cycles of 4°C, then 20°C for 3 months each. Germination is very prolonged. * soak in hot water for 24 hours to scarify