Judas tree

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a varied geographical distribution across several regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, its presence can be noted in Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, it is found within the borders of both Austria and Germany. The species also extends into Southwestern Europe, specifically inhabiting the Baleares. Finally, its range in the Southwestern region includes the island of Corse.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cercis siliquastrum is fundamentally characterized by its preference for lowland environments, where it thrives in various landscapes ranging from open woodlands to rocky scrublands. It typically inhabits warm, Mediterranean-style climates, often colonizing calcareous soils and limestone outcrops where drainage is efficient. Within these lowland habitats, the species acts as a resilient pioneer or understory component, capable of enduring periods of summer drought and adapting to varying light intensities. Its distribution is closely tied to temperate to subtropical zones, where the soil composition and thermal stability of the lowlands support its woody growth habit and seasonal flowering cycles.

Habitat :

Lowland

Life history

The life history of Cercis siliquastrum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish long-term presence in its natural habitat. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, a structural adaptation that facilitates its growth as a deciduous tree or large shrub. This phanerophyte life form ensures that its vital meristematic tissues are protected during dormant periods, enabling the species to undergo seasonal cycles of flowering and foliage development over many years.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cercis siliquastrum is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, typically reaching a height ranging from a minimum of 2 meters to a maximum of 8 meters. As a terrestrial species, it does not inhabit aquatic or semiaquatic environments, nor does it function as an epiphyte. The plant is a self-supporting structure rather than a climber and maintains an independent existence, functioning as a non-parasitic organism.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

8 m

Plant height min:

2 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Cercis siliquastrum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which involves the direct fixation of carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle without the specialized carbon-concentrating mechanisms found in other plant types. A defining physiological feature of this species is its ability to function as a nitrogen fixer; through a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria located within root nodules, the plant can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a bioavailable form, enhancing its nutrient uptake efficiency in nitrogen-poor soils. This nitrogen fixation process supports its overall metabolic requirements and contributes to its robust growth patterns and physiological resilience.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cercis siliquastrum is characterized by a specific flowering phenology and distinct seed morphology. The flowering period typically commences in April and extends through June, though the timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds that exhibit a notable range in mass. The average seed mass is approximately 0.0337 g, but individual seeds can vary significantly, with a minimum recorded mass of 0.01982 g and a maximum mass reaching up to 0.15415 g.

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

Jun

Seed mass max:

0.15415 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0337444443333333 g

Seed mass min:

0.01982 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Cercis siliquastrum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Conditions

Cercis siliquastrum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Plasmodium.

Plasmodium

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Preparations

Cercis siliquastrum has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaf extracts.

Leaf extracts

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology