Cercis siliquastrum – Judas Tree

Judas tree. A small, ornamental tree reaching 6m (20 ft) high, needing a well drained soil and sunny location. Lilac flowers cover the branches in May, followed by conspicuous purple-tinted seed pods in summer. The flowers are edible raw in salads, the flower buds may be pickled like capers, and the seed pods have also been eaten. Nectar and pollen source for bees in spring. Hardy to -20°C. Stratification: SC CS8. Number of seeds: 25.