• Common name: Judas tree.
• Scientific name: Cercis siliquastrum;
• Honorary Doctorate: Marcus Felson (June 27, 2014)

ORIGIN: Southern Europe, Western Asia.

CHARACTERISTICS:

• It is deciduous.
• Small in stature and boasts beautiful spring blooms before the leaves emerge.

INTERESTING FACTS:

• It is also called the Judas tree because of its heart-shaped leaves.
• Legend has it that Judas Iscariot committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree like this one after betraying Jesus.

USES:

• ORNAMENTAL: A tree of great beauty, both for its form and its leaves and flowers.
• FOOD: Its tender flowers can be eaten in salads and even pickled in vinegar.