Judas' Tree

Judas' Tree (Cercis), a genus of trees of the natural order Leguminosæ, sub-order Cæsalpineæ. The common Judas' Tree (C. Siliquastrum) is a native of the south of Europe and of the warmer temperate parts of Asia. It has almost orbicular, very obtuse leaves. The flowers, which are rose-coloured, appear before the leaves. There is a legend that Judas hanged himself on a tree of this kind. The American Judas' Tree (C. canadensis) is very similar, but has acuminate leaves. The flower-buds are frequently used in salads and pickled in vinegar. The wood of both species is very beautiful, veined with black, and takes an excellent polish. The young shoots of the American Judas' tree are used in domestic dyeing, and impart a fine colour to wool.