Tree Species of the Cercis Genus

Picture of a Redbud Tree
Cercis siliquastrum Picture showing the pink blossom of the Judas Tree is borne in the early spring directly on the trunk. Photo by Andrew Dunn, Image use (cc2)

Redbud (Cercis), is a genus containing 20 taxa overall. See list below. These trees are native to warm temperate regions. They can grow as small deciduous trees or large shrubs, depending on their environment. The species of Redbud can be characterized by simple, rounded to heart shaped leaves and pinkish red flowers. These are borne in the early spring on bare leafless shoots.

Descriptions of the most common Rebuds;

Judas-tree (Cercis siliquastrum) is a small tree that grows up to 10m - 15m in height, which forms a low tree with a flat spreading head. This species is native to the south of Europe and southwest Asia, in Iberia, southern France, Italy, Greece and Asia Minor. In early spring it is covered with a profusion of magenta pink flowers, which appear before the leaves. The flowers have an acidic taste, and are eaten in mixed salad or made into fritters. The Judas-tree was frequently included in the 16th and 17th century herbals. The origin of the common name of this tree has two possible derivatives; first, the tree is said to be the one from which Judas Iscariot hanged himself after betraying Christ. Secondly, the name may derive from the region name "Judea" encompassing Israel and Palestine where the tree is commonplace.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a smaller Eastern American woodland understory tree, rarely over 12m tall. This tree can be found growing abundantly from southernmost Canada to piedmont Alabama and East Texas. It differs from Cercis siliquastrum in that its leaves are pointed and slightly smaller in size. The flowers are also used in salads and for making pickled relish, while the inner bark of twigs can be used to produce a mustard yellow dye.

Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) is closely related to the Eastern Redbud, and ranges from California east to Utah primarily in the foothill regions. Its leaves are more rounded at the tip than the relatively heart shaped leaves of the Eastern redbud. The tree often forms multi trunked colonies that are covered in bright pink flowers in early spring (February thru March). White-flowered variants are in cultivation. It buds only once a year.

Chain-flowered Redbud (Cercis racemosa) found in western China, is different among other species in the genus, in that it has its flowers in pendulous 10cm racemes, as in a Laburnum, rather than short clusters.

Facts about the Cercis Genus of Trees

• Genus Scientific Name = Cercis
• Genus Common Names = Redbud
• Number of Taxa in the Cercis Genus = 20

List of Redbud Trees, Cercis Genus - All known species, taxa on Earth, organized by scientific Latin botanical name first and common names second.