Cercis siliquastrum

In the Rock and Water Garden (Area H on the downloadable map) a unique sight is the little multi-stemmed tree, Cercis siliquastrum, every young twig smothered in rosy-pink flowers with some on the old stems too, before the pretty heart shaped leaves appear. Fortunately, when the original tree blew over a few years ago the stump was left and the plant re-emerged in this form. The pea-like flowers (this is a member of the Leguminosae or Fabaceae family) are followed by purplish pods which persist through winter.

The common name, Judas tree, refers to the legend that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from one, but another explanation is that it once grew widely on the Judean hills.

Another twin-stemmed specimen grows in Area N, below the Rose Garden.