American Judas Tree 40-60 cm (Cercis canadensis)
295 SEK
Unit price perEstimated delivery to you: 18 October to 25 October.
American Judas Tree: current height 40-60 cm
Common names: American Judas Tree, Canadian Judas Tree, Eastern Redbud
Scientific name: Cercis canadensis
Family: Fabaceae
History & use:
This variety of Judas Tree originates from North America. When the American Judas Tree was discovered by the Spaniards in the latter half of the 1500s, it was compared to the Judas Tree from the Mediterranean region (Cercis siliquastrum) that they already knew – this is also the tree we most commonly refer to when we say Judas Tree here in the European region. The main differences are that the American Judas Tree has pointed leaves and is somewhat smaller in mature size, as well as being more frost-hardy – compare C. canadensis USDA zones 4-9 with C. siliquastrum USDA zones 6-10. C. canadensis is also said to be better suited for moist environments/soils than many other species in the genus.
It blooms in March-April with bright pink flowers on bare branches, also on the main trunk of the tree, which is often very striking. The flowering is said to be strongly influenced by the severity of the preceding winter. After harsh winters, the Judas Tree blooms more abundantly; after milder winters, less so.
The flowers can be eaten raw or pickled. They have a refreshing sour taste and are rich in vitamin C. An exciting addition to a salad.
Unopened flower buds can also be pickled or preserved similarly to Capers.
Native American tribes in North America covered the mature seed pods with glowing embers to then peel and eat the roasted seeds. I assume a modern way to do this is simply to separate the seeds from the seed pod and roast the seeds over a stove or in an oven to prepare them for eating. Some sources report soaking and boiling the seeds like lentils, which are also a legume.
The fruits are rich in protein like other plants in the pea family (Fabaceae). Dry seeds contain about 25% protein, 8% fat, and 3% various minerals. For an unprocessed
(and wild in North America) source of nutrition, this is quite good; nutritionally it competes with both pecans and walnuts. The seed pods remain on the tree for a long time – they are available from late summer all the way into winter – and are considered acceptable for consumption during this period. However, the seed pods can sometimes be found
still hanging on until the following spring; whether they are suitable for consumption then is not stated. For the reasons mentioned above, the seeds from C. canadensis are considered a useful source of survival food.
The young, green, and tender seed pods can be eaten like sugar peas – steam them, boil them, or stir-fry them. They go well in a stir-fry with, for example, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and leafy greens. The leaves can also be eaten – younger, tender leaves are recommended.
Tea made from the inner bark has been used to reduce fever and more. Cold infusions of roots and inner bark have been used in old folk medicine to treat, among other things, whooping cough.
It is diligent in attracting pollinators with its abundant flowering. Considered a good tree for honeybees.
The tree also has many other uses within North American indigenous culture. A story about Judas and how he gave the tree its international name is easy to find for the interested reader.
Cultivation:
Although the American Judas Tree is considered better suited for moist soils than other species in the genus, it prefers not to grow in overly wet soils with high clay content. It thrives best in somewhat sandy clay soils.
Prefers sunny locations but also does well in light shade.
The American Judas Tree is a fast-growing tree that often lives up to 80 years.
Flowers appear in March-April on the previous year’s growth.
The American Judas Tree is one of the few species in the pea family that does not fix nitrogen through its roots from air pores in the soil.
Characteristics:
Longevity: Perennial
Growing conditions: sun / light shade
Height: 6-10 m
Hardiness zone: 1-4
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American Judas Tree 40-60 cm (Cercis canadensis)
295 SEK
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295 SEK
Unit price perAmerican Judas Tree: current height 40-60 cm
Common names: American Judas Tree, Canadian Judas Tree, Eastern Redbud
Scientific name: Cercis canadensis
Family: Fabaceae
History & use:
This variety of Judas Tree originates from North America. When the American Judas Tree was discovered by the Spaniards in the latter half of the 1500s, it was compared to the Judas Tree from the Mediterranean region (Cercis siliquastrum) that they already knew – this is also the tree we most commonly refer to when we say Judas Tree here in the European region. The main differences are that the American Judas Tree has pointed leaves and is somewhat smaller in mature size, as well as being more frost-hardy – compare C. canadensis USDA zones 4-9 with C. siliquastrum USDA zones 6-10. C. canadensis is also said to be better suited for moist environments/soils than many other species in the genus.
It blooms in March-April with bright pink flowers on bare branches, also on the main trunk of the tree, which is often very striking. The flowering is said to be strongly influenced by the severity of the preceding winter. After harsh winters, the Judas Tree blooms more abundantly; after milder winters, less so.
The flowers can be eaten raw or pickled. They have a refreshing sour taste and are rich in vitamin C. An exciting addition to a salad.
Unopened flower buds can also be pickled or preserved similarly to Capers.
Native American tribes in North America covered the mature seed pods with glowing embers to then peel and eat the roasted seeds. I assume a modern way to do this is simply to separate the seeds from the seed pod and roast the seeds over a stove or in an oven to prepare them for eating. Some sources report soaking and boiling the seeds like lentils, which are also a legume.
The fruits are rich in protein like other plants in the pea family (Fabaceae). Dry seeds contain about 25% protein, 8% fat, and 3% various minerals. For an unprocessed
(and wild in North America) source of nutrition, this is quite good; nutritionally it competes with both pecans and walnuts. The seed pods remain on the tree for a long time – they are available from late summer all the way into winter – and are considered acceptable for consumption during this period. However, the seed pods can sometimes be found
still hanging on until the following spring; whether they are suitable for consumption then is not stated. For the reasons mentioned above, the seeds from C. canadensis are considered a useful source of survival food.
The young, green, and tender seed pods can be eaten like sugar peas – steam them, boil them, or stir-fry them. They go well in a stir-fry with, for example, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and leafy greens. The leaves can also be eaten – younger, tender leaves are recommended.
Tea made from the inner bark has been used to reduce fever and more. Cold infusions of roots and inner bark have been used in old folk medicine to treat, among other things, whooping cough.
It is diligent in attracting pollinators with its abundant flowering. Considered a good tree for honeybees.
The tree also has many other uses within North American indigenous culture. A story about Judas and how he gave the tree its international name is easy to find for the interested reader.
Cultivation:
Although the American Judas Tree is considered better suited for moist soils than other species in the genus, it prefers not to grow in overly wet soils with high clay content. It thrives best in somewhat sandy clay soils.
Prefers sunny locations but also does well in light shade.
The American Judas Tree is a fast-growing tree that often lives up to 80 years.
Flowers appear in March-April on the previous year’s growth.
The American Judas Tree is one of the few species in the pea family that does not fix nitrogen through its roots from air pores in the soil.
Characteristics:
Longevity: Perennial
Growing conditions: sun / light shade
Height: 6-10 m
Hardiness zone: 1-4
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