Cercis siliquastrum

Cercis siliquastrum flowers

El Cercis siliquastrum it is a magnificent tree. Its elegance makes any garden, regardless of how small or large it may be, look much more beautiful, especially in spring when its flowers bloom. But it also provides a very pleasant shade, something that is certainly appreciated in summer.

If we talk about its maintenance, not very demanding. In fact, anyone who wants an easy and gorgeous plant, and who lives in a temperate climate, can enjoy this beauty.

What is the origin and characteristics of the Cercis siliquastrum?

Cercis siliquastrum

Image sourced from Wikimedia/Batsv

It is a deciduous tree called the tree of love, Judas tree, ciclamor or crazy carob native to the north of the Mediterranean Region, specifically from France to the Middle East. Usually grows no more than 6 meters tall, but can reach 15 meters. The trunk almost always develops slightly crooked, even crooked as it ages.

The leaves are rounded, simple and alternate, light green on the upper side and slightly glaucous on the underside. These measure from 7 to 12 centimeters in length, and sprout after the flowers, when spring has already established. sayings flowers are hermaphrodite, lilac-pink or sometimes white, 1 to 2 centimeters long, and are grouped in clusters. The fruit is a legume of about 6 to 10 centimeters that contains small, brown and oblong seeds.

What uses is it given?

Cercis siliquastrum leaves

Image sourced from Wikimedia/Batsv

It is a beautiful plant, which is widely used in ornamental gardening. As an isolated specimen or in groups, is a tree that will give many joys to whoever gets one.

But it must also be said that the leaves can be eaten as a vegetable, in salads for example. Likewise, the fruits are used as astringents, and the bark to treat headaches and colds.

What are the care of the tree of love?

Cercis siliquatrum in flower

Image sourced from Wikimedia/Amada44

It is a very interesting species both for its high decorative value and for how undemanding it is. It can be both in the sun and in semi-shade, and as long as it receives moderate to frequent watering throughout the year, it will be fine.

Allows its cultivation in a pot, as it tolerates pruning quite well, so if you want to keep it there, do not hesitate to fill the container with universal substrate for plants, and prune it at the end of winter to trim its branches and thus control its growth.

Throughout the growing season, i.e. from spring to late summer, it is highly recommended to pay it with fertilizers such as guano, humus or compost. Thus, in addition, you will not only nourish the land in which it grows, but you will also strengthen its defense system.

It multiplies easily from seeds in spring or autumn.. To do this, you only have to place them for a second in a glass of boiling water with the help of a strainer, and immediately afterwards in another glass of water at room temperature, where they will remain for 24 hours. After that time, plant them in pots or, better, in seedling trays, and sprinkle a little copper so that the fungi do not damage them (you have more information on seedling fungi here). Place them in partial shade and keep the substrate always moist but not flooded, and you will see how they germinate in about 15 days.

Finally, you should know that it resists well frosts down to -10ºC, but yes, it cannot live in climates where the temperature never drops below 0 degrees. Being a deciduous tree with a temperate climate, it needs to be cold during the winter to rest.


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  1.   GALANTE NACHO said

    Hello Monica.

    Very nice pictures.

    We have one on the farm, and it had to be transplanted because it was in a place that did not thrive very well, I think because the soil was very rocky. Now it's pretty good.
    the legumes are a bit heavy because they don't finish falling and you have to help them, but the contrast between the rainy days of spring between the dark trunk and the flowers that come out of the trunk itself is spectacular. It was one of the first trees we planted.

    Thank you very much Monica for everything you teach us!

    A greeting:

    GALANTE NACHO

    1.    todoarboles said

      Hello Nacho,

      Thank you, I'm glad you like the photos, and your tree finally gives you joy!

      Sometimes it is a bit difficult to find the ideal place for them, but when they are found, they grow, it is a pleasure.

      Greetings and thanks again 🙂