Love Tree / Heart Tree

Seeds: 60  / Botanical name: Cercis siliquastrum

Heart-shaped leaves and pink flowers in the month of love, May

The pinkish-red blossoms that appear in May, the month of love, and the heart-shaped leaves form the charming basis for the name "Love Tree." The less flattering, but also common, name "Judas Tree" originates from the Christian legend that Judas hanged himself on such a tree after his betrayal, and that the tree's blossoms turned red with shame. Its numerous beautiful flowers emerge even before the leaves appear, not only from young wood but also from strong branches and the trunk, concealing the tree in a spectacular cloud of blossoms from April to May. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow, and the long, brown seed pods decorate the tree throughout the winter. When planted outdoors, the hardy Love Tree can reach a height of two to six meters and makes a good specimen plant in the garden.

Natural Habitat: The Love Tree is native to Western Asia and Southern Europe, where its blossoms are often used as an edible garnish due to their sweet and sour flavor.