Judas tree

This versatile shrub (or small tree) blooms beautifully with lilac-coloured flowers. The bloom is early, before the leaves develop. The heart-shaped or kidney-shaped, grey-green leaves are also an adornment, turning into wonderfully warm hues in autumn before falling. Butterflies and bees love the flowers, but humans also benefit: the buds are edible (and can be pickled) as capers, and the flowers are edible and have a fresh lemon flavour. The unripe pods can be roasted, and the seeds are edible when cooked. An ideal plant for permaculture!

Names:
Latin: Cercis siliquastrum
Dutch: Judasboom
Also: Judasboom
English: Redbud