[From a popular notion that Judas hanged himself on a tree of this kind. So Ger. Judasbaum; F. arbre de Judée.]
1. The common name of Cercis Siliquastrum, a leguminous tree of Southern Europe and parts of Asia, with abundant purple flowers which appear in spring before the leaves. Hence extended to other trees of the same genus.
1668. Wilkins, Real Char., II. iv. § 7. 118. Bearing elegant purple blossoms, and a thin Pod. 3. Judas tree.
1760. J. Lee, Introd. Bot., App. 306. Judas-tree, Cercis.
1861. Miss Beaufort, Egypt. Sepul., I. vii. 136. The Judas-tree, with its tall spikes of bright and lovely lilac flowers on the leafless branches.
1884. Miller, Plant-n., Judas-tree, Cercis Siliquastrum. —, American, Cercis canadensis. —, Californian, Cercis occidentalis.
1886. Academy, 16 Oct., 262/1. Threading our way … through lanes gay with the blossoms of the judas-tree.
2. A local name for the Elder (Sambucus nigra); see under JEW’S EAR. (Britten & Holl., Plant-n.)
