Cercis siliquastrum

Cercis siliquastrum originates from the Mediterranean Basin and many specimens grow wild in Israel. They are common in the northern Negev, the Ella Valley and northern Jerusalem. It is a medium-sized tree with a round canopy. It has a tendency to grow offshoots and usually is found as a multi-trunked shrub. As an adult, it reaches a height of up to 8 m, and its width can sometimes exceed 15 m. It is long-lived, resistant to all climate conditions in Israel and excels in the chill of the mountain areas. It is sensitive to saline soils, so it is less suitable for the Aravah. It can be grown in any other part of the country with almost no problem. The tree’s main enemy in recent years is Zeuzera pyrina (the wood leopard moth). Its larvae burrow into the branches and the trunk from the inside during spring and summer and even into the beginning of winter. Therefore, it is important to make sure there are no burrow holes in the trunk, and if there are, to begin treatment immediately.

When flowering, the branches fill with dense and beautiful pink flowers. The trunk has a colorful texture that completes its handsome appearance. The tree is suitable for private gardens, and in urban spaces, it would do well as a tree in a grove or along a street or boulevard. In Israel there are many Cercis cultivars that have been imported from North America. The most popular is the green Cercis canadensis, which is similar to Cercis siliquastrum. The green Cercis canadensis grows faster, flowers first in Israel and is strong and durable. On the other hand, it flowers for a shorter period of time. It is generally accompanied by the blooming of young leaves. Another disadvantage is the amount of offshoots that come out of the root crown, which need to be pruned over the years. Today, the green Cercis canadensis is often used as a substitute for Cercis siliquastrum. This is sometimes due to its advantages, but in many cases it simply out of a mistaken idea that it is the local Cercis …

In the same family: Cercis siliquastrum | Cercis siliquastrum ‘Alba’ | Cercis canadensis | Cercis canadensis pendula | Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ | Cercis chinensis ‘Avondale’