The Judas tree is a redbud, a genus (Cercis ) of shrubs and small trees in the pea family (Fabaceae ) that blooms in the early spring. Clusters of small pink flowers appear on the stems before the leaves, which are roundish or heart-shaped.
The redbud Cercis siliquastrum is from the Mediterranean region is often called after the betrayer of Christ because Judas is said to have hung himself from such a tree, after which the white flowers turned red with his blood and/or shame.