DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 
175 
found scattered sparsely through warm sheltered valleys, 
along the Hudson and other rivers of the northern sections 
of the United States, but most abundantly on the Ohio. 
It is valuable as an ornamental tree, no less on account of 
its exceedingly neat foliage, which is exactly heart-shaped, 
or cordiform, and of a pleasing green tint, than for its 
pretty pink blossoms. These, which are pea-shaped, are 
produced in little clusters close to the branches, often in 
great profusion, early in the spring, before the leaves have 
expanded. From the appearance of the limbs at that 
period, it has in some places obtained the name of Red- 
bud. It is then one of the most ornamental of trees, and, 
in company with the Dog- wood, serves greatly to enliven 
the scene, and herald the advent of the floral season. 
These blossoms, according to Loudon ( Encycl . of Plants ), 
having an agreeable poignancy, are frequently eaten in 
salads abroad, and pickled by the French families in 
Canada. The name of Judas tree appears to have been 
whimsically bestowed by Gerard, an old English gardener, 
who described it in 1596, and relates that “this is the tree 
whereon Judas did hange himselfe ; and not upon the elder 
tree, as it is said. 5 ' 
There are two species in common cultivation ; the 
American ( C . Canadensis) and the European ( C . Sili- 
quastrum). The latter much resembles our native tree. 
The flowers, however, are deeper in color ; the leaves 
darker, and less pointed at the extremity. It also produces 
blossoms rather more profusely than the American tree. 
Both species are highly worthy of a place in the garden, or 
near the house, where their pleasing vernal influences may 
be observed. 
