What is "cercis occidentalis"

Judas \Ju"das\, n. The disciple who betrayed Christ. Hence: A treacherous person; one who betrays under the semblance of friendship. -- a. Treacherous; betraying. Judas hole, a peephole or secret opening for spying. Judas kiss,

1. a deceitful and treacherous kiss.

2. an act appearing to be an act of friendship, which is in fact harmful to the recipient.

   Judas tree (Bot.), a leguminous tree of the genus Cercis, with pretty, rose-colored flowers in clusters along the branches. Judas is said to have hanged himself on a tree of this genus ( Cercis Siliquastrum). Cercis Canadensis and Cercis occidentalis are the American species, and are called also redbud.

Cercis occidentalis, the western redbud or California redbud (syn. Cercis orbiculata — Greene), is a small tree or shrub in the legume family. It is found across the American Southwest, from California to Utah and Arizona.

It is easily recognized when it is in bloom from March to May, when it is covered with small pink to purple flowers.