Wolfson's iconic Judas tree finally falls

Head gardener Oscar Holgate by the new growth at the centre of the Judas Tree

Although Judas trees can live up to 100 years in the wild, rotting at the base of the tree had created structural weakness, and the branches, which were already so close to the ground, finally gently collapsed.

“I was expecting that it might eventually fall in the summer, with the foliage and the rain," said Oscar Holgate, College Head Gardener, "but we lost it a little earlier.

“It’s really, really sad. It’s been part of the College for such a long time. Students have always gathered near it, and it’s always provided a lovely welcome to everyone arriving at College. But that’s nature, and out of something old, something new might come.”

A young tree has been growing from the centre of the Judas tree, and there is hope that this newbie might take the place of its iconic forebear.

“From what we can see, the young tree looks healthy,” says Oscar, “but until we’ve removed the limbs of the large tree, we can’t assess the damage.”

And if the new tree doesn’t make it, Oscar and the team have ideas as to what might replace it.

“We have options," he says, "and we’re researching Mediterranean trees that could deal with the demands of the UK weather. Whatever is there, it will have a lot to live up to.”

In the meantime, the Gardening team have plans to make use of the wood from the branches.

“We’ll be using it for carving; spoons, for example," says Oscar. "We’d like to make decorations for Christmas, and we’ll be using it for log piles too.”

The Gardening Team have also made some flowers available to pick up outside the Porters' Lodge, for students and College members to put in their rooms and offices.

Reaction on social media

Oh dear. The Judas Tree that welcomes us all to @WolfsonCam has finally collapsed! pic.twitter.com/qJF0M1AIvA
— Professor Jane Clarke (@ProfJaneClarke) May 7, 2023