Crape Myrtle in Bloom

This vibrant cluster of pink flowers with a few green buds is from a blooming Crape Myrtle Tree.  I was captivated by these flowering trees on a recent trip to Alabama. It was easy to spot these bright red flowers as I drove from the panhandle of Florida to the southwest corner of Alabama. They seemed abundant along my route. When I finally got to my destination, one of the first questions I asked was, “What are those red, flowering trees?”

I took a few photos and did a little research when I got back home in northwest Missouri. Crape Myrtles have been lovingly referred to as the Lilac of the South (even though they have no fragrance). They have a very long bloom time in the summer. I think the little yellow flowers that bloom out of the green orbs is pretty unique too.

Crape myrtles have an interesting exfoliating bark from late spring to early summer that, as it peels, reveals a beautiful, velvety, cinnamon colored trunk. (Click on the photo to the right and get a good look.) I’ve learned the leaves also provide some fall color – from yellow to orange to red – if the weather cooperates.

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