
Western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) at Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park
Let’s start with Western redbud (Cercis occidentalis), the first tree to flower in the spring. In full bloom, this species presents as a blinding flash of magenta-pink against a background of smooth gray branches. Before a single leaf appears, branches are studded with flowers. And if the flowers themselves are not sufficient to keep your interest, a display of heart-shaped leaves, infused with bronze, are soon to follow. Eventually, these leaves turn to a pleasant lime green and, in the fall, will change to gold, orange and red.

orchid tree (Bauhinia sp.) at Chandler Elementary School, Sherman Oaks

white flowered orchid tree
Orchid trees (Bauhinia spp.) are leguminous kin to redbuds and, like them, flower at this time of the year. You really have to get up close to appreciate orchid tree flowers. From a distance, all you see is their pink to purple colors. Close inspection reveals their corsage dimensions, best appreciated by floating them in a bowl on your dining room table. Occasionally, you will see a white flowered specimen, a type that I prefer because it is rarely seen and, nearly always when it comes to plants, the exotic prevails over the prosaic when it comes to favorites since the eye simply grows tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.

Acacia tree in bloom
Acacia trees, legumes native to Australia and East Africa, put forth golden yellow flower puffs at this time each year. Acacias grow quickly, even in compacted soil, and require little water; at maturity, they are no more than 25 or 30 feet tall. A good example is Acacia baileyana, the golden mimosa. Its blue-gray feathery leaves impart an unparalleled softness to the tree’s canopy. Acacia baileyana purpurea is a variety with distinctive violet-tinted foliage. Knife acacia (Acacia cultriformis) has fascinating triangle-shaped leaves, and Sydney golden wattle (Acacia longiflora) produces scads of flowers in pendant, butter-yellow chains.