Tree of the Week: Showy, Troublesome, Classic: The Jacaranda

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Most weeks, I seek out a gardening enthusiast, or a landscaper, and ask their help in choosing a tree -- or shrub, or flower -- of the week. But this week, it hit me almost in the face: All week, shuttling my son back and forth to pre-school, I noticed the Jacarandas are in bloom.

Three appreciations. First the basics, from Monrovia.com: ‘Striking tree, open-branched rounded crown holds large clusters of showy lavender-blue flowers backed by large fern-like foliage. Makes a fine landscape accent. Semi-evergreen. Full sun. Moderate grower 25 to 40 feet and taller, 25 to 35 feet wide.’

With feeling, from ‘Butterbeanbaby’, on the forum at IVillage’s Gardenweb.‘They’re a pain when they drop their flowers, but they are sooooooo beautiful when they bloom. Brilliant small lavender trumpets.’

With even more feeling, from ‘Treehugger’ at Vox Hortus: ‘The Jacaranda which grows to majestic heights and profiles in Southern California, blanketing the streets and sidewalks with purple flowers that pop when crushed. They are ethereal sentries in the smoggy city where few old trees persist. I would learn they are also ethereal plumbing and foundation vandals.’

Thoughts? Comments? Feel free to nominate a tree of the week for next Saturday. Email story tips to lalandblog@yahoo.com.