Purple flowered tree in the south? (flowers, growing, Dogwood, grass)
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Can someone tell me what the purple flowered tree is that is in bloom along the highways now from WV down to SC? The tree is about the size of a dogwood or redbud, and the flowers look a bit like a lilac, but the clusters grow upward and are shaped more like the flowers of a buckeye tree.
Thanks.
Can someone tell me what the purple flowered tree is that is in bloom along the highways now from WV down to SC? The tree is about the size of a dogwood or redbud, and the flowers look a bit like a lilac, but the clusters grow upward and are shaped more like the flowers of a buckeye tree.
Thanks.
The trees could be Redbuds too, I see them alot here in TN.
I am betting on Crepe Myrtle (pronounced Crap Myrtle) When I was in California they were the closest to lilacs we could get.....and they come in gorgeous colors. But no lilac fragrance.....but then we had jasmine vines growing nearby.
It's early for Crape Myrtles, they have just started leafing out well. Do they look as if they are just growing there naturally or if they have been planted to improve the look of the highway?
There is a tree, which of course I have forgotten the name, that has escaped and become an invasive species. I think it's blooming now. It has large, heart shaped leaves. Can you describe it better?
if so, don't think of getting one. They spread like crazy and take over the natural woodlands.
OK, I know the native plant people are going to scream... but I'm not trying to start a fight, honest. I've just always wondered something and would like to hear real answers and explanations (something a little more than just "it's so wrong!")
Here's what I want to know: What's so bad about planting a vigorous non-native plant? Why it would be so bad to have one of these dragon trees take over a natural wooded area? And what does "take over" mean--does that mean nothing else will survive once the dragon tree arrives?
Is it a vine that chokes trees? Does it deplete the soil? Or do they spread disease?
I have a few spots where everything is scraggly and ugly. I've tried planting native plants but they never seem to do well. If a dragon is so vigorous that it takes over this weak and spindly mess, it sounds wonderful to me--like evolution of the stronger species.
So far the only explanation I've heard is that native plants must be protected because they might someday solve cancer--but cancer's not going to be cured from the plants in my yard. What are some other reasons?
Each and every plant is part of an eco-system. Eco systems are built up of interdependant species of plants and animals. Invasive plants disrupt ecosystems and can have devestating and wide ranging effects. There are even migratory birds and butterflies that are dependant on a specific plant for part of their life cycle....it could be that if the dragon tree or purple loose strife or asian bittersweet crowds out some less vigorous native species, it could throw the whole ecosystem out of wack.
Pampas Grass, altho lovely in a controlled garden is ruining the magnificent scenery of the Coastal Highway in California up near the Big Sur. The plants in your yard don't always stay in your yard, birds carry seeds, seeds float on the wind or get stuck on the fur of passing animal.
Remember the story of Pandora's box......it isnt nice to fool with mother nature. Its not just about us and a cure for cancer....it could be about a red wing blackbird, or a red eyed vireo, or a white tail deer. The natural world isnt all about us.....we should strive to be in harmony with it.
Each and every plant is part of an eco-system. Eco systems are built up of interdependant species of plants and animals. Invasive plants disrupt ecosystems and can have devestating and wide ranging effects. There are even migratory birds and butterflies that are dependant on a specific plant for part of their life cycle....it could be that if the dragon tree or purple loose strife or asian bittersweet crowds out some less vigorous native species, it could throw the whole ecosystem out of wack.
Pampas Grass, altho lovely in a controlled garden is ruining the magnificent scenery of the Coastal Highway in California up near the Big Sur. The plants in your yard don't always stay in your yard, birds carry seeds, seeds float on the wind or get stuck on the fur of passing animal.
Remember the story of Pandora's box......it isnt nice to fool with mother nature. Its not just about us and a cure for cancer....it could be about a red wing blackbird, or a red eyed vireo, or a white tail deer. The natural world isnt all about us.....we should strive to be in harmony with it.
Nicely written. And, thanks for finally giving me a logical answer. Are there other reasons, as well?
Each and every plant is part of an eco-system. Eco systems are built up of interdependant species of plants and animals. Invasive plants disrupt ecosystems and can have devestating and wide ranging effects. There are even migratory birds and butterflies that are dependant on a specific plant for part of their life cycle....it could be that if the dragon tree or purple loose strife or asian bittersweet crowds out some less vigorous native species, it could throw the whole ecosystem out of wack.
Pampas Grass, altho lovely in a controlled garden is ruining the magnificent scenery of the Coastal Highway in California up near the Big Sur. The plants in your yard don't always stay in your yard, birds carry seeds, seeds float on the wind or get stuck on the fur of passing animal.
Remember the story of Pandora's box......it isnt nice to fool with mother nature. Its not just about us and a cure for cancer....it could be about a red wing blackbird, or a red eyed vireo, or a white tail deer. The natural world isnt all about us.....we should strive to be in harmony with it.
So true. Down here on the gulf coast we have problems with the Chinese Tallow tree. I had several acres that was a pure stand of them because nothing else could compete with them. They also wreak havoc on wetland areas. You can drive along I-10 in Louisiana and see natural wetland areas that have been totally choked out by these weed trees.
Back to topic, the OP described the tree as being small, so I'm also thinking crape myrtle, maybe the "Muskogee" or "Catawba" cultivar.
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