I appeal to the blogosphere. What is this tree? I came across pictures I took last year of this tree that blooms once a year outside my front door. This year, it is doing its burgeoning dance. Last Saturday, it was quiet, just a few hints of sprigs hiding in tight cocoon protection. Two days later, the cocoons had opened. And now, the tree is rioting.
Right about this time, the wind will pick up and shake the blooms loose. They will carpet the grass, sidewalk and any car in close proximity. We’ve got a couple of weeks of this glory and then only the green leaves will remain until fall.
Next up are the cotton trees, or whatever they’re called, that blow soft fuzzy white stuff. I have driven smack into one of these blizzards and it is startling. This will be my ninth year of magic.
Post Script: If you didn’t click to enlarge the photos – you’re missing a real treat – it is like have a fort inside a tree…. jes’ saying 🙂
P.P.S. – UPDATE: Everyone ~ Maureen Bernardy opines it is definitely an ornamental cherry tree – and I believe she is correct – it is a Kwanzan cherry tree and the good news is it loves sun and it is gorgeous in its various states all year long – even in winter because of the way the snow catches its silhouette I’m going to update the post with a winter photo as well as naming that tree. Thanks MB!
Chasing Rabbit Holes 
Now that I see the pics of your tree I realise they are not the same as mine. My pics come from a bush. 🙂
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Hugs, you may still be right about it being an Azalea – they come in all different sizes from little plants to bushes to trees. Let’s see if anybody else knows.
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Thank you! It is still trying to be Winter here so your photgraphs gave me hopes. And aspirations 🙂
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My pleasure, Kate. Isn’t it gorgeous?! That’s the Pacific Northwest – right at the bottom of my hill, where we turn onto a main road, there is a marching line of Maples? that turn the most gorgeous fall colors of flame. I love it here! In the Spring, there are cherry tress as well. Yum for the eyes!
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I don’t even have the foggiest notion. Might be a flowering plum or peach tree, but I really don’t know.
probably best to take a sprig to your local nursery – they are usually quite knowledgeable.
Once you’ve found out what it is, let me know – I want one 😉
Gorgeous!!
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Ah, J – possibly a plum – you might be right on that. I’ll let you know as soon as I do – would look good near your pond, not so? Grin.
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Everyone ~ Maureen Bernardy opines it is definitely an ornamental cherry tree – and I believe she is correct – it is a Kwanzan cherry tree and the good news is it loves sun and it is gorgeous in its various states all year long – even in winter because of the way the snow catches its silhouette I’m going to update the post with a winter photo as well as naming that tree. Thanks MB!
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Definitely a cherry tree. Ah Ha!! Just got a fab book at the Library: “The Urban Tree Book” Same author as my wordaholic favorite writer, Arthur Plotnik. Talented man. I digress. Huntmode, you are witnessing the rite of Spring Kwanzan Cherry tree-style. Bubble-gum pink, thick with ruffled petals. Treasure it. Same tree as the WA DC Capitol Cherry Blossom Festival. The color of happiness, this display lasts just 3 weeks.
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It looks like a cherry tree. Plum trees tend to have white blossoms.
I immediately thought of you once we heard about the bombs going off at the Boston marathon…..
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That will probably raise a few eyebrows – your first thought was of me after the Boston Marathon explosions…. To clarify, my Master of Arts degree was in Strategic Intelligence – Intelligence Operations. My thesis dealt with terrorism and propaganda utilized in asymmetric warfare. My prayers are with the victims, their families and the first responders. 24/7 coverage, while good, can be full of misinformation as well. It will take time to sort out (hold your conclusions in reserve).
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I took a picture of what appears to be the same tree right outside the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. So, yes, I would agree that it is a type of Cherry. However, different varieties grow in different areas. So what I saw in SF – might not be the same as what is in your yard.
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Thanks, KK!
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Can confirm that it is a Japaese cherry tree. We have one growing just opposite where I live. Follow follows sometime this week, it is now in full bloom.
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My, they’re here, there in D.C., and somewhere in an Alpine village! Grin. Thanks, P!
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Hunt. I was going to say Cherry tree, because I lived in DC and saw the Cherry Blossoms every year for almost 30 yrs. The basin is circled by them. And it always seemed that right as they were in their fullest bloom a massive thunderstorm would sweep thru DC and denude the trees. But sometimes they hung around for a week or so and they were truly beautiful. Take care, Bill
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Cherry tree was the definitive answer. Hoping it snows this winter so I get to see it in snow clothing. Soft smile.
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Hunt, I lived and worked in the DC area for over 30 years, It never really felt like home, but I wouldn’t exchange that period for anything for these few reasons; the cherry blossoms, the public places, the National Museums, the National Monuments, and Arlington National Cemetery. Over the 30 years I lived there I go to see each one, more than once. Sometimes by myself, sometimes with my daughter, and on a rare occasion with 2 of my brothers. That makes it all worth while. Take care, Bill
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It is a remarkable city, Bill.
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