Last month, an afternoon thunderstorm kept me from visiting the chokecherry tree I'm following. So when I saw it yesterday, I was really surprised. It's purple!
 |
| June |
 |
| August |
In the wild, chokecherries have green leaves. But there are purple-leaf cultivars that turn from green to purple over the summer. They're said to turn gradually, but having skipped July, I missed the transition.
 |
| I especially like the trunk. |
In June, I visited shortly after a heavy wet snow fell. With trees already leafed out, the town was a mess of downed branches. This tree suffered a broken branch, a major one. But it stayed in place, and the
vascular cambium (main growth tissue, under the bark) continues to function—plenty of leaves and cherries.
 |
| June |
 |
| August |
 |
| The damaged branch droops, but is covered with leaves and cherries. |
Chokecherries (
Prunus virginiana) are native to North America, from Canada to northern Mexico. "Choke" refers to the astringency of the berries. Indeed, it takes a lot of sweetener to convert chokecherry juice into syrup, jelly or wine. I'm happy to leave them on the tree for birds to harvest.
LaBonte Lake, known to locals as Stink Lake, was emitting no foul odors despite our consistently warm weather—highs in the mid 80s F (~30º C). Through binoculars (for birding) I could see that the City's aerator was working, bubbling away. It was such a lovely day in the park. So I stayed awhile.
Really lovely photos, Hollis. I'm glad you're following a tree. I enjoyed it when I participated, I should get back to it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tina :) I hope you join us again one of these days. You see so much, and I like your commentary!
DeleteIt's a pretty tree. Purple or red garden trees can really stand out and look quite spectacular against a green background.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Erika. In fact, purple - green is a favorite color combo.
DeleteLovely photos, pretty lake and beautiful tree.
ReplyDeletethanks, CGP :)
DeleteExcellent post - what a lovely surprise the colour change must have been. I can imagine your jaw dropping (but maybe not - you have probably seen it all before).
ReplyDeleteI particularly like the two shots of the "vascular cambium" - very well observed.
So glad I now know why it's called chokecherry!
All the best :)
Pat, it really was a surprise! And tree-following has introduced me to the wonderful possibilities of cultivars. Btw, a belated thanks for visiting my broom rust post, glad you enjoyed it. I've been so busy up until last week that blog matters have gone by the wayside.
DeleteYou are an oasis in the American desert.
ReplyDeleteThank you John :)
Delete