Texas redbud
Texas redbuds are some of my favorite Central Texas trees. Their eye-catching pink blooms are unmistakable harbingers of spring around Austin. Here are a couple of photos of our redbud from this morning:
We’re lucky to have inherited one with the property–if we hadn’t, a redbud would be at the top of my plant wish list.
Besides the backyard, one of my favorite spots for sighting spring redbud blooms is along Capital of Texas Highway (alias Loop 360). The redbuds stand out as pinky-purple explosions of color on slopes otherwise covered in mountain cedars (Ashe juniper trees).
In fact, there are lots of sights for nature-lovin’ types along Loop 360, and if you’re coming to Austin for Spring Fling, it’s a route you might enjoy. In addition to scenic views of Hill Country vegetation, both the Pennybacker Bridge over Lake Austin and Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve are located along Loop 360.
Reliable sources say we may not have a spectacular wildflower showing this spring along 360 and other highways, since we haven’t had much rain yet this year, but the redbuds don’t seem to mind.
Posted in trees
March 9th, 2008 at 9:20 pm CDT
I think the redbuds and the Texas mountain laurels and cherry laurels got the water they needed last summer when it was so wet. This has been one of the best years I’ve seen for a lot of flowering trees and shrubs.
However, for the overwintering annuals that do most of their growing from October through March, I agree that it doesn’t look good for them.
Yes! I love seeing all the mountain laurel blooms around town, too.
It’s too bad about the wildflowers, but the universe has a way of restoring balance, I suppose…we didn’t have to water anything other than potted plants (not even the lawn) last summer.
-Brianna
March 10th, 2008 at 2:00 am CDT
Your redbud looks so fresh and springy. Mine is still just budding, but it’s a pretty young tree. I hope to have blooms soon.
I noticed that our neighbor’s redbud is also just budding; it, too, looks to be a younger tree than ours.
Maybe your redbud will be in full bloom just in time for Spring Fling.
-Brianna
April 1st, 2008 at 8:05 pm CDT
The best minds do think alike. I wrote about redbuds today too. As neighbors, we share the redbuds. I love the idea of a nature drive. Thank you.~~Dee
You’re welcome! *off to check out the redbuds on Red Dirt Ramblings*
-Brianna