In many areas of the world, changing foliage colors signal seasonal transitions. Even if we don’t experience it where we live, we’ve all seen pictures of maples, oaks, and dogwoods showing off their gorgeous autumn leaves. Although I’m happy enough not to have to deal with ice and snow, I do envy those who get to enjoy the glorious reds, oranges, and yellows that signal the coming of winter.
Here in Southern California, our autumn foliage doesn’t look that different from our summer or winter foliage, but we do get a magical burst of color this time of year. As spring transitions into early summer, the purple blossoms of the jacaranda tree begins to appear on the skyline and light up our streets. At first, just a few bell-shaped flowers dot the bare branches but, seemingly overnight, the tree’s canopy is covered in a vibrant violet-blue cloud.
Although the jacaranda is our city’s official urban tree, it is not native to our area. Originally from South America, they are said to have been introduced here in the early 20th century by the locally renowned horticulturist, Kate Sessions. Fortunately for us, our climate proved ideal for the jacaranda and it has flourished here ever since.
Jacarandas can be found all over San Diego, including downtown, La Jolla, and in Balboa Park. We are lucky to have several beautiful jacarandas on our block and, not too far away, a whole neighborhood is lined with the trees. I don’t know the history behind the mass planting, but it appears that every house on the street has at least one of the trees in its yard.
As spring warms into summer, the tree’s ephemeral blossoms start to fall, creating a lavender carpet on the lawns and sidewalks below. Pretty soon, green fern-like leaves begin to appear on the branches, and the once vibrant tree starts to blend into its surroundings again. If we are lucky, we may get a smaller bloom in the fall but, most likely, we will have to wait until the following spring, when the magic of the jacaranda tree reigns again.
Retirementally Challenged 
Gorgeous images. I especially adore the picture of the sprawling urban landscape framed in Jacaranda trees. Believe it or not, my first Jacaranda encounter was in Australia. I don’t recall ever seeing them beforehand (my travels in San Diego did not coincide with their bloom).
As far as the seasons go, I grew up in the midwest with my best childhood friend, Mary. We always used to say we wanted to live in places with the four seasons done right. When she later moved to California, she told me, ‘Dorny, we were so wrong.’ Now that I’ve taken an extended sail through more tropical climates, I get what she meant, although I wouldn’t mind the occasional snow and do miss late autumn days.
I have lived in a no-snow area all my life so I guess I don’t miss not having four distinct seasons. Our seasons are much more subtle… although there is nothing subtle when spring bursts into our consciousness with the glorious purple blooms of the jacaranda trees. I hope all is well with you and that the Captain is mending nicely.
He’s getting bettr every day! It is a lot of two steps forward, one back, but the past few days, it has been three steps forward :-).
Hugs to you both.
I’m from San Diego as well, would love to connect 🙂
When all this craziness is over, that would be fun!
Southern California has some similarities with my region in Australia, Janis. The Jacarandas here bloom in November – exam time for the students! We used to have one outside our old house and I just love the carpet of purple underneath when the blossoms fall. Fantastic in a street planting. They were probably introduced here around the same time – they do love the sub tropical climate.
We have many trees and bushes in common. The kangaroo paws, grevillea, and pineapple guavas (feijoa) are very happy in our yard. I’m glad you can enjoy the special beauty of jacarandas too.
I am impressed that you have kangaroo paws! I used to grow many grevilleas in my former garden. Love them so much! The birds do too! You find more feijoas in NZ, I think.
I’ve never seen a jacaranda tree in bloom. They look so beautiful. I love colourful blossoms, something we did not have in the northern parts of BC where I spent more than half of my life. Vancouver Island, though, has lots of springtime blooms.
Jude
A Jacaranda in bloom is a feast for the eyes, Dr Sock!
They really are amazing! Alas, all the blossoms are long gone now and I have to wait (and hope for) a fall bloom or, for sure, next spring.
Oh my gosh! These are GORGEOUS!!!
They make spring even that much more anticipated.
Those trees are drop dead gorgeous when they flower out like that and I bet the pictures aren’t half as amazing as they are in real life!
It really is magical when all the purple puffs start to appear around town. Now that it’s fall, I have to wait five or six months before they blossom again.
So, no wonder my post about Golden Rain trees resonated with you. We have Jacaranda trees in FL too. Beautiful.
I think Jacarandas and Golden Rain trees are our (those of us who live in warmer climates) version of fall foliage.