Exotic Species Color Up in LA & Orange Counties
Crepe myrtles, Bauer Lawn, LA County Arboretum (11/4/13) Frank McDonough
California Fall Color has observed over the years that species change color according to their own internal clock. That’s certainly occurring at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens in Arcadia, where Frank McDonough reports the color change there “has been sporadic and uneven.”
Crepe myrtle, lagerstroemia indica (11/4/13) Frank McDonough
The most reliable species, Ginkgo biloba and Liquidambar, “have yet to reach full color.”
Color spotter Son H. Nguyen posted the following montage on Facebook and commented, “Liquidambar is amazing in Orange County right now. I’ve never seen them this beautiful before. I’ve only seen them mostly turn yellow. But this year, there are many different hue from orange, yellow, red, deep red and even pink.”
Liquidambar (11/4/13) Son H Nguyen
Though, McDonough cautions that Liquidambars “have been under attack” from a combination of a new pest, the Polyphagous shot hole borer, and a new disease to Southern California, Bacterial Leaf Scorch, “that may eliminate them from the Southern California landscape.”
Tulip tree, liriodendron tulipifera (11/4/13) Frank McDonough
Liquidambar have one of the more dramatic displays of flame orange, yellow and red and are a favorite of landscapers. Sadly, due to pests and diseases, Frank opins that “this may be one of the last years to see them turn color, here.” Until that happens, head to Southern California’s arboretums for the best in So. Cal.
Japanese birch, betula maximowicziana and Japanese fountain grass (11/4/13) Frank McDonough
California wild grape (11/4/13 Frank McDonough
Honey locust, Gleditsia triacanthos (11/7/13) Frank McDonough
Japanese birch, betula maximowicziana and crepe myrtle (11/7/13) Frank McDonough
Honey locust, LA County Arboretum (11/7/13) Frank McDonough
GO NOW! – 50 – 75% – LA County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens – Crepe myrtle are at peak; tulip tree are 30 – 50% of peak near the tram stop; Japanese birch are magnificent near the turtle pond; California wild grape near the tule pond are now yellow and will soon be brilliant red.
GO NOW! – 75 – 100% – Los Angeles County – Exotic Sweet Gum (liquidambar) are at peak in gardens and along streets throughout Los Angeles County. Pests and disease are afflicting the trees, however, which may not survive another year. So, go now to enjoy their display of varied color.