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LA County Arboretum Puts On Its Holiday Best

Crepe myrtle, Historic Section, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough

Peacock Cafe, LA Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, Arcadia (12/13/16) Frank McDonough

Daimyo oak, quercus dentata LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough

A road less traveled, near Tule Pond, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough

Entrance area, LA County Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, Arcadia (12/13/16) Frank McDonough

Entrance Rotunda, LA County Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, Arcadia (12/13/16) Frank McDonough

Liquidambar, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough

Gingko biloba, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough

Crescent Garden near Turtle Pond, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough

Paperwhites, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough

Gingko biloba, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough

Liquidambar and red maple, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough

Eastern white oak, LA County Arboretum, Arcadia (12/8/16) Frank McDonough

Fall color is nearing peak at Southern California’s arboretums and botanic gardens, with some species peaking while others are near peak.

Frank McDonough of the LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden reports the color is “still kicking” in Arcadia, where Eastern white oak, liquidambar, red maple, daimyo oak, American sycamore and crepe myrtle continue to show deep crimson, orange and red.

Gingko biloba are still patchy, though rapidly approaching peak. Their canopies fan-shaped leaves hang heavy from twisted branches with a drape of lime to yellow color.

Frank captured a “winner, winner, chicken dinner” shot, only this one was a slice of peacock pie taken at the Peacock Cafe stairs. His comment?… “Photo ready – just add peacock.”

This week, we retweeted a photograph of fall color seen at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge and plan a followup report on natural and nighttime illuminated color to be seen at these gardens, during the holidays.

LA County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!