California Redbuds in Native Habitat

Western North America has its own version of the lovely Redbud, a small flowering tree that puts on a dazzling show for those blessed enough to encounter one in spring.  A Redbud in the yard is lovely, to be sure, but in one of its native strongholds?  Absolutely gorgeous.  Both pictures below were taken in the Kern River valley in Sequoia National Park.

The bare white trees still waiting for their leaves to return are California Sycamores (Platanus Racemosa).  Like our eastern version of the Redbud, these lovely trees thrive along the upper margins of watercourses, here pictured just at the top right of the photo.

Like the Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis), the California Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) caught quite a bit of attention when it was first discovered.  Even in the Sierra Nevadas where towering peaks, majestic valleys, and giant trees captivate those who witness them, these lovely trees turn springtime in these mountains into something even more alluring.  They tend to favor the western slope of the Sierras, and can also be found in southwestern Utah and along the Grand Canyon.  They often grow in settings which stand in contrast to much of the rest of the arid, coniferous west.  

Wednesday Filler: The Fry

Spring is a week and a month away, and soon the fish shall be hatching and ready to play.

Of course, there are other spring delights on the way as well.

In case you were wondering, the fry, flowers, and apple trees in blossom are from the Leelanau peninsula in Michigan, one of the most scenic and relaxing parts of the state.  Excellent beaches, wineries, casinos, historic sites, orchards, and large tracts of pristine forest combine to make for a truly great area.  The place is also very quiet, and the weather is temperate during the extremes of winter and summer.  Oh, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is here as well.

If you need more convincing to visit, have your eyes examined.