77. Crape Myrtle

Tree Tour

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Among the smaller trees on this tour is Washington's largest Crape Myrtle, just over 30 feet tall. It is on your right as you finish walking the length of the garden's section D. Its trunk is ravishing, in smooth, almost animal-like ripples covered with peeling bark. The crown of leaves is light and shiny. From about mid-August to mid-October, varying yearly, the tree has spectacular bright pink flowers. Though Chinese, this tree is known to most of us as a common ornamental in the South and California. It grows fine in Seattle, too, but blooms well only when placed in hot sites.

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