Alabama boasts a rich diversity of flora, and among its many beautiful trees, several species display stunning purple blooms. Identifying the specific tree requires considering the time of year you observed the flowers and other characteristics like leaf shape and bark texture. Let's explore some of the most likely candidates for a purple-flowered tree found in the Yellowhammer State.
Potential Purple-Flowering Trees in Alabama
Several trees native to or commonly cultivated in Alabama feature purple or purplish flowers. Pinpointing the exact species requires more information, but here are some strong contenders:
1. Redbuds (Cercis canadensis)
While often associated with pink flowers, some redbud varieties exhibit a deep purplish-pink hue, almost appearing purple depending on the cultivar and light conditions. These small trees are prevalent across Alabama and are easily recognizable by their heart-shaped leaves that emerge after the flowers appear. They typically bloom in early spring, adding a splash of color to the landscape before the leaves fully unfurl.
2. Crape Myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica)
Crape myrtles are extremely popular ornamental trees throughout the South, including Alabama. They come in a wide range of colors, and several cultivars boast vibrant purple flowers. These blooms appear in summer, forming large, showy clusters at the branch tips. Their smooth, peeling bark adds another layer of visual interest.
3. Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)
While not native to Alabama, Jacaranda trees are sometimes cultivated in warmer, southern areas, and their stunning purple flowers are hard to miss. These trees are known for their spectacular displays of lavender-blue to purple flowers in late spring and early summer. However, their hardiness is limited, and they may not survive colder winters in some parts of the state. If you've seen a tree with large, fern-like leaves and a profusion of purple blossoms, this might be your candidate.
Narrowing Down Your Search: Key Identification Factors
To determine the exact species of the purple-flowered tree you saw, consider these details:
- Time of year: Spring blooms typically indicate redbuds, while summer blooms point towards crape myrtles or Jacarandas (if present in your area).
- Flower shape and arrangement: Redbuds have small pea-like flowers directly on the branches and trunk (cauliflorous). Crape myrtles have large clusters at the branch tips. Jacarandas have trumpet-shaped flowers in large panicles.
- Leaf shape and size: Redbuds have heart-shaped leaves; crape myrtles have oval to elliptical leaves; and Jacarandas have fern-like bipinnate leaves.
- Tree size and overall form: Redbuds are small to medium-sized trees, while crape myrtles can range in size depending on the cultivar, and Jacarandas can become quite large.
- Bark texture: Crape myrtles have distinctive smooth, peeling bark.
Using Resources for Identification
If you're still unsure, consider utilizing online resources:
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System: This resource provides information on trees and plants native to Alabama.
- Picture-based plant identification apps: Several apps allow you to upload a picture of the tree and receive suggestions for identification.
By carefully considering the above information and utilizing additional resources, you should be able to accurately identify the purple-flowered tree you've encountered in Alabama. Remember, detailed observation is key to successful plant identification!
