CREPE MYRTLE: LYTHRACEAE "Red Rocket"

When we first moved to California in June, I was awestruck by all the Crepe Myrtle trees in full bloom along many of our city's streets. (See the EXTRA) They are pink, white, lavender, & this dark red, my favorite.  There are so many, & they grow so well, I thought they might be native trees.  Much to my surprise, they are native to India, Southeast Asia & Australia.  I just learned they are also commonly planted in the southern parts of the US.

Crepe Myrtle are grown mainly for their showy summer flowers & attractive bark, but they also usually grown into a nice formed tree. (SEE EXTRA) They are considered  messy, because they drop seed pods that can stain cement.  We have Crepe Myrtles on each side of our front walk, & the
Goldfinches eat the seeds before they can reach the ground.  

I like to sit at my desk in the front window & watch the Goldfinches enjoy their feast.