Pasadena Purple Snow (Jacaranda) Is on Display

The purple trees (Jacaranda trees) on Del Mar Ave. (Photo – Emmanuel Kraultez).

The purple blooming trees in the area are in full display this year by nature gallery.

By Wafic Khalil

Where would you find such beauty while taking a stroll? The most famous, and obvious, street in Pasadena to view the Jacaranda trees is Del Mar Boulevard in Downtown Pasadena. Taking a stroll under the canopy of the Jacaranda is a treat. At times, the sidewalk is so full of the purple snow that you need to tread carefully. You also can try Paloma Street (east of Allen Avenue.) Or hop over to Caltech and take a stroll on campus along with your furry child to enjoy the beautiful colors of Jacaranda trees welcoming Spring and reminding us of magnificent nature and its glory.

Jacaranda Tree at Caltech (Photo – Emmanuel Kraultez).

Thanks to the folks at the Los Angeles Arboretum for bringing these trees all the way from Brazil when they were on an expedition in search of flowering trees all over the world. Now the Jacaranda trees are a staple in many parts of Southern California and mainly found a welcome home in Pasadena.

Go ahead, venture outside for a walk and enjoy the scenery up close.

Purple snow on Del Mar Ave. (Photo – Staff).

Fun facts

• There are close to 3,500 Jacaranda trees in Pasadena, according to Pasadena Pubic Library. 1,654 are maintained by the city, according to the L.A. Times.
• There is 1 lonely (and rare) white Jacaranda that sits on the corner of Del Mar and South Lake Ave.
• There are 49 species of the Jacaranda tree, but the most popular one in our area is the Jacaranda mimosifolia because it thrives in sunny weather with little rain.

Jacaranda tree at Caltech campus (Photo – Wafic Khalil).