Have you ever noticed, while driving through West L.A. in the springtime, the periwinkle plumes around the streets? Every spring the Jacaranda Trees bloom, adding pops of color to our sidewalks. When sunlight shines upon them, the blooms of these trees almost seem to glow with a fluorescent brightness. They have origins in tropical South America, specifically Argentina and Brazil, and have been planted in many other places for their beauty. In the late 1800s, a horticulturist, an expert gardener, got the Jacaranda seeds from South America and turned 32 acres of barren land in San Diego into a bright, colorful landscape.
In the 1920s and 1930s, the Jacaranda Trees were extensively planted throughout Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. As the trees made their way to Los Angeles, they became the iconic landmark they are today. While they are stunning to look at, the Jacaranda trees are known as an invasive species in some areas of California, as they outcompete the native species of plants and trees. In some countries, including South Africa, it is illegal to plant new Jacaranda trees, as they are harmful to the native environment.
The oldest Jacarandas in L.A. are 80-100 years old. There are an estimated 20,000 trees planted in this city. Once a Jacaranda seed is planted, it will take 8-10 years before it begins to flower and bloom. According to their origins, Jacaranda trees symbolize wisdom, wealth, rebirth, and good luck. While still on the tree, the Jacaranda blooms have a fresh and fragrant smell, however, as they decompose on the street, their smell becomes foul. The only part of the Jacaranda tree that is edible are the petals, when properly cooked. All other parts, including the seeds and seed pods, are poisonous. The flowers, when properly prepared, apparently have a strong, meat-like, flavor. So, while these trees are noted for their visual beauty, they’re probably
not the best thing to eat. The trees always start to bloom in late April or the beginning of May and are the epitome of spring in Los Angeles.
Hopefully, as you’re driving through this city after reading this, you become more aware of one thing that makes Los Angeles as beautiful as it is. The bright purple blooms that fill the city once a year add pops of color to our sidewalks. I think these trees are just one of many things that add to the beauty of Spring in L.A. The Jacarandas have been a part of this city for almost one hundred years, and hopefully they stay that way for another hundred years.
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