grancy greybeard...

... growing under the tree canopy of pines in front of my house. As well as numerous plants that are a bit more well established I noticed on the drive to Valdosta and back on Wednesday. I first noticed this unique bloomer as a child when my grandparents had one growing in their yard. I recall it had lichens, and moss, so would be considered mature, where as mine is only about ten or fifteen years old. Their blooming period is fairly short, so most of the time they are not much to look at, rarely noticed in home landscapes. But when they bloom, eye-catching enough to make you circle the block for another look.

Also known as Fringe Tree (chrionanthus virginicus), it seems to be more and more common, occasionally seen in the woods, but mostly cultivated in gardens and used for landscaping in commercial developments. The tiny white filaments bloom in early spring, usually following azalea season, and have a delicate fragrance with blooms lasting about two weeks. Then they revert to being insignificant until fall when the leaves turn a brilliant yellow before shedding and leaving bare limbs until tiny green sprouts start to grow in early spring. Research indicates they can grow to be thirty feet tall, so a large shrub, or small tree.

My two plants, both now in full bloom, covered with lacy 'beards' were a gift from a friend. A dear person who did some baby sitting when daughters were young. She taught the girls how put ketchup on their macaroni and cheese. Pretty memorable for young people, when their mom was constantly promoting healthy foods and nutritious eating. They still talk about some of the hilarious antics of this grandmother who never acted her age, always good fun and cheap entertainment.