We have two of these trees in our backyard in Portland Oregon. I tried the Tree Identifiers available on the web but couldn't even come close. I attached some pictures - it starts flowering around may and attracts thousands of bees. they stay around for a month, and then the flowers start to die. They're getting really overgrown and our backyard is tiny, so we're trying to figure out what they are so we can maintain properly. Thanks for any help! Kim
Reminds me of both Lilacs (Syringia) and Butterfly Bushes (Buddleja); given the size and shape of the trees, I'd be leaning more towards Lilacs - what's the fragrance like?
I think that it is a Ceanothus sp. Possibly Ceanothus arboreus. Common name Californian Lilac. http://www.google.co.uk/images?hl=e... arboreus&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ceanothus_arboreus_2.jpg
Hehe, we usually don't get too close to smell them because of the huge amount of bees, but they don't smell particularly attractive to me. Kind of a sweet smell. I looked at some pictures of the california lilacs and they look a little different to me, but it does look like they could be some kind of lilac.
Actually, I take that back. I just brought one of the blooms into the house and compared it to the images I'm pulling up, and I Think you guys are right, A california lilac! Thanks for your help!
I just planted a hedge of these bushes along the edge of the property and love them. They attract the bees which is really crucial these days, and the blossoms are pretty. As well, the shiny leaves are there all year which makes them valuable for privacy. I also find them quite drought tolerant once established. I have not given mine any special care, but will prune this summer to try and maintain smaller compact shape. Yours look lovely in the photo.
