I thought this month would be a good start to introducing the communities to the new Colusa Street Tree List that goes to the council in November for approval. One of the most exciting is a really drought tolerant tree that is a cross between the old catalpa and the desert willow – we have ended up with a lovely 20-25 foot tree with magnificent blossoms, greenish tinged bark, broken shade and once established as drought tolerant as anything you might want to have around. It's really exciting to see a new tree break into the spotlight and take care of the old nuisance parts of the catalpa – no beans!! Its name is x Chitalpa tashkentensis.
Among the best features of 'Pink Dawn are abundant clusters of showy pale pink flowers with each cluster containing from 15 to 40 flowers. The 1 inch long flowers have a funnel-shaped throat with conspicuous purple nectar guides that line the inside and emerge to give orchid striping to the flared pink petal lobes. Flowering begins in May-June in California and continues well into late fall.
Unlike either of its parents, Chitalpa is a hybrid and is sterile and produces no messy seed pods. Additionally the flowers dry on the plant rather than fall fresh and so do not become a slick safety hazard on a walkway or patio.
So if you are looking for a new introduction to you yard and not wanting to spend a lot of our precious water – try this new hybrid cross.
Submitted by Cynthia White