I confess I took these photos a couple weeks ago, and since I’m away on vacation right now I can’t confirm that they are actually flowering today. But reading that they that they have a long bloom period over several months in the summer, chances are good they are still flowering away now.
Chitalpa, x Chitalpa tashkentensis, is a cross between two species in the same family, Bignoniaceae: catalpa, Catalpa bignonoides and desert willow, Chilopsis linearis.
From catalpa, this tree has larger leaves, and from the chilopsis, heat and drought tolerance.
For a while I couldn’t decide if I wanted to feature this for bloom day because I think the foliage is very attractive too.
As always, don’t forget to see what else is featured for Bloom Day, hosted by Carol at May Dreams Garden.
Here are the details on Chitalpa:
- Fast growing broadleaved deciduous tree, 20 to 35 feet.
- Lengthy bloom period, but without the messy fruit pods associated with either parent species.
- Drought tolerant, prefers sun to partial shade
- USDA zones 6 to 10
- Two cultivars available, ‘Pink Dawn’ and ‘Morning Cloud.’
Portland Tree Tour 
I just noticed you’ve put the address of the tree in the tags, brilliant! I was going to ask if this beauty was in your parking strip but reading the location I think not.
No, not mine — I haven’t posted my parking strip trees, but sadly they are nothing notable! I’m also trying to map posted trees and need to figure out how to put a button or widget or something on each post linking to the map page of this blog.