Crepe Myrtle in Old Greenbelt

August 1

Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is one of the most beautiful ornamental trees in the Washington area. Cherry and southern magnolia trees are certainly more famous but their flowers last only a short while. Crepe myrtle flowers, on the other hand, can appear as early as May and stay in bloom all summer long. Now they are blooming everywhere in the city, and on Wednesday evening I walked around in the city center and took these photos.

A crepe myrtle with red flowers at the 14 Court of Ridge Road. The name comes from the crepe-like texture of the flowers.

Nearby, a crepe myrtle with white flowers. Crepe myrtle flowers come in many colors, from white to deep purple.

A magnificent crepe myrtle tree at the 16 Court of Ridge Road.

Crepe myrtle can be a tree or a medium to large shrub. This one is in the middle of Southway at Ridge Road.

Ridge Road and Southway

Pink and deep red flowers at Ridge Road and Southway

West side of Southway between Ridge and Crescent Roads

East side of Southway, 17 Court of Ridge Road

The same tree taken with an electronic flash unit

East side of Southway at 1 Court

Outside the Municipal Building’s east entrance

Roosevelt Center parking lot, between the Municipal Building and the New Deal Cafe

Lantern shaped seed pods of a golden rain tree by the Aquatic and Fitness Center

Crepe myrtle’s bark is smooth, slippery and deciduous. It also has ornamental value.

Roosevelt Center parking lot by the Municipal Building

Lantern-like seed pods of a golden rain tree just north of the Municipal Building

A pine tree just north of the Municipal Building

Another golden rain tree between the Municipal Building and the Community Center

Elm leaves by the Community Center

The remaining colors of today’s sunset are reflected on a car window.

Roosevelt Center parking lot

By the east entrance to the Municipal Building

South side of the Municipal Building

West side of Southway at Ridge Road

Parking lot of 17 Court of Ridge Road by Southway

Median strip of Southway at Ridge Road

Again, the large crepe myrtle at 16 Court of Ridge Road

The same tree from a different angle

Oak leaves illuminated by electronic flash light

Bamboo leaves illuminated by electronic flash light