I hadn't noticed that the smoke trees had their blossoms until yesterday when I drove down the hill from the horse ranch where I board my horses up in our local mountains. I have just been so busy lately that I haven't taken the time to notice things around the desert! So, Wednesday I stopped to take some photos of the smoke trees and their flowers. This only happens when it is warm enough here in the desert. They were covered with both blossoms AND bees and it was difficult to get close enough to take a few photos! Smoke trees are very interesting and unique trees here in our desert. They require a flood to scratch the seeds (as they go over rocks!) and for every inch above ground, their roots extend a FOOT under the ground! If you see smoke trees in a wash, you KNOW that a flood has occured there. I frequently scan the desert for smoke trees and make a mental note to avoid those spots during our monsoon season of July and August. SkyWatch Friday for June 25, 2010.
