Tree Corner: Anacacho Orchid

Spring is a constant surprise in the garden. A plant that died back to the ground over winter regenerating out of the soil, flower suddenly bursting into full bloom, various wildlife searching for food. One of spring's best shows is the anacacho orchid tree. This is a beautiful tree to plant in a small space, as it only gets 6-12 feet tall. These are native to canyons in west Texas. I see them everywhere in Austin, and they definitely do better in an area that is somewhat sheltered, although mine is on the northeast side of my house. It is in an area of the garden that gets some early morning sun, but shaded later in the day due to the large pecan trees and the house. I have it planted next to my screened porch, nestled in among several shrubby boneset shrubs. I can gaze at it from our kitchen window in the mornings as I make my breakfast, and it makes an attractive focal point in the garden. It's a relatively early spring bloomer. As I write this now, there are only two blooms left on the tree, but at its peak it was covered in delicate white blooms with a lovely scent for a good 4-6 weeks. 

Here are some close-ups of the blooms, which are a popular spot for many pollinators! I took these photos at the end of March. 

I also love the delicate little oval-shaped leaves. It has weathered the increasingly hot summers well, and has not really required any supplemental watering since it has gotten established. It's about 8 feet tall now, and I think I planted it about 6 years ago. The first few years it didn't get a lot of blooms, but now it's a sight to behold.