What's Blooming in May?

Here we are at the end of May, and the plant world is still blooming in the San Francisco Bay Area. This is not surprising because of our Mediterranean climate, where almost anything grows. The rains have pretty much subsided for the season (but we may still experience some short-lived showers in places).

Echium spp.

Aesculus californica

The Echium bloomed in early May, and I’ve seen Aesculus californica (California buckeye) blooming all through the month. Many succulents are producing flowers as well, including the beautiful Leucospermum cordifolium (pincushion).

Leucospermum cordifolium

May seems to be the month of white blossoms. The rhodies and magnolias are putting out their blooms, as well as the California blackberry. In my yard the ornamental black cherry tree has been flowering, as well as the white Mimulus that I purchased at the San Francisco Garden show (definitely a good purchase). The Salvia provides relief with its hot pink color, as does the Plumbago that grows along Interstate 580 near San Leandro with its blue color.

Rhodie spp.	Possibly another Rhodie spp.
Salvia spp.	Mimulus spp.
Rubus ursinus	Magnolia spp.
Plumbago spp.	Prunus spp.

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This is just a sampling - I have seen many other species blooming including both Callisteman viminalis (Bottle brush) and Campsis radicans (Trumpet vine) with their deep red flowers, and Jacaranda with its purple flowers. I wonder what is in store for us in June!