Crape myrtle
Lagerstremia species and hybrids
— Loosestrife family, Southeast Asia —
This Asian tree was first introduced to the American South around 1790 by a French botanist.
The U.S. National Arboretum has bred over two dozen cultivars, including pink-blooming 'Sioux' and white-blooming 'Natchez.'
Notice how the flowers resemble crepe paper and the bark peels naturally. If you could breed a type of tree, what would its bark and flowers look like?
Erected 2019 by Smithsonian Gardens.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1790.
Location. 38° 53.454′ N, 77° 1.773′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. Marker is on Madison Drive Northwest, 0.1 miles west of 12th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1200 Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC 20004, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Healing (here, next to this marker); Butterfly weed (here, next to this marker); Discovery (here, next to this marker); Blazing star (a few steps from this marker); Coneflower (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Butterfly weed (a few steps
this page online
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 98 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 9, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
