Every year, as spring transitions into summer, San Diego and other parts of Southern California transform into a canvas painted with vibrant hues of purple. Jacaranda trees, with their trumpet-shaped blossoms, burst into full bloom, creating a sticky spectacle that locals either love or hate.
The story of the trees in San Diego dates back to the late 19th century. Kate Sessions, a pioneering horticulturist known as the "Mother of Balboa Park," introduced the jacaranda to the city in 1892. Her efforts laid the foundation for the lush, green spaces that San Diego is known for today.
San Diego's Jacaranda trees have become a beloved symbol of the city's natural beauty. Thousands of Jacaranda trees line the streets and parks. The blooming season starts in March and can last well into September, with two peak periods in March and late May.
As beautiful as the blooms are on the trees, they are a nightmare for some people who have the misfortune of parking underneath. The trees' blooms do have a small amount of natural but most of the stickiness is blamed on excrement, politely referred to as "honeydew" resulting from the aphids that feed on the flowers.
Photo Credit: Veronica Carter