Crape Myrtle for Dummies

Crape Myrtle refers to a type of flowering tree that you might have seen before, and it's a really interesting word because it combines two words - "crape" and "myrtle." Now, let's break it down and take it step by step so we can understand it fully.

First, let's talk about the word "crape." Have you ever felt a thin, crinkly and slightly stretchy fabric? Maybe you've seen it on clothes or even used it for art projects. Well, that fabric is called "crape." It's really lightweight and has a kind of wavy texture to it. So when we say "crape," we're referring to that type of fabric.

Next, we have the word "myrtle." Imagine you're walking through a beautiful garden, and suddenly you come across a small, pretty bush with really nice leaves and sweet-smelling flowers. Those are called myrtle plants. Myrtle plants have shiny leaves and lovely, delicate flowers that can be different colors like pink, purple, or white. They're known for their beauty and fragrance.

Now, if we put "crape" and "myrtle" together, we get "crape myrtle," which means a tree that has thin, crinkly-textured flowers. It's like the tree is wearing a dress made of that lightweight crape fabric we talked about. So when you hear the word "crape myrtle," you can imagine a special tree with beautiful, wavy petals, just like a type of fabric.

Now, just so you know, "crape myrtle" can also refer to the specific name of a group of flowering trees that belong to the genus Lagerstroemia. These trees are well-known for their stunning flower clusters that bloom during the summer and fall. They come in various heights and colors and can be found in many gardens and landscapes.

So, to sum it up, "crape myrtle" means a type of tree that has thin, crinkly petals, just like the fabric called crape. It can also refer to a group of flowering trees that are famous for their beautiful flowers. It's like a living work of art in nature, bringing beauty and fragrance to gardens and landscapes.