Jacarandas: the purple haze in CDMX

jacaranda tree- photo by jennyrose

My favorite season in Mexico City begins in February when the smell of spring is in the air, the days are a perfect temperature, the skies are blue and the jacarandas come into full bloom throughout the city creating a purple haze on many streets and parks.

It is only January and I have already begun to smell the hint of spring in the air, that earthy, fresh soil smell that comes with a warmth in the air during the day and early evening. The nights are still fresh and often downright cold but the days have been beautiful and warm.

Interestingly, jacarandas are not native to Mexico. They were brought to Mexico City in the 1920s and 1930s by Japanese landscape gardener Tatsugoro Matsumoto to beautify the capital. The trees are native to South American countries like Brazil and Uruguay.

jacarandas near Alameda, CDMX-photo by jennyrose

Apparently, they were planted to resemble the cherry blossom trees in Washington, DC, however, the cherry blossoms did not fare well in Mexico City. Jacarandas were then imported and have fared well becoming an iconic look in the city in the months typically late March to early April. However, as stated, I am already seeing jacarandas blooming in January.

jacarandas in CDMX-photo by jennyrose