Bauhinia lunarioides (B. congesta)
Common: Texas plume, Anacacho orchid tree
Family: Fabaceae
Origin: Native to Louisiana and Texas
Light: Part shade to full sun
Soil: Sand, loam, limestone, well-drained
Good understory or patio tree in areas with limestone soils. Hardy, but needs a warm wall in winter. Plant it where it can get afternoon shade in the summer.
Deciduous, perennial woody tree, woody shrub, grows 12-15 feet tall and wide. Light green leaves with two leaflets that connect in the middle, resembling a butterfly wing. Blooms March to May, white to pale pink, 1-1/2" to 2" clusters.
One of the trees pictured was planted for Earth Day 1999 by ASU Clean and Beautiful, and the other was planted in memory of high school students at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, April 21, 1999.