Thundercloud

 

3/27/22 Maple Leaf neighborhood

Each spring, ornamental plums seem to end up in the shadow of their more showy cousins, the ornamental cherries. Personally, I’m not too fond of their near-black foliage, but when the tiny blossoms start opening, I love the strong contrast between the blooming branches and other parts of the tree still in bud. I’ve been watching this plum on our neighborhood walks because I wanted to catch it before it peaks.

Last summer I sketched the same tree long after the blossoms were gone. Despite what I said about that dark purple foliage, the hue is an interesting challenge, as is trying to show its form in all that darkness.

Ever since I learned that this plum variety is called “Thundercloud,” it seems more exciting to me. OK, I take back what I said about not being fond of it; I have plenty of reasons to appreciate Prunus cerasifera.