A Purple Smoketree at 120 N. Hayes has been selected as the tree of the season by the North Platte Tree Board.

In late summer, the purple smoketree looks like a large, attractive bush. Earlier in the growing season, from spring to mid-summer, it is crowned with a remarkable gossamer of smoky-pink color, which comes from fine hairs that surround the developing seeds.

The tree is unaffected by pests or diseases and can thrive with little care. It will grow in rich to poor soil, as long as it is well-watered. 

Nurseries are currently offering large discounts on trees and shrubs and autumn is the perfect time to plant them, allowing root systems to get well established before winter, the tree board says.

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