I have a lot of pictures of this plant, and for a good reason. Starting in mid-summer into early fall it is enshrouded in a cloud of deep-blue flowers with a halo of pollinators all around.
Imposters!
I was nearly suckered as I was out in the garden taking some pictures. But something about it made me take a closer look. Something about those eyes…
Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua)
We inherited these trees when we moved into this house roughly a decade ago. We actually had nine, but a desire to completely change the landscaping on the entire property has whittled that number down to two. No regrets.
