Tree Armatures From Crepe Myrtle

[Drew1125]

I know there are currently a couple of threads running on how to make trees...so I thought I'd toss un one more.
In the southeastern U.S. we have a bush called crepe myrtle...they range from 2 - 20 ft tall, & have a large, red, or white multi-flower bloom in mid-summer.
In the fall, the blooms dry up into these multi-pod structures...
I went out & gathered a few this morning, & thought I'd show you what a great little armature these make.
I've cut these to be a good size for N scale, but you could easily cut larger pieces for HO.
The first pic shows the dried flower cut from the bush...

 

[Drew1125]

...using some scissors, I trim off the pods, & have a pretty nice little tree, ready for foliage...

 

[shamus]

Hi Charlie, they should look great with the foliage on them, over here in the UK there is a similar kind of bush called (sometimes) Babies breath, it is multi coloured red/white and when old and tired (Like me) is a rusty colour. You can just shake the thing and the dead buds fall off.
Shamus

 

[t. alexander]

Hey charlie those look like they'll make great trees. I'm going to be on the lookout for those.

t.

 

[davidstrains]

Charlie,

I just found a way to get acquainted with a neighbor across the street. He has 7 Crepe Myrtle bushes in his yard.

 

[tomfassett]

Man, we just don't have plants like those in the desert. Those are pretty robust looking twigs. Plants in the desert grow fast (when it rains--which it does sparingly) and have brittle, "non woody" stalks (more like thick straw). I may have to work a swap deal with some of you east coasters to get my hands on these things...

Tom F

 

[davidstrains]

Tom,

Another local alternative would be the dried flower section of a craft store like Michael's or Wal-mart. They have plants that also make good tree armatures. But if you want the East Coast stuff just yell.

 

[Vic]

Hehehe!!! Here in Columbus, GA (AKA The End of the Earth ) The Crepe Myrtle is the "Official" City Tree Will have to look into this

 

[jon-monon]

That's a great tree! It even looks good bare (dead or winter). Hey, what dija use for the browned out clump of grass uphill from the tree. Amazing what will grow in tan clay of the midwest!

 

[Railery]

Thats a great looking tree and it would look good in HO i will have to have my partner check into that. i don't know if they are up here sure hope so

 

[Jim de Bree]

Crepe mertyles are commonly found in southern California. The old Kalmbach book on Scenery written by Bill McClannahan (sp?) had a section discussing the use of crepe mertyle for winter scenes when all the leaves have fallen. I have used them in the past. By the way, this is the best time of year to obtain specimens.