ID Me: Flower and Tree/Shrub (San Leandro, CA, USA) (1 Viewer)

[CalvinFold]

I don't usually photograph plants, but these two were so brightly colored in the midst of the monotone, wintery, drab greens that I couldn't resist. And this forum has me in the habit of being super-accurate on IDs and trying to learn about the natural world as I go.

Attempts to ID the plants with the Audubon app was a lost causes (database too small?), so hoped you folks could help.

1. Beautiful orange flower. I made sure to leave the budding/unflowered version at the right side for additional reference.
2. This purple fellow really stuck-out from all the surrounding plants and looked quite stunning.

 

[KC Foggin]

I'm gonna hazard a guess on the second being a Lilac Bush.

 

[aeshna5]

Second isn't Lilac, but Judas Tree, Cercis siliquastrum. Recognise 1 but don't remember.

 

[dunedin]

1st one might be type of Crocosmia - Lucifer, not sure when you took the photo as a bit early for Monbretia would say

 

[dunedin]

I have a bit more info on this and been informed it might be a species of Watsonia a genus native to Sth Africa, not to bet on, but maybe W. spectabilis, await others input on this

 

[aeshna5]

I have a bit more info on this and been informed it might be a species of Watsonia a genus native to Sth Africa, not to bet on, but maybe W. spectabilis, await others input on this

Think you were closer with Montbretia. Early this morning before work I recognised the flower but couldn't recall the name. This evening the name came to me- Chasmanthe, which is South African, but saw it some years ago naturalised on Scilly.

 

[Simon Wates]

Think you were closer with Montbretia. Early this morning before work I recognised the flower but couldn't recall the name. This evening the name came to me- Chasmanthe, which is South African, but saw it some years ago naturalised on Scilly.

I amongst many have been calling these Montbretia or Crocosmia for years so thanks Aeshna for pointing me to the correct genus! I even went down and picked a floret from the garden next door to study and make absolute sure.

Chasmanthe floribunda (African Flag) is common in gardens in the Algarve, sometimes naturalising and it looks like the OP's flower indeed.

 

[Nutcracker]

Second isn't Lilac, but Judas Tree, Cercis siliquastrum.

Given the location, far more likely to be Western Redbud Cercis occidentalis (native in the area), or possibly a planted Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis :t: