Pretty Pollen

The pollen counts are outrageous here in southeastern Arizona as the trees, grass, and weeds have begun to sprout. Particularly problematic are the mulberry and ash trees, which coupled with the desert winds and Arizona dust, make for an especially severe allergy and asthma season. Despite the fact that the dust and pollen make me wake up sputtering every morning, the desert in bloom is a beautiful sight. On my morning constitutional today I came across a tree in full bloom, heavy with chains of purple flowers. If you happen to know what type of tree this is, please post a comment. (Hint: It's not a lilac bush.)