Spring comes early in Las Vegas and it comes suddenly, usually with bursts of wind. We had a few days of warm weather and everything started blooming. These are ornamental plum trees which lose their purple leaves in the winter and bloom in the spring. Because of its dark foliage and contrasting colorful flowers, the ornamental plum (Prunus cerisifera) is one of the most popular trees used in landscaping in Las Vegas. The deep purple leaves add an accent to predominantly green landscapes and catch the eye all over town.