LA without palm trees?

The City Council on Monday agreed to replace the trees with oaks, sycamores and other native species that provide more shade and are native to Los Angeles.

The news will likely disappoint legions of fans who say the palms have become synonymous with the city's beaches, warm weather and movie stars. The palms were brought here 100 years ago or more from Latin America and other exotic locales.

Read the rest here:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/11/15/america/NA_GEN_US_LA_Palm_Tree...

In the US, there is a big trend towards using native plants in landscaping and habitat restoration. Most US states maintain online lists of native and foreign invasive plant species, encouraging landowners to plant the former, not the latter.

Burning bush, http://www.creda.net/~ccmuseum/images/about/photos/burning_bush.jpg
, a species that brightens fall foliage across America, has been declared an invasive plant in New Hampshire and Vermont, two states that generate $$$ from fall foliage tourism. Ironically, the colorful hardwood forests that draw millions of visitors are the result of altered reforestation of the original mostly conifer woods felled by settlers and loggers more than 100 years ago.

It is fitting that the lanky palms we associate with LA scenery are recent immigrants, just like so many Californians. California lost its luster a long time ago.

It never rains in California. Girl, don't they warn ya. It pours, man, it pours.