Redbud (Cercis canadensis) in front of OSU's Payne Ellis Dorm

Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Redbud (Cercis canadensis) with Phlox

Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana)

Tulip magnolia (Magnolia soulangiana) close up

Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica)

Flowering quince (Chaenomeles)

One of the first spring flowers in Oklahoma, Flowering Quince, begins opening a few delicate blooms in late winter. It forms peach-colored blossoms and later darker pink to red flowers in early March. Along with Forsythia, Flowering Quince, brings the first shades of color in the dead of winter. Unfortunately, I could not get a clear shot as it was very windy the day I took this picture. But I guess this will do for now.

Forsythia

For me, Forsythia heralds the coming of spring! The bright-yellow, four-lobed petals of Forsythia blooms are produced late in winter before the leaves start to form. The breathtaking flush of color amid the bleakness of winter definitely makes Forsythia one of my favorite flowers.