Pink-flowered tree - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Pink-flowered tree," is a lovely, descriptive clue that points to a specific piece of botanical knowledge. However, as is often the case in crosswords, the answer has a dual meaning that provides a second, more common path for solvers to find their way.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a straightforward definition. The puzzle is asking for the name of a tree that is characterized by its pink flowers. There are many such trees, including cherry, dogwood, and crepe myrtle, so the solver must rely on the number of letters in the answer grid and any crossing entries to narrow down the possibilities. The answer is a specific tree whose name is perhaps more famous for another reason.

Thinking Approaches

A solver might approach this clue in a few ways:

1. Botanical Recall: If you're an avid gardener or have a good memory for flora, you might cycle through names of trees with pink blossoms until one fits the letter count and crosses.
2. Cross-Referencing: This is the most common crossword strategy. If you have a few letters, say M-M-S-, you can start sounding out possibilities. The unique structure of the answer often makes it pop out once a few key letters are in place.
3. The Associative Leap: When direct knowledge fails, it's wise to ask, "What else could this be?" The answer to this clue is also the name of a very popular brunch cocktail. For many solvers, thinking of brunch drinks will lead to the answer much faster than thinking about trees. This is a classic crossword misdirection - hiding a common word inside a more niche category.

Background Context

The answer refers to the Mimosa tree, often specifically the Albizia julibrissin, also known as the Persian silk tree. This tree is notable for its delicate, fern-like leaves and its fluffy, pink, thread-like flowers that bloom in summer.

The tree lends its name to the famous Mimosa cocktail, a simple but elegant drink made from chilled sparkling wine (like Champagne) and orange juice. The cocktail was likely named for the flower's vibrant color, which can range from yellow to orange-pink, mirroring the drink's hue.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect example of how crossword constructors use polysemy (words with multiple meanings) to create engaging puzzles. While on the surface it's a test of botanical knowledge, it's equally a test of general cultural knowledge. Recognizing that the answer might have a more common, unrelated meaning is a key skill for any solver.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This tree is known for its delicate, fern-like leaves and fluffy flowers.
2. Hint 2: It's also the name of a popular brunch cocktail.
3. Hint 3: The cocktail is made with champagne and orange juice.
4. Hint 4: The tree is sometimes called a 'silk tree'.