Out and About in the Arboretum

True to its name, this October Glory Red Maple Acer rubrum is beginning to display some truly magnificent color. The color will only get richer in the coming weeks.

The Bur Oak, Quercus macrocarpa, is one of the larger members of the oak tree family with some trunks growing as large as 10 feet in diameter. Medford Leas is fortunate to have a grove of these beauties at the north entrance by the silo.

The brightly-colored Autumn Crocus, Colchicum autumnale, blooms in the fall, while its leaves grow during the spring and summer. It is toxic, especially to cats.

While technically only an insect, stick bugs truly look like their namesake and may briefly fool you. They belong to the vast order of insects called Phasmatodea and are simply fascinating.

As the seasons change and cooler months approach, enjoy the colorful fruits, such as those of Callicarpa americana, or American Beautyberry, named for its purple berry clusters.

Make sure you see the unique fruit of the Catalpa speciosa or cigar tree in Katzell Grove. The thin, beanpod-like structures will remain on the tree through the winter.