Out and About in the Arboretum

Hydrangea quercifolia, commonly called Oakleaf Hydrangea, is a shrub that just keeps on giving. Currently in bloom with its cream colored flowers it is a treat to behold. As the fall season arrives it gives a show with its bronze and maroon leaves.

Syringa reticulata, commonly called Chinese Tree Lilac, typically grows as a small tree or a large shrub. The showy, fragrant, creamy white flowers in early summer really calls you to get out and enjoy the fragrance.

A beautiful group of Cornus kousa dogwoods greet you upon entering the Lumberton Campus. This tree is a cousin to the American Dogwood. Native to China and Japan, it is theorized that over the millennia the Kousa Dogwood developed fleshy fruits which were appealing to the monkeys in these countries.

New trees in honor of the Arboretum’s 40th Anniversary include Cherry trees, Birch trees, and Magnolias. The Pinetum has been enhanced with the addition of four specimen trees. In addition, we have added a number of trees in memory of former residents.

A perennial favorite, fringetree is a wonderful tree for us all to enjoy. The common name refers to the fragrant flowers which feature airy clusters of fringe-like, creamy white petals. At night, the tree seems to shed a luminescent radiance in the moonlight.

Aesculus hippocastanum, Horse chestnut, is a large tree known for its showy flowers in May. The clusters of flowers are often six inches or more. This non-native tree gives its all at this time of the year. There are a number of these trees in the Arboretum.