Out and About in the Arboretum

In the heat of July, we can always count on Silphium perfoliatum, commonly known as the cup plant, to brighten our day. If you take a close look, you will see that the leaves of the plant come together in pairs to envelope the stem, forming a cup.

The lavender-blue spikes of vitex provide a wonderful show of color. Despite their graceful, almost delicate appearance, vitex trees are tough as nails and remarkably drought-tolerant. During periods of hot dry weather, the trees flourish for all to enjoy.

Even on a cloudy, drizzly raining day, the Coneflowers (Echinacea) can brighten up your mood with their cheerful colors.

The benefit of trees is most apparent during the warm summer months. The shade that they provide is a welcome respite to the heat of the day. As you enjoy being out and about this summer, think about the haven the trees provide you as a way to escape the heat and sun.

A recent rain and wind storm wreaked havoc with one of our newer specimen trees, Eastern Redbud, Cercis Canadensis “The Rising Sun”. This tree located by the entrance to Rushmore on the Medford Campus was virtually split in half from the wind.

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.