Out and About in the Arboretum

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.

Commonly known as flame azalea, Rhododendron calendulaceum is an upright, loosely branched deciduous shrub that typically grows to 4-8′. It is native primarily to woodland slopes and areas within the Appalachian Mountains from Pennsylvania to Georgia.

Cornus florida, flowering dogwoods, are coming into their prime at this time. The dogwood, one of the most popular trees in the country, offers an unmatched four-season display of beauty.

Visions of rosy colored pink blooms cover the Centurion Crabapple trees that are along the perimeter of the Medford Campus Community Building Parking Lot. These cold hardy flower buds burst open in early spring to masses of rose-red blossoms that mature to cherry red fruit in fall. The foliage then emerges in a reddish green color and matures to a bronze-green.