Out and About in the Arboretum

The Buckeyes are in bloom! The genus, Aesculus, buckeye, includes seventeen species of trees and shrubs native to Europe, North Americana and Asia. They are called buckeyes because their characteristic shiny, dark brown nuts, each with a pale spot, reminded early settlers of deer’s eyes.

Tilia tomentosa, commonly called silver linden or European white linden, is native to Europe and Asia, but can be found in a beautiful cluster on the Medford Campus by Parking Lot B. This tree is noted for its attractive foliage, which is glossy green above and on the reverse side silvery-white. The foliage flutters in the slightest breeze, showcasing the silver and green leaf colors. This tree typically grows to 50-70′ tall with upright branching and a broad-columnar habit. Fragrant pale-yellow flowers in groups appear in late June or early July.

Fothergilla gardenii, commonly known as dwarf fothergilla, is a compact, slow-growing, deciduous shrub that typically grows 2-3′ tall. This shrub is in bloom now with fragrant flowers.

In landscaping, an allee, or avenue, is typically a straight line of trees running along each side of an area. Its Latin source, venire, indicates an arrival at a landscape or architectural feature. As you approach Court 26 on the Medford Campus, the allee of ‘Autumn Brilliance’ Serviceberry, Amelanchier x Grandiflora is ready to greet you.

It seems as if just a few weeks ago, we enjoyed the brilliant fall color of the Red Maple trees. And now as we enter spring, we can enjoy them again for their early spring color amidst the differing shades of green…

Just last week, the newly updated Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve of Medford Leas website was launched. Thank you for visiting!