Out and About in the Arboretum

Named for its sawtooth-like serrated leaves, Quercus acutissima, Sawtooth Oak, is native to Asia, but quite at home in front of the Lois Forrest Nature Center on the Medford Campus. It was introduced to the US in 1872, and is now commonly grown from the Southeast US up to the Mid-Atlantic. This fast growing shade tree is a special treat to relax under during a warm summer day. Perhaps check it out with a rest in mind.

The Lumberton Campus Meadow is coming alive! This is a great time to get out and enjoy the colors of the season, which right now are predominantly white, blue and yellow. Of particular note is the White Penstemon, Penstemon digitalis, a wonderful native perennial, which flows through the entire Meadow. Sure is worthy of a stroll to enjoy the view.

As you are out and about in the Arboretum, you will note the shrub Ninebark along Medford Leas Way, on the edge of the berm on the Medford Campus. This native shrub is known for its white flowers in the spring, and in the winter when the leaves have dropped, the exfoliating bark is an interesting sight. Its fast growing habit makes it a favorite for many locations.

Chionanthus virginicus, commonly called Fringetree, is a favorite tree for many to enjoy. The fragrance of the blooms is so special at this time of the year, and the heat seems to make it a bit more intense. The common name refers to the fragrant flowers which feature airy clusters of fringe-like, creamy white petals. At night, the tree can shed a luminescent radiance in the moonlight.

Bring on the hummingbirds! Major Wheeler,Lonicera sempervirens, a native vine, is in full bloom, producing a blanket of tubular, reddish orange to coral colored flowers from now through summer. Towards the end of the growing season, red berries will attract goldfinches and robins.

If you like colorful blooms on trees, you will love the horse chestnut (Aesculus sp.) trees as they come into bloom. These surely are attention-grabbing specimens in the spring. The trees feature beautiful clusters of white or red flowers at this time. In addition to the beauty of the blooms, they also provide great shade in the summer and grow quickly. With a growth habit of 13 to 24 inches each year, these trees will grow to a mature height of 50 to 75 feet.