Out and About in the Arboretum

The brightly-colored Autumn Crocus, Colchicum autumnale, blooms in the fall, while its leaves grow during the spring and summer. It is toxic, especially to cats.

While technically only an insect, stick bugs truly look like their namesake and may briefly fool you. They belong to the vast order of insects called Phasmatodea and are simply fascinating.

As the seasons change and cooler months approach, enjoy the colorful fruits, such as those of Callicarpa americana, or American Beautyberry, named for its purple berry clusters.

Make sure you see the unique fruit of the Catalpa speciosa or cigar tree in Katzell Grove. The thin, beanpod-like structures will remain on the tree through the winter.

Some things seem to pop up overnight, like these mushrooms near Rushmore Lane. And although fun to look at, we recommend you do not touch or consume any unknown fungi.

Butterfly bushes come in a wide range of colors and are irresistible to butterflies. This is a Sachem butterfly.