Clif Edwards

1)   Abies concolor                     White Fir

• This tall conifer, native to the mountains of western North America, adds an interesting silvery blue backdrop to our Legume collection.
• The young trees are valuable in the Christmas tree trade for their ornamental look.
• The specimens in grid 16-6E were planted in 1938.

2)   Acer davidii                     David’s Maple

• This tree is named in honor of French priest and naturalist Armand David, who first described the species while on mission in central China.
• This species of maple falls into a loose category called “snake bark maples”, having smooth green bark with contrasting vertical stripes.
• Examples of this tree can be found near the Peony Collection on Arboretum Drive.

3)   Calycanthus occidentalis                     California Spicebush

• This evergreen shrub is native to California in moist habitats under 5,000 feet.
• The aromatic flowers, that have a Magnolia-like appearance, show between summer and fall.
• These plants belong to a small genus with only four species described. This species, being one of two in North America, can be found in grid 29-3E.

4)   Hydrangea macrophylla varieties                     Hydrangea varieties

• At the intersection of Arboretum Drive and the Rhododendron Glen is an impressive collection of hydrangeas in flower.
• The varieties in this species can range from white to pink, red, blue, and purple.
• Now widely cultivated in many countries, this plant is native to Japan.

5)   Sophora prostrata                     Kowhai

• This small tree or shrub is native to the southeastern island of New Zealand.
• Unusually small foliage and bright stems are interesting characteristics of this tree.
• The seed pods provide a nice contrast to the small leaves.
• This tree can be found in the Legume Collection.