1)         Cotinus obovatus                                                           American Smoketree

One of the earliest and most stunning of fall color plants, the leaves of Cotinus obovatus become a palette of orange, purple and crimson. One specimen can be seen along Arboretum Drive, just south of the Graham Visitor Center.  Another specimen that is already in full glory is located on Azalea Way near the southern intersection of the Arboretum Loop Trail. The American Smoketree is native to much of the southern United States and is an excellent choice for a hot and dry location.

Roy Farrow

2)   Elaeagnus pungens                                                       Thorny Olive, Silverthorn

Be wary, the Silverthorn can be a rangy, free-branching shrub that is invasive in parts of the American South and Midwest. The new upright shoots of this native (to China and Japan) have thorny side branches that can hook onto other plants to climb over them. You can enjoy the gardenia-like fragrance when you visit the totem pole along Arboretum Drive in early fall.

Roy Farrow

3)   Franklinia alatamaha                                                                 Franklin Tree

This beautiful relative to Camellia is now extinct in the wild.  Seeds were first collected in 1773 along the Altamaha River in Georgia.  By 1803, no trees were known to remain. Named for Benjamin Franklin, this tree blooms in the fall, just before the arrival of stunning fall colors. Franklin Trees can be found along Azalea Way as well as Arboretum Drive.

Roy Farrow

4)  Magnolia sieboldii                                                                     Oyama Magnolia

Native to China, Korea, and Japan, the Oyama Magnolia blooms in late spring with fragrant, pendent white flowers. In fall, the fruit of this Magnolia turn deep red, eventually opening to reveal bright orange seed. You can view these odd fruit just outside the west doors of the Graham Visitor Center.

Roy Farrow

5)  Sorbus alnifolia                                                                    Korean Mountain Ash

The leaves of this species of Sorbus resemble Alnus (Alders) rather than Fraxinus (True Ash), which would be typical for many Mountain Ash species. An excellent specimen is located along the path on the east side of Arboretum Drive, just north of the Magnolia Collection.

Roy Farrow