An Afternoon Walk at the Washington Park Arboretum

This evergreen conifer displays a beautiful pyramidal shape that adorns the entrance of the Asian Maples when coming from the Graham Visitor Center.
In its native habitat, the mountains of northern and central Europe, this tree matures to 100 – 150 feet tall. However, naturalized trees planted in temperate regions of North America mature to 40 – 60 feet tall.
When looking closely at a branch, you can see the needle-like leaves attached at their bases to tiny pegs, which is indicative of the genus.
Picea abies is a very popular Christmas tree, despite how quickly the leaves start to shed and dry out.
Its wood was used to make the famous Stradivarius violins.

Walking by the southern end of Azalea Way and next to the Overlook Pond, you will see this stunning and breathtaking rhododendron.
It is a late bloomer – blooming in July and August. In the meantime, enjoy its shape and bark, which deserves everyone’s attention.
Native to China, eastern Sichuan, western Hubei, eastern Guizhou.
Even from a distance, you can perceive its very large leaves which are about six to 13 inches long and two to five inches wide.
Take a closer look at its characteristic hairy petioles and leaf midrib.

Hidden gem of the Hollies Collection.
This dense and compact plant keeps getting better with time by turning into a very structural and artistic shrub.
It is a female cultivar that produces attractive shiny black berries.
The leaves are alternate but grow close together, giving the shrub a frothy appearance.

University of Washington Botanic Gardens