In honor of the annual Elisabeth Miller Memorial Lecture, this month’s plant profile features one of Betty’s favorite trees.

By John A. Wott, Director Emeritus

Since its founding 35 years ago, the Center for Urban Horticulture (now a part of the University of Washington Botanic Gardens) has produced numerous students, staff, and faculty who have continued on to illustrious horticultural careers. A few days ago, I received this photograph of Dr. Harold B. Tukey, Jr., founding director, and associate professor James R. 

Crape Myrtles are tolerant of hot and dry summers and offer appeal throughout the seasons

Featuring a Selection of Trees at the Center for Urban Horticulture

1)  Acer japonicum  ‘Aconitifolium’                         Fern Leaf Maple

Grove of six located in McVay Courtyard
Planted in 1986, original design element for McVay Courtyard
Beautiful leaf texture with extraordinary fall color
The most iconic tree at the Center for Urban Horticulture (CUH)

2)  Cedrus deodara             Deodar Cedar

Two mature specimens located at northeastern entrance to Event Lawn (x from Greenhouse)
The only conifers remaining from pre-CUH development
Probably planted post-war years (1950s) for UW married student housing

3)  x Chitalpa tashkentensis  ‘Morning Cloud’                                                                           Morning Cloud Chitalpa

An inter-generic cross between Catalpa bignonioides and Chilopsis linearis
A hardy drought tolerant tree currently in flower, hence its cultivar namesake
Several specimens located in bed along NE 41st Street, west entrance to CUH. 

Stewartia monadelpha is a stunning tree throughout the year. Don’t miss its lovely blossoms this month.

Urban horticulture has come a long way from the days of the pink flamingos, but they still hold a special place in our hearts!

It’s spring and time for a full on revival in the Center for Urban Horticulture’s Goodfellow Grove!

Thanks to dedicated volunteers, over 22,000 pressed plant specimens have been reviewed and documented.

When the Center for Urban Horticulture was established in 1980, one of the programmatic thrusts was to develop and carry out a comprehensive public outreach program.

UW graduate student Nicolette Neumann Levi is looking for ways to bring more native pollinators to the UW Farm.