1)  Illicium henryi     (Henry’s Star Anise)

This Chinese Illicium is a standout of the genus, as most anise have white or cream-colored flowers.
I. henryi can be found along the foot path of the Sino-Himalayan Hillside as well as along the Ridgetop Trail, just west of the Magnolia Collection.

2)  Kalmia latifolia     (Mountain Laurel)

This under-used Rhododendron relative is native to the eastern United States. 

 
 
 
1)   Aesculus x carnea    ‘Fort McNair’

A hybrid between A. pavia and A. hippocastanum, it probably originated as a chance hybrid made by insects in 19th-century Germany.
Selected at the fort of the same name in Washington, D.C., flowers are pink with a yellow throat.
It can be found on Azalea Way, across from the Woodland Garden.

 
 
2)   Buddleja globosa

A species of flowering plant endemic to Chile and Argentina, where it grows in dry and moist forest. 

Free weekend walks for the month of May will feature many special flowers in our collection – like this small shrub, the Calycanthus x raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’ which sits outside the Graham Visitors Center.

1)   Acer circinatum (Vine maple)

Taken for granted around here, this time of year our vine maple is most eye-catching in flower.
Located throughout our native matrix as a deciduous forest understory tree.
Vine maple is native to the North American west coast from British Columbia to California.

2)   Acer cissifolium   (Vine-leaf maple)

Despite their similar common names, vine maple and vine-leaf maple could hardly be more different. 

Many of us know of Henry Yesler, one of Seattle’s forefathers, but what is Yesler Swamp on the east side of the Center for Urban Horticulture?

These enthusiastic, thoughtful and genuine folks are our Garden Guides for the UW Botanic Gardens Summer Camp at the Arboretum. They are charged with creating fun, educational, nature-based experiences for our campers. They have our 230 acre nature oasis to work with, their own experience and excitement to bring to the table, and a host of materials and curriculum to support their endeavors. 

If you and the kids are looking for a fun way to enjoy the sights and smells of the season, stop by the Graham Visitors Center and pick up a Spring Scavenger Hunt clue sheet

Our native Big Leaf Maples, Acer macrophyllum, are currently covered with dangling flowers.  Right now is one of my favorite times to view these giant native trees because the effect of all these flowers in the trees is stunning.   The flower clusters are about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick and because the tree has not foliated yet, they pop out like bright yellow/green ornaments. 

“Now it will Spring forth!”
1)  Acer macrophyllum    (Bigleaf maple)

Taken for granted around here, this time of year our Bigleaf maple is most eye-catching in flower.
It’s the subtle texture of its expanding leaf that drew my attention.
Located throughout our native matrix as the dominant deciduous forest tree.

2)  Aesculus wangii

A horse chestnut classified as vulnerable in its native habitat of Vietnam. 

Space is limited, so click here to sign up for a shift today!