Magnolias, magnolias, magnolias! Where to begin?! These harbingers of spring have started to bloom! The Washington Park Arboretum has 250 magnolia tree specimens, with some impressively mature trees dating back to 1940. Lucky for us, the breadth and variety of the University of Washington Botanic Gardens’ collection means we should have a steady supply of magnolia blooms through the summer.
Of the 250 magnolia specimens, there are 38 species, subspecies and varieties (i.e. 

1)   Cornus mas                                                                            Cornelian Cherry

This yellow flowering tree that blooms in late winter to early spring, is native to southern Europe and southwestern Asia.
The common name refers to the fruit that matures in late summer.  The fruit has many cultural uses including jams, medicine, beverages, tools, and spears.
There is a grove of this Cornus at the Center for Urban Horticulture along NE 41st Street.  

Azara is a genus of plants native to the temperate and subtropical regions of South America. The Chilean name for these plants is Corcolén. The genus contains only ten species, four of which you can find growing here at the Washington Park Arboretum!  All species of Azara are evergreen shrubs to small trees.  Although some species of Azara are considered to be borderline hardy in our Pacific Northwest climate, we have had success growing them at the Arboretum. 

The following ex-situ conservation plants are all listed as endangered in their region of origin due to habitat loss and climate change:
1)   Araucaria araucana                                                                          Monkey Puzzle

This unique looking conifer is native to the Chilean Andes and considered a living fossil dating back over 60 million years.
The Mapuche Pehuenche people of the Andes value these trees for their edible seeds and spiritual significance. 

1)   Corylopsis glabrescens                          Fragrant Winter Hazel

Corylopsis are Asian natives which bloom in late winter or early spring with profusions of sunny yellow flowers dangling from bare branches.
Corylopsis glabrescens is the hardiest of the genus and can grow up to 15 feet high and wide.
Flower buds are about to burst open on this shrub in the Witt Winter Garden. 

1)  Abies pinsapo var. marocana

This fir is native to Morocco, where it occupies a small area in the mountains south of Tetuan.
Not as tall as the type, this variety has needles similar to A. pinsapo but are wider and longer.
Located along the Arboretum Loop Trail, just south of parking lot #19.

2)  Cunninghamia konishii

Cunninghamia is a genus of just three species native to northeastern Asia. 

As we approach winter and the leaves are off the deciduous trees, we have an opportunity to see the forms of trees and their bark.  Some tree barks are just gorgeous and really add to a landscape’s appeal.

1)   Illicium henryi                           Henry’s Star Anise

Native to China, this pungent plant is related to culinary star anise (Illicium verum). Specimens can be found on the Sino-Himalayan hillside and along the western edge of the Magnolia Collection.
The genus name Illicium comes from the Latin for “allurement” or “inducement from an enticing scent”. This refers to the aromatic scent released by bruised or crushed leaves. 

1)   Edgeworthia chrysantha                          Paperbush

Native to China, the inner bark of this plant may be used to make quality paper.
The silvery flower buds will open in mid-winter to very fragrant, creamy-yellowish flowers.
Edgeworthia can be found on the west side of the Graham Visitors Center in the Pacific Connections China Garden and the Witt Winter Garden.

2)   Hamamelis vernalis  ‘Christmas Cheer’                          Witch Hazel

This witch hazel is native to the Ozark Plateau. 

Having grown up in northern California, I came to the Seattle area with a treasured tree in my heart and could quickly answer the “favorite tree” question commonly asked in horticultural gatherings. Though my neighborhood was a bit inland and to the south of the coast redwood range (and so was surrounded by majestic oaks most of my days) it was the stunning Sequoia sempervirens forests along the northern coast where I hiked and camped which I considered iconically and perhaps spiritually my home.