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. 

This hardy, bright pink Rhododendron lights up the garden in late winter.

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. 

Intrepid plant hunters suffered a bit to bring back seeds of this glorious Chinese shrub to grow in the Arboretum.

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. 

My name is Adam, and I’m an Americorps member serving as the Assistant Farm Manager at the University of Washington Farm. The UW Farm is a two acre student-powered farm located across three sites with varying scales, challenges, and opportunities. At our largest site at the Center for Urban Horticulture, we demonstrate productive market gardening, while at the Mercer Court dormitory complex we model how farming can fit into urban environments. 

While we are all on-board with getting kids outside more often and less bonded to screens, many people see the benefits of an outdoor education but don’t necessarily have the schedule flexibility or the financial means to send their kids to a nature-based program.

Getting out on the weekend can be tough too, especially in the winter. This is what it looks like in my house…
Me: Let’s go to this cool trail this weekend! 

My name is Chloe, and I am serving at the University of Washington Botanic Gardens through AmeriCorps and Washington Service Corps. Before I go into the duties of my specific position, I’d like to give a brief explanation of what it means to serve as an AmeriCorps member. AmeriCorps members often find themselves recruiting volunteers and promoting active community engagement to better serve their local neighborhood. 

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.