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. 

We need your help! We depend on volunteers to keep our gardens looking beautiful, our plant records up to date and the kids programs running smoothly. Apply online today!

Striking elegance with remarkable hardiness and vigor, ‘Tiger Babies’ lily is considered a classic amongst lily growers worldwide.

 
 
 
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.

It’s nesting season right now, and we know where they’re nesting. Despite all this, however, the owl team got skunked. Not even a “who cooks for you”. The bat team, on the other hand, led by members from Bats Northwest, fared much better.

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. 

The Northwest’s own Pacific Coast Irises are coming into bloom!

As we bid adieu to soaking April showers, let’s also wish a fond farewell to over 300 hardy volunteers that helped keep our botanic gardens beautiful.

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?