With the drought still hanging around, these drought-tolerant species are not ready to drop their foliage and are standing tall. 1)   Viburnum tinus ‘Purpureum’ Native to the Mediterranean region. With blue/purple berries and white/pink flowers and purple foliage, this is a beautiful shrub for interest in October. Great resource for pollinators. Many found along the Arboretum Loop Trail (A.L.T) on the west side in the Viburnum Collection. 

The Cascadia Focal Forest at the south end of the Arboretum is part of the Pacific Connections Garden. This forest showcases plants from the Siskiyous Mountains in southern Oregon and northern California. Many Indigenous groups (including the Shasta, Yurok, Grande Ronde, and Siletz) have roots in this area. Most of these groups were forced from their historical ranges. Despite the injustices and violence these groups endured, they continue to live in the vicinity and carry essential knowledge about the local flora. 

1)  Castanea crenata                                                                      Japanese Chestnut Though it is one of the smaller species of chestnut, C. crenata is still a valued food tree in its native Japan. Ordinarily, the nuts are also smaller than those of the European varieties. This specimen is located on the east side of our old field nursery along the gravel path. 2)  Cephalotaxus harringtonia var. nana                                  Dwarf Plum Yew Native to the forest understories of East Asia, this small evergreen shrub is known to thrive in semi-shaded places rather than in full sunshine. 

Hydrangea is a genus of over 75 species and 600 named cultivars that are native to a wide range of regions and countries including Japan, Asia, Indonesia, Himalayan Mountains, and the Americas. The name “Hydrangea” stems from the Greek words, hydor meaning “water” and aggeion meaning “vessel”, in reference to the cup-like capsular fruit. 1) Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Madame Emile Mouillere’                                                                                                                                                         Madame Emile Mouillere Hydrangea This award-winning Hydrangea was bred in France over 100 years ago. 

1)  Fuchsia magellanica                                                           Tree Fuchsia Native to the southern coast of South America. It has a notable orange, flaky bark and this particular shrub in the Arboretum has light pink blooms with a purple shade underneath. Found near the intersection of Lake Washington Boulevard and Arboretum Drive, across from the Stone Cottage. 2)  Lobelia tupa                                                                           Devil’s Tobacco Native to central Chile, the Mapuche of southern Chile consider it a sacred plant. 

Spring may delight us with color, but throughout the year we can appreciate other sensory elements in Washington Park Arboretum’s collections. Leaves and blooms can give off powerful aromas. Texture and plant shape can provide a sense of drama or reverie. Enjoy all your senses with these plant choices! 1)   Magnolia sieboldii                                                                     Oyama Magnolia Egg-shaped in bud, the white nodding flowers have a crimson stamen and leaves behind a showy pink fruit. 

It may not feel like it after such a rainy, cool spring, but the Solstice on June 21st marks the start of summer!  Although spring flowers are now behind us, plenty more have been blooming to welcome in the summer months.  Celebrate the beginning of summer at the Arboretum by viewing these seasonal favorites. 1)   Rosa rugosa  ‘Wasagaming’                                                  Wasagaming Rose This rose is a hybrid with showy, cool pink blossoms appearing in early summer and a strong floral fragrance. 

A fantastic group of volunteers has recently spent weeks weeding blackberry and ivy out of a group of collections north of the bus turnaround and south of parking lot #4 along the easternmost trail near the Broadmoor fence. The volunteers spread many truckloads of mulch in the area to help suppress future weed growth. This post is dedicated to the Monday Volunteer Group and highlights some of the interesting plants in this area. 

1)   Corokia cotoneaster                                                            Wire-netting Bush The common name of this species of Corokia aptly describes its wiry branches and tangled growth form.  In late spring, small, fragrant yellow flowers are produced singly or in clusters up to four. Several specimens of this and the following selections are currently in bloom throughout the Pacific Connections New Zealand Garden. 2)   Phyllocladus alpinus                                                              Mountain toatoa P. 

1)  Sequoiadendron giganteum                                                 Sierra Redwood These impressive trees are scattered around Seattle and West Seattle. The grove on the western border of the Pinetum is worth a visit (located at: 101-48-K).  Feel the “vibe”! 2)   Platanus orientalis                                                                 Oriental Plane This is a excellent urban tree. You’ve probably zoomed past a good example many times along the Lake Washington Boulevard (located at: 31-54-C).