June 2 to 8 - Kousa Dogwood

Over the next several weeks is a wonderful time to enjoy the 'Cornus kousa', commonly known as Kousa dogwood.  This is a small flowering tree that typically grows 15-30' tall.  Late May into early June brings a very showy "flower", 3-5" across, which covers the tree. The flowers are followed by berry-like fruit which mature to a pinkish red in summer, and last into the fall.  These berries make a great feast for the birds that live in our Arboretum.  There are a number of these specimen trees on both Campuses and you can easily identify them by their graceful blooms. Court Five is home to a lovely specimen for you to check out!

May 25 to June 1 - Fringe Tree

At this time of year, you have just a very brief time to enjoy the fragrance of the White fringetree-Chionanthus virginicus.  You will find a number of these specimen trees on the Medford Campus, including those in Courts 23 and 20.  A native tree to this area, it grows to just 12-20' tall, with a spread as wide as its height.  It is typically somewhat slow growing, but what is consistent is the fragrant fringe-like flowers that are in bloom for just a short time.  Make sure to get out to enjoy the fragrance and the graceful clusters of flowers.

May 18 to 24 - Flowering Dogwood

Sometimes considered the most spectacular of native, flowering trees, the Flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida, is in full bloom at this time.  Growing to a height of 20-40 feet it shares a long lasting showy white bloom that brightens up the Arboretum.  The blooms are followed later in the fall season with scarlet-red foliage. This tree does best in moist soil, with some afternoon shade.  You often see it as the understory of larger evergreen trees to provide the shade it needs from the full sun.  There is a wonderful demonstration of this planting concept on Medford Campus Community Building Parking Lot.

May 11 to 17 - Dwarf Fothergilla

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The Dwarf Fothergilla in Court 22 on the Medford Campus is in full bloom this week.  It is a native shrub, originally found in the Carolinas. Theblooms are white and resemble bottle brushes. The fall foliage is a spectacular combination of reds, oranges and yellows. Fothergilla fits into the landscape as a foundation planting or in a mixed border.  This shrub was named in honor of John Fothergill, a Quaker physician born in 1712 who lived in England. You will also find this shrub on the Lumberton Campus in full bloom as well.

May 4 to May 10 - Redbud

As you read this message,  Cercis canadensis, commonly called Forest Pansy Redbud, is in bloom.  This native tree is particularly noted for its stunning pea-like rose colored flowers which are currently in bloom on the bare branches of this tree. While you will find these trees located on both campuses, of particular note is a group of three Redbud trees that were planted last fall, along Medford Leas Way, in the Bridlington neighborhood.  Marcia Shearer donated these trees in memory of her husband, our resident Charles Shearer, who passed in 2012.  Thank you Marcia for choosing to honor your husband with this gift to our Arboretum. 

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