For weeks I have passed between the Sproul Observatory and the tennis courts scanning the Pinetum for a glimpse of fall color because I know what’s coming … Pseudolarix. photo credit: R. Robert

I am, of course, speaking of Larix and Pseudolarix. I first became aware of these two genera at The Arnold Arboretum last summer, and was excited to discover there are fourteen of these outstanding plants in the Scott Arboretum. For weeks I have passed between the Sproul Observatory and the tennis courts scanning the Pinetum for a glimpse of fall color because I know what’s coming … Pseudolarix.

The needles dehisce in the fall creating a beautiful carpet beneath the tree. photo credit: R. Robert

Why two genera? Pseudolarix is described as having larger cones with pointed scales that tend to shed as the fruit matures and the catkins form in clusters, while Larix catkins form in singles and the cone fall off whole when ripe.

Elegant branch unions of Pseudolarix amabilis add winter interest. photo credit: R. Robert

Of the six species represented at the Scott Arboretum the most suitable for this area appears to be the Pseudolarix amabilis. This specimen requires full sun and moderate water to establish; preferring acidic soil, Pseudolarix can mature at sixty feet.

In fall, the needles of Pseudolarix amabilis turn gold or deep bronze. photo credit: R. Robert

A large specimen will have nice splotchy grey bark and elegant branch unions. The needles emerge as light green umbrella-like structures similar to Sciadopitys. In fall, the needles turn gold or deep bronze and when they dehisce they create a beautiful carpet beneath the tree. The lime green fruit tends to appear en masse and add to the appeal of the tree.

I always find myself drawn to plants with multiple seasons of interest. Pseudolarix scores big in all seasons and will definitely make any homeowner’s collection unique. Very difficult to come by in retail, so most suggest propagating by seed. As young plants they grow rapidly and more slowly as they mature, making for instant shade where space it limited or as a stand-alone specimen to enjoy all of its glory.

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Ajania pacifica (silver & gold chrysanthemum)

Asteraceae

Do you like Pachysandra? Well I do, and this is a great perennial substitute. Not only is it perennial, it is also full sun and loves lean soil. It has been seen as far south as Atlanta, so you know it is heat and drought tolerant. You can view this wonderful ground cover in the John W. Nason Garden. Its leaves feature sharp-white margins with a matte green interior. Flowers emerge in late fall as small yellow aster-like discs. If you love Pachysandra and have a full sun site, this might be the plant for you. Photo Credit: A. Thomas

Acer tegmentosum ‘White Tigress’

Sapindaceae

Come see this tree immediately! This maple is scheduled for removal due to construction. What a shame. No, this tree in not in fall color, which is the main draw for maples, but the bark is to die for. Those mint green stripes flanked by crème-colored-streaks, diffusing into one another, are outrageous. This tree displays the very essence of seasonal interest. Located in the Hydrangea Collection, this is a must-see that may not be with us much longer. Photo Credit: A. Thomas

Disanthus cercidifolius

Hamamelidaceae

Hamamelidaceae says it all. That means you are within weeks of fall color. As you walk through the John W. Nason Garden or the Terry Shane Teaching Garden you may pass this plant and think it is another Cercis or a young katsura, but the true plant enthusiast will see the future. This is a plant to behold. Merlot leaf color awaits the patient! Ideal for full shade and maturing about ten feet tall, Disanthus cercidifolius is one of the early plants to go into fall color so hurry up so you don’t miss it. Photo Credit: A. Thomas

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Some may say that shagbarks only has two seasons of interest, but I argue that it has four. photo credit: A. Thomas

There is a line of Shagbarks planted along the path between Magill Walk and the SEPTA tracks. These were planted in 1986 and are still very young. There is a similar-sized specimen in The Pollinator Garden. This wonderful tree is full of those huge lime-green fruits, which are edible and apparently very tasty. As the trees mature the bark gets better and better. The peeling, large corky sheets of bark look particularly good when the tree is bare, cast against a snowy background. The large compound leaves are a healthy green until the fall when they magically convert to that perfect yellow. When the yellow foliage drops, it exposes that sharp peeling bark that has been forming for years. This is a truly a strong, vigorous species.

This wonderful tree is full of those huge lime-green fruits, which are edible and apparently very tasty. photo credit: A. Thomas

The Shagbark Hickory an ideal shade tree; it loves full sun to part shade and seems to tolerate many different soil types as long as they have good drainage. Shagbarks can be difficult to transplant as they have a long taproot.

The peeling, large corky sheets of bark look particularly good when the tree is bare, cast against a snowy background. photo credit: A. Thomas

This is a tree with very strong and flexible wood. The limbs tend to bend and hang when damaged, as opposed to snapping off and creating more damage to the tree and whatever else may be below.

The large compound leaves are a healthy green until the fall when they magically convert to that perfect yellow. photo credit: D. Mattis

Carya ovata has also been identified as one of the most important trees for roosting habitat for the Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) and the Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalist). These are native bats that are becoming less and less common partially due to loss of habitat.

Carya ovata has also been identified as one of the most important trees for roosting habitat for the Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) and the Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalist). photo credit: J. Coceano

I strongly encourage you to consider Carya ovata in your plant collection. A four season of interest tree that is low maintenance, edible, and enjoyable for a lifetime.

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Lamiaceae

As you approach the corner of Mertz Residence Hall, it will be hard to miss the mass of blue-grey foliage and massive blue flower spikes of Vitex agnus-castus ‘Shoal Creek’. I really enjoy this tree because of its multi-season interest and its ability to tolerate hot and dry conditions. Although winter die-back is common in Zone 5 and 6, the specimen on campus seems extremely vigorous. This plant can be limbed up as a multi-leader small tree or left alone as mounding shrub. Vitex is a wonderful option for full sun and lean soils. Photo credit: A. Thomas

Cornus controversa (Giant Dogwood)

Cornaceae

Located adjacent to the Swarthmore Train Station on Mertz Lawn, this sprawling specimen attracted my attention because of its beautiful dark-blue to deep-red fruit. Set amongst a stand of birch trees this Cornus really pops. Native to Asia this is a relatively low maintenance tree and really benefits from cooler summer weather. Fall color seems to be dependent on sunlight and can also vary from plant to plant. I can imagine this tree making an interesting addition to any shade garden.  Photo credit: A. Thomas

Franklinia alatamaha (Franklin Tree)

Theaceae

There is a small grove of Franklin Trees located just behind the Sproul Observatory and they are putting on a big show. Being in the same family as Stewartia, you can expect striking bark, heavy bud set, and wonderful white flowers with a large cluster of yellow anthers. I find the spindling caramel-striped bark to be the most appealing aesthetic of the Franklin tree. This tree needs full sun to part shade and must have well-drained soil. This is a truly special plant that should not be missed. Once native to southern Georgia it has been extinct in the wild since 1803. You can purchase your own Franklinia alatamaha at the 2015 Scott Arboretum Plant Sale. Photo credit: A. Thomas

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