Plants of the Week: February 10

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’ (hybrid witchhazel)

While the weather is certainly unpredictable this time of year, one constant is the steady increase in daylight. We are not the only ones to take note. Despite the seesaw in temperature, plants are slowly awakening. Witchhazels, particularly H. mollis and x intermedia, are reliably one of the first shrubs to bloom. ‘Jelena’ is a tried and true cultivar with fragrant copper-orange blooms and the classic vase-shape habit. A young accession is in the courtyard of Alice Paul and David Kemp Residence Halls. 

Parrotia persica (Persian ironwood)

Another member of the witchhazel family, Parrotia, is perhaps best known for being an excellent small tree with handsome bark and bright fall foliage. One trait that is often downplayed, even cited as “somewhat insignificant,” are its curious flowers. The inflorescence are unique, as they are apetalous. Despite being composed of only stamens, the density of stamens and number of flower buds is eye-catching in late winter. Save any stems you may prune as they are great for forcing. Two stately Parrotia persica flank an entryway into Trotter Hall.

Quercus greggii (Mexican oak)

A semi-evergreen oak adapted to arid conditions, Quercus greggii is found throughout a large range in Mexico (Coahuila to Oaxaca, typically at 6,600 – 11,000 ft.) Given its native environmental challenges, Mexican oak are typically slow growing and present a shrub-like appearance. A look at the underside of leaves reveals a dense layer of trichomes. Our singular accession, dated 2013, is only a couple feet tall and wide and located north of the Dining and Community Commons.

Text and image credit: J. Coceano