Plants of Week: December 1

The Japanese larch, Larix kaempferi, is native to and common throughout central and northern Japan where it is an important forestry crop. In the wild, mature trees typically reach 70’ – 90’ tall with a broad conical crown and horizontal branches. Bright green needles turn yellow in fall before dropping to the ground in winter. Like Metasequoia and Taxodium, Larix are unique conifers due to their deciduous nature. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Garden location: between Sharples Dining Hall and Clothier Hall

Just about every publication cautions about the spines on Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Sasaba’. While the spines are certainly a consideration – they jut out in every direction, the spines dissuade deer browse and help divert foot traffic. Other attributes include an evergreen nature, slow growth rate, and fragrant fall-blooming flowers. Also looks great in holiday wreaths, check out our Holiday Greens Sale on Saturday, December 6. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Garden location: between Parrish Hall and Kohlberg Hall

Acer palmatum ‘Iijima sunago’ is a slow growing, upright Japanese maple. The cultivar name translates to “sand sprinkled” referring to the multitude of tiny green spots that develop on each leaf’s surface. The maroon leaves of spring and summer transition to hues of orange and yellow in autumn. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Garden location: Science Center