Plants of the Week: August 29

Catalpa speciosa, commonly known as the western catalpa, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the Midwestern United States. Native to a very small area where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers meet, the western catalpa is commonly used as an ornamental tree elsewhere, as it is easy to grow due to its tolerance of both wet and dry soils. The western catalpa grows up to 70 feet, with an irregular form and large leaves. This tree exhibits large panicles of white flowers beginning in late May, which give way to long, narrow seedpods. Fall color is often dull yellow, and there are no major diseases or insect problems.

Location: Near Ben West Parking Lot

Photo Credit: J. Jin

Euscaphis japonica, commonly known as the Korean sweetheart tree, is a small rare deciduous tree native to the forests of China, Korea, and Japan. This tree grows to 20 feet, with a 10 foot spread and is often classified as a large shrub. Euscaphis is relatively rare, as it was just discovered on the Korean Peninsula by J. C. Raulston in 1985. Seeds from the tree were taken back to North Carolina State Arboretum for assessment and evaluation. This tree has understated white flowers which bloom in late May, and produce fruit that ripens to showy red in late summer. Fall color is mahogany-purple.

Location: Corner of Beardsley Hall

Photo Credit: J. Coceano

Clematis ‘Mikolaj Kopernik’, common name of clematis, is a large late-flowering clematis. The flowers are lavender color, and fairly large with a 3” diameter. The flowers bloom twice, first in late May, and then in August. The vine is a good climber, attaching itself to supports with twining leaf petioles. This plant prefers full sun and is great for growing on a trellis or stake.

Location: In Front of Parrish Hall

Photo Credit: R. Robert