Plants of the Week – April 30

Sinojackia xylocarpa is a small deciduous tree not often seen in cultivation. The tree bears numerous white flowers typical of Styracaceae in mid-spring followed by unique pendulous, acorn-like fruit. A single specimen is planted near the West House along Elm Avenue. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Many plants throughout the Scott Arboretum serve in both an aesthetic and functional capacity. Trees and shrubs often mask utilities necessary for the operation of a college campus and arboretum. Native Chionanthus virginicus, or white fringetree, fulfills this role behind the Science Center where its wide-spreading to small tree-like habit screens a utility box. Fleecy panicles of white flowers are produced on the previous year’s wood. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Metapanax davidii thrives near the entrance to the Off Campus Study office. The small evergreen provides dramatic texture with fine, serrated foliage. Newly emerging leaflets are particularly showy. Provide protection from winter winds. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Asarina procumbens scrambles over and spills down the rock retaining wall in the Entrance Garden. Commonly known as trailing snapdragon, A. procumbens is a trailing herbaceous perennial native to the Iberian Peninsula. Pale yellow snapdragon-like flowers bloom singly from the leaf axils. Plants prefer well-drained soils and may self-seed. Photo credit: J. Coceano