Plant of the Month
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010
A stroll along the Magill Walk in early August is bound to yield a pleasant surprise. Under the towering canopy of swamp white oaks, Quercus bicolor, bursts forth Lycoris squamigera. This event seems to happen overnight. The sudden emergence and explosion of bloom is reflected in several fun common names: surprise lily, resurrection lily, magic lily, and even naked ladies. The genus Lycoris is named for Marc Antony’s actress mistress.
L. squamigera flowers and stalks. photo credit: J. Coceano
A member of the Amaryllidaceae family, Lycoris squamigera, produces pink blooms bearing similarities to that of the common holiday amaryllis. The multitude of common names originates…
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Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
The John W. Nason Garden is filled with dramatic textures and forms. The fine texture of Nasella and Amsonia juxtapose beautifully with large-foliaged plants like Catalpa, Paulownia and Silphium. Firmiana simplex, the Chinese parasol tree, is another dramatic character. The two specimens located on the grounds of the Scott Arboretum are found behind Trotter Hall. Firmiana hails from Asia and is a member of the Sterculiaceae or chocolate family.
Firmiana simplex flower close up. photo credit: J. Coceano
The Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs notes that Firmiana is “a noble foliage tree of medium size for the mildest climates.” The large, rich green maple-like leaves are the main…
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010
The Terry Shane garden is looking incredibly flush with foliage this time of year, with countless woodland plants striving for attention. One gorgeous species that is hard to miss is the red baneberry, Actaea rubra. A small patch of plants is holding vivid red fruits just above a backdrop of green foliage. Most people associate bright fruits with autumn, but the red and white baneberry produce fascinating berries during the summer.
The attractive fruit of Actaea rubra. photo credit: S. Keitch
Despite the fruit’s attractiveness, it is highly toxic, hence the ominous common name “baneberry.” The other moniker, “doll’s eyes,” is self-explanatory,…
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