As the garden prepares for it's winter nap, many plants treat us to a show of color. Here in the garden you will see these and more making the seasonal transition. Come see them in person.
1. Botanic name: Camellia sinensis Common name: tea plant Family: Theaceae Whether your tea is black, green, or white, it comes from the caffeine-containing tea leaves of this particular camellia. The differences in tea varieties come from the manner in which the leaves are processed. This evergreen Asian native produces white-yellow flowers about an inch in diameter with 7-8 petals. The seeds are pressed to yield an essential oil sometimes used in cooking and cosmetics. (This is not tea tree oil; that comes from a different plant.) The tea plant does well in partial sun, and can grow into a tree if left unchecked.
2. Botanic name: Euonymus alatus Common name: burning bush Family: Celastraceae In the 1860’s burning bush, native to parts of Asia, was introduced to the United States. Its deciduous leaves turn a vibrant crimson in the autumn, with matching bright red berries. The combination of hardiness and brilliant fall color makes this a popular garden resident, and it can be seen virtually everywhere in the local area. You can find a gorgeous, approximately 8’ tall, burning bush on the hill just above the Manor House.
3. Botanic name: Euonymus europaeus Common name: spindle tree Family: Celastraceae Elliptical 3-8“ leaves with serrated edges transform into showy shades ranging from pink to red to purple, making this tree stand out in the garden. Like its relative (described above,) it is also an immigrant, but instead comes to us from Europe. Its wood is quite hard, and was ideal for making spindles, hence its name. The glorious, red capsulate berries are quite poisonous, but they do put on an additional show of color when they ripen and split open to reveal vibrant orange seeds.
4. Botanic name: Sassafrasalbidum Common name: mitten tree Family: Lauraceae Native to North America, this plant gets its common name from the shape of its leaves which may have up to three lobes. These uniquely shaped leaves put on a spectacular show of color in the autumn. Left alone it can grow up to 60’ tall. This time of year it may have ½" blue fruit hanging from its branches. The bark, leaves, stems, and fruit are dined on by birds and animals, and were considered a cure-all tonic by the Spanish, though it is not commonly used today.
Botanic name: Symphoricarpos albus Common name: snowberry Family: Caprifoliaceae This American native resides comfortably in our Garden’s upper forest. It is noted for its clusters of white berries hanging under stems of 1-2” long rounded leaves. These berries, while poisonous to humans, are an important food source for quail, pheasant, and grouse. The berry clusters give the plant its botanical name, which is derived from the Greek term for “to bear together.” This bush grows plentifully, so you will see many of them in the garden.