John Tradescant the younger is accredited with introduction of the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), which has been in cultivation since before 1888. In nature, it grows (where given the chance) to a monumental size, with stems clear of branches to around 80 feet up. Nearly as tall as our tallest specimens! The buter yellow leaves of those on Jackson Avenue are distinctive from afar and numerous younger trees are doted around the arboretum from seed collected by Forestry Commission colleagues at Bedgebury Pinetum in 2006.


Striking though short-lived, the colour of the sugar maple (Acer saccharum), visible from the STIHL Treetop Walkway, has definite shades of bonfire about it. Known as much for its autumn display as for its syrup, it doesn’t colour quite as well as it does at home in Canada. Though for the short period that it is at its peak, it is still rather impressive!


A number of birches are known for their autumn colour and two of the species from eastern north America are among the finest. The yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) and the cherry birch (B. lenta) are equally fine, both turning vibrant yellows. The two have overlapping ranges, though the yellow birch occurs at higher elevations. Our best of both grow along The Link, in Silkwood.


Always worth mentioning are the hickories (Carya species). Reliable as any for autumn colour, they too turn fantastic yellows. A real crowd pleaser is the large, narrow growing biternut (C. cordiformis) in what was the Hickory Collection on Broad Drive. Equally good is its close relative the black walnut (Juglans nigra), with large trees recently supplemented with young plants collected from the wilds of the Midwest (almost east!) in Illinois and Missouri.


Don’t forget to pull out the map and take it with you. Discover the expert’s seasonal picks on your next visit!


WESTONBIRT AUTUMN 2017 29


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