What’s in Bloom

The colors are popping on the Greenway. Get out your walking shoes and take a peak at the fall foliage.

Washington American Elm (Ulmus americana ‘Washington’)

• Color: Yellow
• Location: North End Parks
  

  Washington American Elm (Ulmus americana ‘Washington’)

As fall approaches its midpoint, the largest tree on the Greenway has begun to change colors as well, turning a brilliant yellow. The tree, a Dutch Elm Disease resistant variety developed in Washington, DC is located near the corner of Cross Street and New Sudbury Street. Those curious about the history of both our American Elm as well as the history of the species in urban environments can read more about it here.

Goldenrain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)

• Color: Orange or Yellow
• Locations: Urban Arboretum, Chinatown Parks

The Goldenrain tree is becoming a more popular planting in Urban parks for two main reasons: it’s yellow flowers, which are rare for trees to display in the mid-summer, and it’s drought tolerance. The fall color is, however, also impressive, whether it be the light orange displayed by the specimen in Chinatown Park (pictured), or the yellow color of the specimens located in the Urban Arboretum.

Goldenrain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)

Threadleaf Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii)

• Color: Yellow
• Location: Fort Point Channel Parks

Though fall color is traditionally an aspect of the landscape associated with Trees and Shrubs, there are some perennials which possess this quality as well. One example, Threadleaf Bluestar, a native of the Southeastern US, was recently honored by the Perennial Plant Association as the “2011 Perennial Plant of the Year”, citing its disease resistance, low maintenance nature, adaptability to a wide range of conditions, and multiple seasons of interest. It produces pale blue flowers in the early spring, but its feathery foliage persists throughout the summer and early fall before turning a golden yellow. Having just recently changed colors here on the Greenway, Threadleaf Bluestar is currently adding a nice splash of color to the Northern Fort Point Channel Park.

Threadleaf Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii)

Other notable plants:

• Witch-alder (Fothergilla): Multicolored, North End Parks and Fort Point Channel Parks
• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Yellow, North End Parks
• Red Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Red Sunset’ and ‘October Glory’) : Red or multicolored (North End Parks, Wharf District Parks, Fort Point Channel Parks)
• Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua): Multicolored, Wharf District Parks