Our Window on Westonbirt volunteers have explored the arboretum this week to let you know what's looking its best. Keep an eye out for the following seasonal highlights - they're not to be missed! You can also use our Arboretum Explorer to discover more tree locations around the arboretum.
Judas tree
As you arrive at Westonbirt, just before reaching the car park, you will see a group of trees with striking purple-pink flowers. This is the Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum). Given this name because legend has it that this is the tree on which Judas hanged himself. There is an amazing specimen on Waste Drive and another where Waste Drive joins Barn Walk.
Handkerchief tree
Delicate papery-white bracts give this tree its common name, the Handkerchief tree (Davidia involucrata). The bracts enclose clusters of tiny flowers on long pendulous stalks in spring. There are two fine examples on Main Drive.
Chilean fire bush
The Chilean fire bush (Embothrium coccineum) found along Sand Earth in Silk Wood is worth seeking out. It's an evergreen small tree with leathery leaves and clusters of narrowly tubular glowing scarlet flowers.
