Window on Westonbirt Arboretum

What's looking good

Our Window on Westonbirt Volunteers have explored the arboretum this week to inform our visitors of the following not to be missed seasonal highlights.

Use Arboretum Explorer to help you discover more tree locations around the arboretum.

blackberry shaped black fruit with bright green leaves

Henry's finger aralia

The maples are putting on a stunning show in both Maple Loop and Acer Glade at the moment but there are lots more interesting specimens to see. Head up Morley Ride to see the spectacular blackberry-like large fruits of Henry's finger aralia (Eleutherococcus henryi var. henryi).

 Harlequin glorybower 

On Loop Walk at the top of Morley Ride you will find the Harlequin glorybower (Clerodendrum trichotomum) with its black centre berry contrasting with the crimson-maroon calyxes.

eye-catching maroon calyxes bearing deep blue-black berries.
An explosion of yellow leaves surrounds a tall trunk.

Katsura tree

At this time of year you are more likely to smell the Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) before you see it. As the rounded, heart-shaped leaves decay they give off a sweet smell of toffee because of their high sugar content. But they also give us a splash of colour too, from gold to scarlet. They are widespread across the Arboretum.