Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

Tree of the Month - October 2016

Posted: September 27, 2016 at 22:14 pm

What is tree of the month?

Nyssa sylvatica

Nyssa sylvatica

Why is it tree of the month?

One of the very best trees for autumn colour, Nyssa sylvatica never disappoints. It is somewhat overlooked at other points during the year but come October, it stands out even among the riot of colour with leaves that turn strong shades of red, orange and yellow. It really is worth trying to catch our trees at their best.

Native to eastern North America, it grows in the company of many other of our favourites for autumn colour including cherry birch, Betula lenta, bitternut, Carya cordiformis and red maple, Acer rubrum.

Where can I find it?

Examples can be found dotted around both the Old Arboretum and Silk Wood, including on Pool Avenue, Holford Ride and Broad Drive.