For two weeks, we have experienced daily high temperatures near or above 100℉, with no rain. Typically during the summer months, the arboretum's irrigation system keeps the plant life happy and green. Unfortunately, this year the irrigation system is having some mechanical difficulties. As a result, the landscape of the arboretum looks parched. Some leaves are shriveling, while others are turning colors and dropping. Our tree of the week is one such noticeable specimen.
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The red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is a blog favorite. It draws our attention all year long. In the spring, it is one of the first trees to put out its leaves and lovely flowers. During the summer, the developing fruits draw ones attention; the fruits ripen and handsome seeds litter the ground in autumn; and early winter is a good time to plant those seeds, which readily germinate.
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This week, the red buckeye pops out in the landscape because of its yellow-orange leaves. Pictured here is a small grouping of seedlings; the seeds were planted this past winter.
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The orange leaves are a sign of the hot, dry weather conditions, but not necessarily a cause for concern for this particular species. Each year, with the beginning of the fall term, red buckeyes are one of the first trees to drop their leaves. Although, this is still a little too early.
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In this grouping of buckeyes, the leaves are richly colored.
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Red buckeyes have compound leaves, with five leaflets.
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Although the leaves are turning color early, this leaf buds looks healthy.
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These two buckeyes are 3½ years old. Their foliage is still partially green.
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Their leaf buds look good.
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This is another 3½ year old. It is mostly green.
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And it even has fruit!
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These leaf buds look good, too.
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This is another 3½ year old. It's mostly green.
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This 3½ year old, however, is all yellow.
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And what's this? A freerider?
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It's another sign of the season--a cicada exoskeleton that happens to be curled around a pair of red buckeye leaf buds. What a curious choice made by this "litterbug!"
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