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• February Plant of the Month

  Hammamalis vernalis – Ozark Witch Hazel

  

  Even on these blustery February days, bright colors can be found in the garden. Ozark Witch Hazel (Hammamelis vernalis) is just starting to open this time of year. As you can see, the sunshine yellow, tendril-like petals are beginning to unfurl on sunny, mid-30s days. These little yellow flowers in the above photo are not yet open to pollinators. Some might wonder what pollinators are flying around in the middle of winter. There has been research suggesting not only that flies and bees can pollinate witch hazels, but there is a specific genus of winter flying moth that may pollinate witch hazels too.

  Not only do they flower early in the season, but their flowers can last up to 8 weeks. Lengthy flowering occurs due to the plant’s ability to curl up to protect the flowers when temperatures drop below freezing and curl out on warmer sunny days. This species of witch hazel is native to the highlands of Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma, but also thrives in Massachusetts. Hamamelis vernalis is related to the New England native witch hazel, Common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). Hamamelis virginiana grows much larger than Hamamelis vernalis and flowers in the fall.

  

  Hamamelis vernalis was first introduced to the horticulture trade by Benjamin Franklin Bush, a plant collector for Charles Sprague Sargent, Arnold Arboretum’s first director. Starting in 1872, the Arnold Arboretum sent plant collectors and botanists all over the world looking for new and unusual plants to add to the newly founded arboretum. Although Bush may not have been the first botanist to collect samples from this species, the specific rooted cutting that was taken from Missouri in 1908 by Bush still resides at the Arnold Arboretum today and was first recorded flowering in January 1913. Bring your snow shoes and come visit our witch hazels, you can find one in front of the mansion and another in full flower down below the Dawn Redwoods.

• 
  Winterfire

  It’s time for one of our most popular family events: Winterfire! Winterfire combines lightscape with landscape to highlight the arboretum’s signature trees and garden features against a deep mid-winter sky. Enjoy the gardens in the winter twilight while sipping some hot chocolate around an open fire. This is a fun, family-friendly event.

  Register here

• 
  Mushroom Workshop

  This workshop will show you how to grow delicious mushrooms at home. There is a slide presentation then participants will inoculate logs and bring them home! The workshop is between our carriage barn and outdoors, please dress appropriately. All supplies are included in the cost of the workshop. This is a family-friendly event.

  Sign up here!

• 
  Enjoy of February e-newsletter

  Click here to read our February 2026 e-newsletter.

• January Plant of the Month

  Pinus sylvestris ‘Green Penguin’ – Green Penguin Scots Pine

  

  Pinus sylvestris ‘Green Penguin’ is a charming dwarf specimen Scots Pine. Known for its small, squat appearance, hence the name Green Pegnuin. This specific cultivar was found as a seedling in Park Rapids, Minnesota, by Jim Lewis. This cultivar is also known for its extreme hardiness with it being able to withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

  

  Photo courtesy of Conifer Kingdom

  This specific dwarf cultivar boasts a vibrant green that hardly fades in the winter. ‘Green Penguin’ grows 3-5 inches a year and tops out at about 4 feet tall. Our specimen resides in the Brook Garden at the arboretum across from the Elizabeth Magnolia and neighbors a three-flowered maple. This garden features a menagerie of unique and adorable dwarf conifers. This time of year, especially when there is snow on the ground, is the perfect time to enjoy these wacky conifers.

• 
  Enjoy our Janaury e-newsletter

  Click here to read the January 2026 e-newsletter.