University of Tennessee Forest Resources Research Center

As one walks the Arboretum trails at this time of year, the fruits of a variety of woody plants and vines can be seen. Our native Dogwood, American Holly and Greenbriar are found along with several non-native, invasive plants, such as Oriental Bittersweet, Chinese privet, and Amur Honeysuckle. Some of these fruits, such as those of the Dogwood provide food for a variety of birds (e.g., robins, cedar waxwings) and small mammals. Six of the more common winter fruits found at the Arboretum are described below.

Left: Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Right: Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
American Holly Fruit

Left: American Holly (Ilex opaca)
Right: Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)
Amur Honeysuckle Fruit

Left: Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)
Right: Greenbriar species (Smilax sp.)

Japanese Nutmeg (Torreya nucifera)

Early to Mid January

A native of Japan, this small evergreen tree belongs to the yew family (Taxaceae). It is one of five species of the genus Torreya, two of which are native to the U.S. (T. californica and T. taxifolia). A good example of Japanese Nutmeg can be seen at the upper end of the Arboretum’s Dwarf Conifer Collection next to the Valley Road. The leaves are two-ranked, and when crushed, they are have a pungent odor.

At this time of year, double rows of the male strobili (pollen cones) are conspicuous along the underside of some of the branches. The male and female cones are often found on separate branches of the same tree. The fruit is a single seed surrounded by a fleshy structure similar to the aril of yews. The nut-like seeds are edible and are pressed for a type of cooking oil.

In Japan this species may reach a height of 75 ft. The wood is highly valued for construction of boards used for the ancient game of Go. The species has been over-harvested in Japan and has become rare.

Vernal Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)

It's always somewhat surprising to find wildflowers in January, but despite the recent cold temperatures, a shrub next to Scarboro Creek just below the Arboretum Visitors Center was in full bloom. Vernal Witch Hazel is a native of the Ozark and Ouitchita Mountains. Its very fragrant flowers vary in color from yellow to purplish-red and usually bloom in January or February. The common name Witch Hazel purportedly comes from the belief that witchcraft allowed the crooked stems of the shrub to be used for divining water. The flowers of our native American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) have 4 yellow strap-shaped petals and are less showy than those of Vernal Witch Hazel. Witch Hazel belongs to the plant family Hamamelidaceae. The only other genus in this family native to the U.S. is Sweetgum (Liquidambar).

Deciduous Hollies

Late January to Early February

'Winterberry' (Ilex verticillata) is one of several deciduous hollies present in the Arboretum’s Marsh Area. These are part of the Elmore Holly Collection which is described in detail - including a full list of the collection and a site map.

Although one usually thinks of hollies as being evergreen, a variety of hollies lose their leaves each fall and provide a display of bright colored fruits at this time of year. 'Winterberry' is one of three native deciduous hollies found in East Tennessee - the others being Carolina Holly (Ilex ambigua v. amigua) and Mountain Holly (Ilex ambigua v. montana). Many culivars and hybrids using Winterberry have been developed including the four examples shown below that can be seen in the Marsh Area this winter.

Left: 'Winter Gold' (Ilex verticillata)
Right: 'Bonfire' (Ilex serrata x verticillata)
'Stop Light' Holly

Left: 'Stop Light' (Ilex verticillata)
Right: 'Earlibright' (Ilex verticillata)

Winter Fruits

Japanese Nutmeg (Torreya nucifera)

Vernal Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)

Deciduous Hollies