17. Ironwood

Go left on the pathway after the flowering pear and retrace your steps going back to the wild grape stop (3). Once there, take the asphalt path on the left marked by an Arboretum map. You can find the ironwood tree shortly on the left. Persian ironwood grows best in slightly acidic, well-drained soils in full sun. Its fall colors are preceded by reddish purple leaves in spring that mature to a dark green in summer. When ironwood’s bark peels, bright shades of green, white, and tan are revealed. Other related genuses of species you may recognize include Loropetalum (Chinese fringe flower), Hamamelis (witch hazel), and Liquidambar (sweetgum).