Fothergilla major

Fothergilla major at Washington Park Arboretum October 2011 

Fothergilla major at Washington Park Arboretum November 2011

 Fothergilla major at Washington Park Arboretum October 2011

In Seattle we seldom see Fothergilla major (Large Fothergilla).  This is a pity because it's an impressive shrub that tolerates some dryness.  More common is Fothergilla gardenii (Dwarf Fothergilla) which is lovely, but much smaller & needs regular water through the summer.  You can find Fothergilla major at the top of the Woodland Garden & along the East Drive, just north of the Pacific Rim Garden, at the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle.  William Calluna, author of Native Trees, Shrubs & Vines, writes that Fothergilla major is native to ridge tops & dry slopes in the southern Appalachian Mountains from North Carolina & Tennessee to Georgia & Alabama.  It is rare in the wild.  It has brilliant fall foliage, lovely flowers & a pleasing form.  It can reach 15 feet in height & spread 12 feet.  It is hardy to USDA Zone 4, recommended for USDA Zones 4 through 8. Fothergilla major 'Mount Airy' is a smaller form with reliably good fall foliage color.