Fruits add to the late summer color in the Winterthur garden. One of the more uncommon fruits is that of the Sapphireberry, Symplocos paniculata. This small tree from China and Japan is covered in late summer with bright, sapphire-colored berries. There are three small specimens near the Winter-hazel Walk and a few in Enchanted Woods. In spring Symplocos is clothed in small white flowers. These flowers ripen into the unusually-colored, blue fruit. While the fruit are beautiful, be careful where you plant Sapphireberry, as it propagates readily from seed. Birds love the nutritious berries and quickly strip the trees bare – so enjoy the display while it lasts.
