🌳Tree of the Month for June 2026
Howdy, park-goers! It is time for the June 2026 Tree of the Month. This month we are highlighting Tilia cordata, which is commonly called littleleaf linden.
This species is native to Europe, western Siberia, and Iran, with records documenting its cultivation dating back as early as 760 AD. Tilia cordata, commonly known as Littleleaf Linden, is a medium-sized broadleaf deciduous tree in the Malvaceae family. At maturity, it typically reaches 50–70 feet in height with a canopy spread of 35–50 feet.
Internationally, Tilia cordata is widely regarded as one of the finest linden species due to its attractive form, adaptability, and ornamental value. Although it is not native to North America, it has been extensively planted throughout the United States as a shade and landscape tree, where it is valued for its dense canopy, fragrant flowers, and tolerance of urban conditions.
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Membership Matters Is Back
Hear from Adelaide, a Forestry Lead, about how your membership supports the care of the Gaddy Bird Garden and helps maintain vital habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
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Tower Grove Park Receives the 2026 Most Enhanced Award
At the 2026 Most Enhanced Awards on Thursday, May 28 at The Sheldon, the Landmarks Association of St. Louis celebrated outstanding preservation projects and the people helping protect and revitalize the region’s architectural heritage.
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A great conversation on plants and the future of our landscapes
Thomas Rainer recently joined Debbie Monterrey on KMOX Radio to talk Flower Power 2026 and the power of ecological planting design.
As the featured speaker for the upcoming Tower Grove Park Flower Power 2026 event on Wednesday, May 20, Thomas will present: Plants as Social Creatures: Our garden is having conversations. Are you listening?
It’s an inspiring listen for anyone—gardener or not—who wants to better understand how thoughtful planting design shapes the places we love.
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What’s in Bloom: Scavenger Hunt for May 2026
Hi, I’m Blue False Indigo or Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis)! In late spring I send up tall spikes of blue to purple blooms that rise above my soft bluish-green clover-like leaves. I love growing in rich woods and along streambanks where I can stretch up to 3 to 4 feet tall. After my flowers fade I form unique inflated seed pods that turn dark brown to black and inside my seeds can even rattle like little natural toys. Can you find me in Tower Grove Park?
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May 2026 Ranger Report: Tree Protection
Each month, hear directly from Tower Grove Park Rangers as they share practical tips to keep the park safe, healthy, and welcoming for everyone.
Each installment highlights a seasonal tip, from protecting garden beds and wildlife to navigating the Park safely and respectfully year-round.
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🌳Tree of the Month for May 2026
Howdy, parkgoers! It is once again time for our Tree of the Month. For the month of May, we are highlighting one of our most spectacular native tree species: the American yellowwood.
Cladrastis kentukea, commonly called the American yellowwood, is a medium-sized deciduous tree with an open, graceful, and spreading canopy, and can be expected to grow 30–50 feet tall with a canopy width of 40–55 feet. American yellowwood can be an absolutely stunning specimen that offers multi-season interest; it is known for its large pinnately compound foliage, panicles of fragrant white flowers, ornamental seed pods in autumn, and vibrant yellow fall color.
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Lecture Series: A Legacy of Inspiration: Bernice "Bunny" Gurney
We recently hosted an insightful presentation as part of our lecture series celebrating the life and legacy of Bernice “Bunny” Gurney. The presentation was led by Andrew Colligan, a historian and longtime researcher with the Missouri Botanical Garden.
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