Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 5, 2026 Saugus Gardens in the Spring Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener P agoda dogwood or alternate leaved dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is a dogwood tree native to the northeast U.S. that is less wellknown than flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) or Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa). Unlike these two species, it does not have the showy pink or white bracts that accompany the flower clusters on these other two. However, it does have some decorative characteristics of its own. Its actual flowers are white, and while the individual blossoms are small the abundant cymes are usually about 2 ½ inches across, which makes them quite noticeable. The twigs have a reddish cast, which will remind you of several other dogwood species: the shrubby red twig dogwoods, such as red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) and Tatarian dogwood (Cornus alba or C.tatarica). While the branches of pagoda dogwood are a little more subtly colored, this is a factor that does tend to stand out in the leafless season. Its leaf arrangement is a bit of an anomaly in the genus, as most dogwood species have opposite bud arrangements. The common name Pagoda Dogwood comes from the horizontal branching form, which to some resemble the wide roofs of a pagoda. The natural range of this tree is most of the eastern half of the United States from Maine to Florida, and several Canadian provinces as well. The flowers supBirthdays are special at the Senior Center (Editor’s Note: Saugus Senior Center Director Laurie Davis submitted the following article.) T A great blue heron checks out the fishing at the Saugus River — viewed from the Iron Works Nature Trail. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) port pollinators and the small fruits support many birds, including cardinals and robins, and the horizontal branch arrangement makes good nesting sites. In fall, the leaves turn a nice burgundy color. It is surprising that this tree is not more often planted. I have received several questions this week about the white flowering tree black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) blooming in many locations in Saugus, especially along Route 1. There is also a large specimen near the corner of the ITAM parking lot and in the grassy area behind Walnut Place. If you get a close look at the flowers, you might correctly guess that this is a member of the pea family (Fabaceae). Like some other members of this family, nodules on its roots are able to fix nitrogen in the soil, so it can grow in very poor soil without needing fertilizer. This has enabled it to naturalize in many places outMAY BIRTHDAYS: The Saugus Senior Center recognized 27 residents who celebrated their birthdays collectively at the Senior Center last month. Pictured left to right: Front row: Dottie Bockus, Rose Cosgrove, Louise Donatio, Lorraine Bernardi, Mary Macabee, Pam Goodwin, Kathy Mulligan, Camielle Brackett, Miriam Ciamciulli, Peggy Dellelo, Hugh Ravigini, Anna Amoroso, Mary Valliere and Mary Dunlop; second row: Paula Mazzio, Roberta Levy, Mike Boudreau, Linda Mactaggart, Jim Lazurek, Betty Lowe, Beverly Cleathero, Janet DeSimone, Cheryl Finnerty, Tammy Watts, Ben Lagman, Joseph Catalano and Ed Barber. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) TRACK TEAM | FROM PAGE 6 Fragrant black locus t blossoms in the parking area of the Italian American Club in East Saugus. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) side its natural range, and it has been declared invasive in Massachusetts, where it is native, as well as in some locations in Europe and Africa, where it was once deliberately planted. The locust flowers are very fragrant and attract many pollinators. Later the seeds, produced in small pods, provide food for birds and wildlife. Its wood is known for being very strong and rot resistant, popular for fence posts and other outdoor applications. Formerly planted on steep slopes for erosion control, because of its rapid growth and ability to reproduce by suckering, or sprouting at the base of trees, it is no longer legal for nurseries to sell it. At this time of year, it is easy to recognize because of the flowCymes of flowers on pagoda dogwood are among the charms of this lesser-known native tree. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) GARDENS | SEE PAGE 12 he Saugus Senior Center celebrated its monthly birthday celebration on Friday, May 29, 2026, with 27 celebrants! This special event was generously sponsored by Ellen Palleschi, in loving memory of her husband, Bob Palleshi. We extend our sincere thanks to Ellen for her kindness and generosity, which helped make the day extra special for everyone who attended and enjoyed the celebration. The Senior Center likes to recognize a Senior’s birthday on the last Friday of the month with a collective celebration. Each birthday recipient receives a free pizza lunch, cake, ice cream and a souvenir group photo. If anyone would like to sponsor a birthday in honor of someone special, please stop by the office and let us know. The Rookie Of The Year Award is given to track members who have worked the hardest. They went to Aris Emmanuel and Leo Exantus, at right, during Wednesday’s Saugus Middle High School Varsity/Middle School Co-Educational Track and Field team banquet at Prince Pizza. The Most Improved Award is given to track members went above and beyond was presented to Mateus Goncavles and Kelly Bui, right. The Sachem Awards are given to the Most Valuable Player with the top score. Freshman Soraya Mathieu scored 108 points while Paxton Ferraro scored 76 points. TRACK TEAM | SEE PAGE 11
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