Journey Magazine | Page 30

Azaleas Auburn a tradition rooted in timeless beauty Auburn University is brimming with tradition. Our popular mascot, Aubie, our “War Eagle” battle cry, rolling Toomer’s Corner, the eagle’s flight at football games, and the Auburn Creed are, perhaps, the most widely celebrated traditions at Auburn. But each spring as delicious shades of orange, yellow, purple, red, and pink appear throughout campus, one can be reminded of a lesser-known university tradition with roots extending many decades into the past – the tradition of preserving and hybridizing our native azaleas for future generations to enjoy. 30 Journey/Spring 2016 The native beauties are scattered around campus and represent the tireless dedication of Auburn scientists, faculty, and staff. As such, many of the native hybrid azaleas planted at the university are included in the new Auburn Azalea series, which is now available to the public through the College of Sciences and Mathematics Donald E. Davis Arboretum. The series includes spectacular cultivars such as ‘Samford Sorbet’, ‘Tiger’, ‘Aubie’, ‘War Eagle’, ‘Plainsman’, and more. College of Sciences and Mathematics 31