A Campus-Wide Arboretum
The campus grounds of the University of Iowa are an accredited arboretum, showcasing an exceptional variety of trees and woody plant species including over 8,000 trees of over 300 total species, historic and rare trees, and several state champion trees including the State Champion American Elm, Dawn Redwood, and Scarlet Oak. While its primary function is to support the educational mission of the University of Iowa, the Arboretum is also open for the public to enjoy. The trees and shrubs in the collection are chosen following the guidelines of our tree collection policy.
8,000+ trees
Comprised of 330+ species
Featured Tree Planting Locations
The Tree Inventory App is an effective tool for exploring trees on the UI campus. The following map images from the Tree Inventory App show the locations of featured plantings in the campus arboretum. Use the Tree Inventory App to explore these and other tree locations on the UI Campus!
Hunter Gingko Collection
The Hunter Ginkgo collection on the southeast side of Hancher includes over 75 cultivars of different Ginkgo varieties. The trees were donated from a larger Ginkgo collection given to the UI by Charles and Cheryl Hunter. Sadly, Charles passed away in Oct. 16, 2024.
The Writers' Workshop Literary Grove
The Dey House Writers' Workshop Literary Grove includes eight plantings with connections to famous authors and poets. Among the plantings include a Red Maple sapling from Henry David Thoreau's beloved Walden pond, a Birch tree from Robert Frost's home in Franconia, New Hampshire and more.
Hawkeye Orchard
An orchard of rare and historic fruit trees is located near the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex. It features apple trees connected to Sir Isaac Newton and Johnny Appleseed and more!
American Conifer Society Reference Garden (1)
One of two American Conifer Society recognized Reference Gardens is Dancer's Garden, located on the east side of Halsey Hall
American Conifer Society Reference Garden (2)
On the southeast side of the Eckstein Medical Research building is the second American Conifer Society Reference Garden.
Oaks at Oakdale
A quercetum of 60+ Oak species along Oakdale Boulevard on the UI Research Park campus.
Anne Frank Tree
A rare, Anne Frank Horse Chestnut sapling, was welcomed to the UI in 2022. There are currently 13 sites across the U.S. that are home to saplings from the original chestnut tree, with the Iowa City sapling being the most recent planting.
Explore the UI Campus Arboretum
Click on one of the resources below to learn more about the University of Iowa campus arboretum.
Explore the UI Campus Arboretum
