NC State University

Nestled throughout the heart of NC State University’s campus, the newly accredited arboretum celebrates a rich and growing collection of diverse woody plants, thoughtfully integrated into the landscape. From the serene Artist’s Garden to the vibrant Kilgore Hall beds and the Sol Garden’s curated plantings, each space contributes to a campus-wide tapestry of horticultural and ecological value. The Carmichael complex, surrounded by thoughtfully placed trees and native plantings, highlights the university's commitment to sustainable landscape practices. Across campus, trees are not only decorative but serve as living classrooms, enriching both academic study and everyday campus life.

Among their standout specimens are several unique and historic trees, including the dramatically twisted contorted mulberry near the Court of North Carolina and a mature Osage orange tucked into a quiet corner of central campus. These trees, along with others recognized through our Heritage Tree Program, are celebrated for their age, character, and cultural significance. They also highlight five distinctive “hollowed” greenspaces across main campus—intentionally preserved pockets of canopy and understory planting that serve as peaceful retreats and ecological anchors within the urban landscape. These spaces, framed by mature trees and integrated seating, invite reflection, study, and community while underscoring the university’s commitment to maintaining green infrastructure in high-traffic areas.