The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a museum of trees teaching the world about plants.

Eastern Redbud 9042*A
Japanese Larch 11276*R
Magnolia amoena 385-2012*A
Crataegus x disperma 6770*A
Sprenger's Magnolia 228-2005*A
Tschonosk Maple 326-97*B
Mountain Witch Alder 694-34*A
Dwarf Siberian Peashrub 2894*A
Korean Abelialeaf 141-2002*B

Cercis canadensis Eastern redbud 9042-A by Ned Friedman — Eastern Redbud 9042*A

Larix kaempferi Japanese larch 11276-R by Ned Friedman — Eastern Redbud 9042*A

Bunches of lilac flowers ranging from pale pink to magenta

Lilac Sunday

Experience the springtime bloom of our renowned lilac collection with Lilac Sunday, offering fun, free explorations for the entire family. The event features ongoing tours of the Arboretum’s lilacs as well as guided meditations, art, family activities, and picnicking on this day only. Visitors may also enjoy a host of self-guided tours, including a lilac tour, via the Arboretum website and its Expeditions app.

10:00 am

Learn More

Art Show: Ramble

A new exhibit in the Hunnewell Visitor Center, Ramble features nature paintings from around the world by Esther Garcia Eder.

Plan a Visit
The Roslindale Gateway Path Project

Improving carbon-free transportation and green space equity in Boston.

See Story Map
Washington Street Gate Renewal

Starting Monday, March 31, Washington Street Gate and Blackwell Footpath in Bussey Brook Meadow will be temporarily closed to the public during the next phase of our Entrance Improvement Project. In the meantime, we suggest that visitors follow directional signage in the landscape and use the Forest Hills entrance along the Arborway when going to or from the Forest Hills MBTA station.

Washington Street Gate
Celebrate Spring on Lilac Sunday

Take the T and join us on May 11 from 10am–3pm for our annual celebration of lilacs and Mother's Day at the Arnold Arboretum.

Lilac Sunday
Explore Programs for Spring

View our spring program catalog and register for practical classes, creative workshops, theme tours, wildlife explorations, and wellness programs at the Arboretum.

Browse Programs
June Corpse Plant Bloom

Learn about and see a timelapse of the June bloom of our rare titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum), or "corpse plant."

Learn More
Ghost Trees: An Augmented Reality Exhibit

Ghost Trees is an augmented reality art show which celebrates the lives of five iconic Arboretum trees. Artist Sonia Ralston has skillfully recreated these beloved trees as 3-D digital models: visitors can scan a QR code at five signs around the Arboretum and see the trees superimposed on the landscape behind them, experiencing these iconic specimens as they once stood.

Learn More
Art Show: Ramble

A new exhibit in the Hunnewell Visitor Center, Ramble features nature paintings from around the world by Esther Garcia Eder.

Plan a Visit
The Roslindale Gateway Path Project

Improving carbon-free transportation and green space equity in Boston.

See Story Map
Washington Street Gate Renewal

Starting Monday, March 31, Washington Street Gate and Blackwell Footpath in Bussey Brook Meadow will be temporarily closed to the public during the next phase of our Entrance Improvement Project. In the meantime, we suggest that visitors follow directional signage in the landscape and use the Forest Hills entrance along the Arborway when going to or from the Forest Hills MBTA station.

Washington Street Gate
Celebrate Spring on Lilac Sunday

Take the T and join us on May 11 from 10am–3pm for our annual celebration of lilacs and Mother's Day at the Arnold Arboretum.

Lilac Sunday

Feature Environmental Justice

Entrance Renovations to Boost Access and Connectivity

367-42*B

‘Merrill’ Loebner Magnolia

Scientific Name: Magnolia x loebneri 'Merrill'

‘Merrill’ is an outstanding early white flowering cultivar. It is reliable bloomer and was hybridized at the Arnold Arboretum in 1939.

Magnolia ×loebneri 'Merrill' early spring

727-90*L

‘Gus Mehlquist’ Sprawling Sand Cherry

Scientific Name: Prunus pumila var. depressa 'Gus Mehlquist'

‘Gus Mehlquist’ is an adaptable, low-growing woody groundcover. With dainty spring white flowers, blue-black fruit, crimson fall foliage, and a unique shape, it is a standout during all four seasons.

Community Spotlight Camilo Villouta, Putnam Fellow

There are not many other places where I could study such a diverse group of species. I love having such an exceptional collection next door to the lab, and despite spending so much time in the landscape, I still keep finding wonderful new spots with plants from around the world.
Community Spotlight Jeffrey Scott Phillips, Assistant Manager of Horticulture

The Arnold has an incredible history of plant-loving people that I really relate to. I feel lucky to work here and look forward to it every day.
Community Spotlight Sarah Nechamen, Manager of Adult Programming and Events

I love creating programs that get people excited about plants and the Arboretum and seeing the participants’ reactions first-hand. When someone feels really inspired, or excited, or awestruck because of a program I planned, there’s no better feeling.
Community Spotlight Emily Hitchcock, Greenhouse Gardener

I am so grateful to come to work every day in a place where so many people come to find joy, relaxation, healing, and learning. Working with seeds and plants in the beginning stages of their lives is a constant reminder of the miraculous and complex life cycles that plants carry out all around us.
Community Spotlight Darcy Foster, Individual Giving Associate

I love connecting members and donors with the landscape and the Arboretum’s mission. Together, we can ensure the Arboretum’s dynamic landscape grows in perpetuity.
Community Spotlight Camilo Villouta, Putnam Fellow

There are not many other places where I could study such a diverse group of species. I love having such an exceptional collection next door to the lab, and despite spending so much time in the landscape, I still keep finding wonderful new spots with plants from around the world.
Community Spotlight Jeffrey Scott Phillips, Assistant Manager of Horticulture

The Arnold has an incredible history of plant-loving people that I really relate to. I feel lucky to work here and look forward to it every day.
Community Spotlight Sarah Nechamen, Manager of Adult Programming and Events

I love creating programs that get people excited about plants and the Arboretum and seeing the participants’ reactions first-hand. When someone feels really inspired, or excited, or awestruck because of a program I planned, there’s no better feeling.
Community Spotlight Emily Hitchcock, Greenhouse Gardener

I am so grateful to come to work every day in a place where so many people come to find joy, relaxation, healing, and learning. Working with seeds and plants in the beginning stages of their lives is a constant reminder of the miraculous and complex life cycles that plants carry out all around us.
Community Spotlight Darcy Foster, Individual Giving Associate

I love connecting members and donors with the landscape and the Arboretum’s mission. Together, we can ensure the Arboretum’s dynamic landscape grows in perpetuity.
Community Spotlight Camilo Villouta, Putnam Fellow

There are not many other places where I could study such a diverse group of species. I love having such an exceptional collection next door to the lab, and despite spending so much time in the landscape, I still keep finding wonderful new spots with plants from around the world.