Scott Arboretum

Scott Arboretum is a large botanical collection spanning the Swarthmore College campus and showcasing over 4,000 labeled plant and tree varieties. The grounds are organized into specialized garden sections, including areas dedicated to magnolias, hollies, hydrangeas, and flowering cherries.

This arboretum was founded in 1929 as a memorial to Arthur Hoyt Scott, whose family supported its creation through a major gift. The establishment reflects how private philanthropy helped create public green spaces during that era.

The outdoor amphitheater serves as a gathering place for the college community during major academic events. It shows how the grounds have become woven into campus life and tradition.

Admission is free and the grounds are open year-round, with different plants showing in each season. The labeled collections are spread throughout the campus, so visitors can choose their own pace and which areas to explore.

One specialized collection holds over 350 holly varieties, making it a designated national research site for this plant family. This concentration attracts those interested in seeing this plant group in its full range.

Location: Pennsylvania

Inception: 1929

Website: http://scottarboretum.org

GPS coordinates: 39.90640,-75.35190

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:42