J. C. Raulston Arboretum

The J. C. Raulston Arboretum is an arboretum at North Carolina State University that spans roughly 10 acres and houses more than 6,000 plant varieties. The collection originates from approximately 50 different countries and displays a broad range of plant types organized in separate sections throughout the grounds.

A horticulturist established the grounds in 1976, and the institution received his name in 1996 following his death. This marked an official recognition of his contributions to plant science and the work he started there.

The Japanese Garden displays traditional Zen design principles with raked gravel and selected Asian plantings that create a focused garden experience. Visitors walk through this specialized section and encounter how these design methods shape the space in real time.

The grounds offer free admission and remain open daily throughout the year without entrance fees. Visitors can explore at their own pace, and there is an on-site plant shop with uncommon varieties for those interested.

The grounds serve as an official testing station for All-America Selections and evaluate hundreds of flowering plants annually for performance. This makes it an active site for plant research rather than simply a display area.