University of Alabama Arboretum

The University of Alabama Arboretum is a 60-acre grounds featuring walking trails through pine forests, oak-hickory woodlands, and specialized garden sections. The collection includes greenhouses with orchids, cacti, and tropical plants, plus over 250 wildflower species throughout the property.

The arboretum was founded in 1958 as a botanical research and education center to study and preserve native Alabama flora. It evolved into an important resource for the university's environmental science programs and regional plant conservation efforts.

The site functions as a learning center for the university and community to understand plant diversity and environmental stewardship. Visitors can observe how native plants are integrated into designed spaces that reflect the region's natural heritage.

The arboretum is open daily from sunrise to sunset with no admission fee, offering access to greenhouses, garden areas, and a pavilion. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the trails and bring water during warm months.

The collection features more than 250 wildflower species, many occurring naturally in the region's forest types. This focus on wild blooms sets this place apart from many botanical gardens that emphasize cultivated varieties.