The Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is known for its distinctive tulip-shaped flowers and yellow fall foliage. This native tree offers valuable habitat for wildlife. The dense foliage and abundant branches provide cover and nesting sites, the nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, and the seeds are a food source for various birds and small mammals. Tulip poplar thickets often represent an early successional stage of the local Piedmont forest.

Beech hedges originated from ancient pruning traditions in England. They were valued for practical and aesthetic purposes, serving as boundaries, providing privacy and acting as windbreaks. In this garden you can observe the subtle distinctions between the American and European Beech. The American Beech features smaller nuts and larger leaves while the European Beech bears larger nuts and shorter leaves.

Derived from the Latin word meaning "the one that bears cones," the term "conifer" captures the essence of these remarkable trees. Conifer is a combination of two words: "conus," which refers to "cone” and "ferre" which means “to bear.” Conifers, with their unique needle-like or scale-like leaves, are often recognized as evergreen trees, maintaining their green foliage throughout the winter season. This general classification encompasses a diverse array of evergreen tree species, including Firs, Cedars, Spruces, Pines, Yews, Arborvitae, and Hemlocks.

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) is a native deciduous tree known for its brilliant display of autumn foliage and aromatic qualities. Although they can reach heights of 60 feet, Sassafras trees tend to grow as understory trees in Virginia. Sassafras leaves are unusual, as they vary on the same tree from oval to three-lobed mitten-shaped. The root of the plant was originally used in a beverage similar to root beer that has since been discontinued due to health concerns.

Ferns have a long evolutionary history with fossil evidence dating back over 360 million years. These ancient plants thrived without the need for flowers or seeds. Instead, ferns reproduce through spores, which are tiny, dust-like structures found on the undersides of their leaves. Belonging to a diverse group of plants called Pteridophytes, ferns encompass an impressive array of approximately 12,000 known species worldwide. Prior to the construction of the Inn, a mass of ferns was found in this area.

Azaleas, Mountain Laurels, and Rhododendrons are all members of the botanical family Ericaceae and share some similarities in terms of appearance and growing conditions. Plants in the Ericaceae family are associated with acidic soils and thrive in habitats such as heathlands, moorlands, bogs, and coniferous forests. Ericaceous plants often form symbiotic relationships with certain fungi, forming mycorrhizal associations.

Gift of The Executive Program Class of 2022 — The “Tell Me More” Walkway.

Spring ephemerals are perennial woodland plants that emerge in late winter and spring to take advantage of the sunlight that penetrates through the bare branches of the trees to the forest floor. These early perennials provide nectar and pollen for native insects, and they help to stabilize steep slopes to prevent erosion. Species highlighted in this garden include Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis), Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) and White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum).

Gift of Morris S. Smith Foundation and trustees Sterling, Larry and Mei Franklin — In 1946, Carl Franklin, age 35, came to the UVA Law School on the GI Bill. He was first in his class for both years of the then two-year law program. Declining an offer to clerk at the United States Supreme Court, he went into academia and became an influential figure in law education nationwide. He loved education, carning six degrees: BA, Accounting, U.

The Lower Foot Bridge provides a vital connection within the Tahija Arboretum & LaCross Botanical Gardens, allowing visitors to traverse the natural landscape while enjoying scenic views of the surrounding flora. Designed to blend seamlessly with its environment, the bridge enhances accessibility to the lower gardens, offering a quiet passage over the restored stream and linking key garden spaces. Whether used as a tranquil resting point or a pathway for exploration, the Lower Foot Bridge enriches the visitor experience by fostering a deeper connection with nature.