Morgan Arboretum - Arboretum Morgan

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an arboretum is defined as 'a place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes'. Each Arboretum tree and/ or shrub is carefully planted in an area large enough to permit the specimen to achieve its maximum height (in the specific climate) and width. Detailed information is collected for each specimen including: name (genus, species, variety, cultivar, etc.), place of origin, location planted, and year planted.

The purpose of an Arboretum includes ex-situ conservation of species, provision of early warning signals of potential diseases, display of local growth habits of various tree species and varieties (helpful when picking out trees for urban plantings), and provision of valuable information regarding trees' abilities to adapt to potential climate change.

The Morgan Arboretum has 18 different Collections of trees and shrubs from around the world. These collections are described on a map called Discovery Map that is available for purchase ($2.00) at the Arboretum gatehouse.

Interesting facts:

• The Morgan Arboretum Collections are home to approximately 330 horticultural species, 40 of which are indigenous to Canada.
• According to COSEWIC*, 11 species in the Collections are considered as being threatened. Please visit their website for more information at http://www.cosewic.gc.ca
• Blossom Corner is definitely worth a visit in the Spring when magnolia, pear and apple trees are in full bloom.
• White birch (Betula papyrifera) is one of the few tree species that grows naturally in each province and territory in Canada. The Canada Birch Trail and Premier's Trail feature white birches that were collected from all over Canada and planted in 1967.