Arboretum Spring Bloom Guide
There is always something in bloom at the Arboretum! Use this guide to plan a photo shoot, walk one of the trails, or just enjoy the scenery. There is also more detailed bloom information on our Featured Plants web pages. Bring a copy of the Arboretum Trail Map for a location reference or pick one up at the Arboretum Visitors Center.
Mid Winter to Early Spring |
 | | Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas): It isn't unusual to find the yellow blossoms of this tree/shrub peeking through a snowcover in late January or early February. Location: Look for the Cornelian Cherries along the Tulip Poplar Trail in the heart of the Arboretum's major plant collection area. |
 | | Floweringquince (Chaenomeles speciosa): Colorful pink, white, or red blossoms cover the limbs of this shrub in mid-winter. Location: A red-flowering cultivar is located on the eastern side of the Arboretum Visitors Center. |
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Early to Mid Spring |
 | | Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata): One of the earliest magnolia bloomers. The large white blossoms sometimes appear before the last spring frost resulting in a shortened bloom season. Location: Many mature specimens of the Star Magnolia are located along the White Pine Trail. |
 | | Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana): Continuing the Magnolia bloom show, the Saucer Magnolia will delight visitors to the Arboretum with its large showy deep pink blossoms long before the leaves appear. Location: Look for the Saucer Magnolias among the "Stars" along the White Pine Trail. |
 | | Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): A true harbinger of spring in the forest! The thick clusters of deep pink blossoms on the leafless twigs are showy in any setting. Location: These distinct trees can be found on almost every Arboretum trail. |
 | | Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida): Spring wouldn't be spring in East Tennessee without the Flowering Dogwood. Location: Although native dogwood trees are scattered thoughout the Arboretum, the dogwood study area near the Program Shelter will delight visitors with a variety of cultivars. Consult the Arboretum Trail Map for the Shelter location. |
 | | Pink Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida): Think pink! From soft to brilliant pink tones, these colorful cultivars of Cornus florida are always a treat for Arboretum visitors. Location: Look for these delights in the dogwood study area near the Program Shelter. Consult the Arboretum Trail Map for the Shelter location. |
 | | Azalea (Rhododendron): Azaleas are among the most spectacular flowering shrubs with a wide variety of colors from red to lavender to brillant white. Location: The Arboretum's main collection of azaleas are on the Heath Cove Trail. |
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Mid to Late Spring |
 | | Yellow Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium calceolus): With their "moccasin" shape, these delicate wildflowers are rarely seen outside of a wooded setting. Location: Even on the Arboretum grounds, spotting the Lady's Slippers is a rare treat for visitors. |
 | | Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium acaule): Sometimes called Moccasin Flower for the unique shape of the blossom, these wildflowers will bloom into mid summer. Location: As with the Yellow Lady's Slipper, the pink specimens are not in abundance even on the Arboretum grounds. |
 | | Snowball Viburnum (Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'): Distinctive snowball-shaped blossoms appear on this large shrub in late April and early May. Location: Near the Visitors Center entrance. |
 | | Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa): These late-blooming dogwoods resemble viburnum. Unlike the Cornus florida, this native of Japan blooms after the leaves appear in late spring. Location: A beautiful specimen greets visitors at the entrance to Valley Road (adjacent to the parking lot.) |
 | | Rough Leaf Dogwood (Cornus asperifolia var. drummondii): This dogwood "doesn't look like a dogwood". The fringe-like blossoms appear after the leaves in late spring. Location: Look for this showy tree in the dogwood collection near the Program Shelter. |
 | | Flame Azalea (Rhododendron): A very late blooming azalea. The distinctive orange blossoms are a Tennessee signature! Location: Various locations throughout the Arboretum grounds. |
