American Robin
ParkNorth Carolina, US
Coker Arboretum
Nestled within the vibrant University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus, Coker Arboretum is a historic and serene botanical garden, offering a verdant escape and a living classroom for all who visit.
About
Nestled within the vibrant University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus, Coker Arboretum is a historic and serene botanical garden, offering a verdant escape and a living classroom for all who visit. Established over a century ago, this five-acre haven showcases a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, carefully curated to represent both native North Carolina flora and intriguing East Asian species. It serves as a beautiful spot for quiet contemplation, a leisurely stroll, or an engaging educational experience, demonstrating the enduring beauty and variety of the plant kingdom.
The arboretum boasts several key highlights, including a magnificent 300-foot-long black locust arbor draped with a dozen native flowering vines such as wisteria, coral honeysuckle, and Carolina jessamine, creating a stunning shaded walkway. Visitors can also discover a unique "drug garden" containing over 170 species of medicinal plants, offering a glimpse into historical botanical uses. Impressive individual specimens like the Walter's Pine, recognized as the largest in North Carolina, and a towering Metasequoia redwood, contribute to the arboretum's rich botanical tapestry.
Coker Arboretum is a captivating destination that promises something special in every season, from the explosion of spring blooms like daffodils and dogwoods to the fiery hues of autumn foliage. Its tranquil paths, abundant benches, and diverse plant collections make it an ideal spot for nature lovers, photographers, students seeking a study break, or anyone looking to reconnect with the natural world. This living museum invites you to explore, learn, and find moments of peace amidst its timeless beauty. Eager to name that creature? Identify any animal you find during your visit using the Snappit app.
The history of Coker Arboretum dates back to 1903 when Dr. William Chambers Coker, UNC's first Professor of Botany, transformed a five-acre boggy pasture on the university campus into an outdoor classroom. This land, once used by professors to graze their mules, was envisioned by Coker to showcase native flora of the southeastern United States. Starting with just $10 and one gardener, Coker steadily developed the arboretum, planting many large trees that still stand today. From the 1920s through the 1940s, Coker expanded the collection to include numerous East Asian trees and shrubs, often planting them alongside their North American counterparts to illustrate evolutionary relationships. A notable addition during this period was the 300-foot black locust arbor, constructed in 1911, and a "drug garden" in 1914. The arboretum became part of the North Carolina Botanical Garden's collection in 1982, ensuring its continued preservation and development. The main entrance and arbor were restored in 1998, and a stone mosaic gathering circle was added, commemorating classmates from the Class of 1997.
What to do here
Wander the curving paths, relax on benches, enjoy a picnic on the lawns, observe the diverse plant collections, and take photographs. Free guided tours are offered on the third Saturday of each month from March through November, starting at 11:00 am from the Stone Gathering Circle.
Seasonal info
Spring: A carpet of wildflowers, daffodils, daylilies, blossoming dogwoods, cherry trees, Asian magnolias, and quinces.
Summer: Lush greenery, shaded pathways under towering trees.
Autumn: Vibrant red and orange leaves of deciduous trees, making it particularly beautiful.
Winter: Offers great winter interest from tardily deciduous trees and some early bloomers.
Accessibility
The arboretum features paved pathways, making it accessible to visitors with mobility issues.
Don't miss
1
The 300-foot Native Vine Arbor, featuring wisteria and other native vines.
2
The "Drug Garden" with over 170 species of medicinal plants.
3
Significant individual trees like the Walter's Pine and the Metasequoia Redwood.
4
The Stone Mosaic Gathering Circle.
Wildlife you might spot
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Good to know before you go
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on gravel and sand paths.
Bring a camera to capture the seasonal blooms and picturesque landscapes, especially the vine arbor.
Consider visiting during the week or early mornings/late afternoons to avoid crowds, particularly during university events.
Look for plant labels that display common names, scientific names, family, and country of origin for an educational experience.
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grassy lawns.
Parking can be limited; metered spaces are available on Raleigh Street and in the Morehead Planetarium paid parking lot.
Frequently asked questions
- No, admission to Coker Arboretum is free and it is open daily from dawn until dusk.
- Coker Arboretum features a diverse collection of over 400 to 600 species of plants, including native North Carolina trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, as well as many East Asian species, bulb, and perennial displays. You can find loblolly pines, northern catalpas, pond cypress, magnolias, and a specialized "drug garden."
- Yes, free guided tours are typically offered on the third Saturday of each month from March through November, beginning at 11:00 am at the Stone Gathering Circle entrance.
Recent snaps at this place
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