Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
ParkNew Jersey, US
Willowwood Arboretum
Willowwood Arboretum is a captivating horticultural sanctuary in New Jersey.
About
Willowwood Arboretum is a captivating horticultural sanctuary in New Jersey. This 131-acre arboretum, part of the Morris County Park System, offers a serene escape with its diverse collection of over 3,500 native and exotic plants, many of which are rare. Visitors can wander through a landscape that seamlessly blends wild forests, cultivated gardens, and rolling meadows, providing a unique and tranquil experience for nature enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. It is recognized as New Jersey's most comprehensive and longest continually operating arboretum.
The arboretum boasts several distinct garden areas and significant tree collections, including 13 New Jersey State Champion Trees, and a National Champion Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), which stands at 112 feet tall with a 60-foot wide canopy and a 212-inch trunk circumference. Highlights also include the formal Pan's Garden, the vibrant Cottage Garden, and the Mediterranean-inspired Rosarie, which features plants with "hot" flower colors and bold foliage, reminiscent of trips taken by one of its founders to southern Europe. The Cypress Pool Garden with its intriguing cypress knees, a Wisteria arbor, and the historic Catalpa Allée, planted in 1910, further enhance the arboretum's botanical richness.
Willowwood Arboretum is a living testament to horticultural passion, offering picturesque vistas and a chance to view botanical treasures throughout the seasons. Its blend of formal gardens and informal paths encourages exploration and quiet reflection, making it an ideal destination for those seeking natural beauty, education, and a peaceful retreat from daily life. The changing beauty of Willowwood, from the lilacs in spring and roses in summer to the crisp conifer-laced air in autumn and witch hazels in winter, ensures a vibrant display year-round. The presence of over 3,500 plant species ensures color and interest every month of the year. Turn your visit into a safari! Use the Snappit app to scan and log wildlife sightings here.
Willowwood Arboretum began as a farm in the 18th century, with the main house dating back to 1792. In 1908, brothers Henry and Robert Tubbs purchased the property, then known as Paradise Farm, and renamed it Willowwood due to the natural collection of willow trees present. Both amateur horticulturalists, they dedicated themselves to collecting and growing a vast array of rare and exotic plant specimens over the next half-century, expanding the farmhouse and its grounds. They were later joined and assisted by Henry's adopted son, Dr. Benjamin Blackburn, a botanist, who contributed significantly to the landscape, including the creation of the Rosarie and Rockery. After the Tubbs brothers' deaths, Willowwood was managed by Rutgers University as a plant and tree research facility starting in 1967. In 1980, the Morris County Park Commission acquired the arboretum, opening it to the public and maintaining it to this day, with the support of the Willowwood Foundation. The arboretum is an excellent example of a designed landscape influenced by the Country Place Era and Arts and Crafts Movements.
What to do here
Explore the 5.2 miles of informal paths and hiking trails through varied landscapes, from formal gardens to wild woodlands and meadows.
* Enjoy picnics on the lawns.
* Follow the self-guided cell phone tour for detailed information on the gardens (available seasonally from April to November).
* Photograph the diverse plant life and scenic vistas. (Professional photographers need a permit).
Seasonal info
Spring: Bursting with blooming lilacs, daffodils, Siberian Squill, Grape Hyacinths, dogwoods, redbuds, and crabapples.
Summer: Roses, wildflowers in the meadows, and lush green foliage.
Fall: Magnificent displays of color from Japanese maples, Katsura trees, and Dawn Redwoods. Meadows are filled with asters and goldenrod.
Winter: Offers evergreen beauty, interesting fruit, bark, and branching habits in the Ornamentals Collection, and witch hazels.
Accessibility
The main parking lot is graveled. A stone and macadam walking path leads from the parking lot past the Stone Barn and Greenhouse towards the Tubbs House, providing some accessibility. However, many areas involve rolling hills, meadows, and hiking paths which may be challenging for wheelchairs. The Cottage Garden has uneven stone pathways. Resting benches are strategically placed in gardens during the growing season.
Don't miss
1
National Champion Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)
A towering, ancient tree that is both a New Jersey State and National Champion.
2
Cottage Garden
An exuberant display of small trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, grasses, and vegetables.
3
Rosarie
A unique Mediterranean-style garden featuring "hot" colored flowers and bold foliage, designed by Dr. Benjamin Blackburn.
4
Pan's Garden
One of the formal gardens near the Tubbs residence.
Wildlife you might spot
12Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Snap map for this place
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
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Good to know before you go
Wear comfortable shoes
** Many areas involve walking on informal paths, grass, and uneven terrain.
Bring water
Food and beverages are not sold on-site.
Check the website for seasonal highlights: This will help you plan your visit to see specific blooms or fall foliage.
Follow garden etiquette
Do not touch, damage, or collect plant material, and stay on designated paths.
Consider the cell phone tour
It provides valuable insights into the gardens and plants.
Professional photographers need a permit: If planning a formal photoshoot, secure a permit in advance.
Frequently asked questions
- No, Willowwood Arboretum is open free to the public daily. However, there may be charges for special events or programs.
- No, dogs and other animals are not permitted at Willowwood Arboretum to maintain the tranquility and protect the plant collections.
- Yes, picnics are welcome on the lawns throughout the formal gardens. However, grilling or cooking is prohibited, and visitors are asked to carry out all trash to maintain a "leave no trace" policy.
Recent snaps at this place
Jun 5, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Bonnie Semmling, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 3, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Bonnie Semmling, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 3, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Bonnie Semmling, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 26, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Bonnie Semmling, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 5, 2026
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