This fascinating collection, just south of the Hedge Collection, contains plants that exhibit small size at maturity, either as a normal characteristic or as the result of a reduced growth rate. The area originally was the site of one of the Arboretum's nurseries. The nursery was cleared in the late 1940s and this collection started in 1950 as the Low Shrub Group.
Today, with so many people living in urban spaces, plantable green space is often limited. As a result, there is demand for smaller sized plants to better fit such compact gardens and landscapes. This collection is a valuable resource that contains examples of trees, shrubs, evergreens, and woody perennials that retain their small stature throughout their lifetime. These dwarf, woody plants are well-suited for smaller green spaces, whether it be for a city townhome or a ranch in the suburbs.
The Dwarf Woody Plant Collection covers only about one acre but it contains 127 different kinds of low-growing trees and shrubs. Some of the more notable plants are lavender Twist® redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Covey'), compact white fir (Abies concolor 'Compacta'), and autumn cascades black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica 'Autumn Cascades').