The arboretum holds the national collection of Cercis (redbuds) for the North American Plant Collections Consortium.
It was founded in 1976 by J.C. Raulston, a visionary horticulturist who emphasized the introduction of new plant material to the landscape industry.
The garden contains over 6,000 distinct taxa of plants from around the world.
It is a site of active plant breeding, leading to the introduction of dozens of new plant cultivars to the nursery trade.
The arboretum features a 'scree' garden, a specialized rock-based display designed for alpine or mountain plants that require excellent drainage.
The JC Raulston Arboretum is a 10-acre plant research and teaching garden operated by North Carolina State University. It serves as a repository for one of the most diverse collections of cold-hardy temperate plants in the southeastern United States. The grounds feature distinct collections including a Japanese garden, a perennial border, and specialized gardens for xeric and tropical plants. Researchers utilize the site to evaluate the adaptability of various plant species to the North Carolina climate. The Ruby McSwain Education Center serves as the primary visitor entrance and hub for horticultural workshops. Visitors navigate a network of paved and mulched paths that wind through distinct ecological zones. The arboretum functions primarily as an outdoor laboratory for students while remaining open to the public for botanical education. It hosts a continuous rotation of plant trials and displays throughout the growing season.
The elevated viewing deck or the Japanese garden bridge during the blooming season.
Download the digital plant map from their website before arrival to identify specific botanical specimens.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain includes both paved surfaces and wood-mulched paths.
Check the online events calendar for 'Plant Focus' tours or seasonal workshops.
Do not attempt to collect seeds, cuttings, or plant material from the gardens, as these are critical research specimens.
Open daily throughout the year; occasional closures may occur for private events or severe weather maintenance.
Stay on marked paths to protect delicate plant root zones and research plots; no pets allowed.
