Collections | Viles Arboretum

Botanical Collections

With over 20 unique botanical collections featuring tree species from around the world, Viles Arboretum has a collection to capture the interest of everyone! Our collections offer a high degree of diversity, featuring everything from trees sent to space, to a vast collection of trees native to the State of Maine. Each collection offers unique educational opportunities with our metal botanical labels. Each label features the common, scientific and family name of our specimens. Tags are also conveniently color coded to indicate whether the specimen is part of a botanical collection (black), a special collection (red), or part of the natural landscape (blue).

In addition to our cultivated collections, the arboretum also features a variety unique ecosystems across our 224 acre campus. The varied landscape ecology presents incredible birding, wildlife watching and photography opportunities. Whether you choose to pursue elusive warblers on our wetland board walk, ride horses through the sprawling fields, or capture memories through photography in our rugged Maine forests - the possibilities are endless!

Heritage Apple Collection

Community Forestry Collection

Heritage Apple Collection

Heritage apple varieties developed in Maine and Malussieversii, the original Central Asian tree species from which our modern cultivated apple varieties descended.

Chestnut Collection

Community Forestry Collection

Heritage Apple Collection

This native species was nearly wiped out a century ago. Functionally extinct in the wild, trees in this collection are part of the effort to ensure the survival and possible re-introduction of this iconic species.

Community Forestry Collection

Community Forestry Collection

Community Forestry Collection

Featuring tree species with characteristics that make them popular as landscape installations in urban environments.

Conifer Collection

Ellis Island Sycamores

Community Forestry Collection

Our conifer collection showcases iconic species from Maine and around the world.

DAR Garden

Ellis Island Sycamores

Ellis Island Sycamores

In recognition of the Daughter's of the American Revolution organization, this garden is planted with trees, shrubs and flowers with historic connection to the Revolutionary War period.

Ellis Island Sycamores

Ellis Island Sycamores

Ellis Island Sycamores

The American sycamores in this collection came from Ellis Island, New York and were planted in celebration of the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution is 1987.

Space Shuttle Pines

Green Ash Collection

Green Ash Collection

Trees from space! This stand of white pine trees was cultivated from seeds that traveled to space in 1991.

Green Ash Collection

Green Ash Collection

Green Ash Collection

One of three ash species native to Maine. A research collection designed to showcase genetic differences in individuals from different locations.

Governor's Grove

Green Ash Collection

Governor's Grove

White pine is the Maine State tree. Each tree in this grove honors a Maine governor.

Hosta Collection

Hosta Collection

Governor's Grove

Hosta varieties of all types. This is the largest public collection of Hosta's in the State of Maine.

Larch Collection

Hosta Collection

Larch Collection

Our only deciduous conifer, this stand offers an enchanting perspective on this species throughout the seasons.

Lilac Collection

Hosta Collection

Larch Collection

Blooming white, pink and purple, this collection of lilac varieties is a late spring favorite.

Native Plant Collection

Native Plant Collection

Native Plant Collection

Surrounding the Visitor's Center are plants native to Maine.

Nut Tree Collection

Native Plant Collection

Native Plant Collection

Well-known nut species including shag-bark hickory, black walnut and butternut.

Oak Collection

Native Plant Collection

Food and Forest Collection

Oak species from around the world.

Food and Forest Collection

Food and Forest Collection

Food and Forest Collection

Our newest collection featuring a food garden designed to mimic some elements of a natural ecosystem. This collection is intended to provide food for people, birds and pollinators, and habitat for wildlife.

Rock Garden

Food and Forest Collection

Maple Collection

A stunning collection of perennials and medicinal plants specializing in surviving in extreme conditions.

Maple Collection

Food and Forest Collection

Maple Collection

A collection of some our most familiar and beloved trees from around the world.

Forest Commissioners Grove

Forest Commissioners Grove

Forest Commissioners Grove

Our Forestry Commissioners Grove celebrates forestry traditions in the State of Maine .

Field Art Collection

Our are installations create a bridge between our botanical collections and the natural environment. Explore our featured artists as you walk along our trails, and experience sculptural art as it was meant to be viewed in our unique natural landscape.

Most of the pieces are for sale, price is as noted on the signs located at each sculpture. Ten percent of each sale goes to the Arboretum to support our mission. Please stop by the visitor's center with any questions about art work or if you would like to become a featured artist.

Learn More

We're pleased to feature a variety of Maine artists and their incredible work here at Arboretum and on our website!

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