United States National Arboretum facts for kids

Visitor center

The United States National Arboretum is a special place in Washington, D.C.. It's like a huge outdoor museum for trees and plants. An arboretum is a scientific garden where many different kinds of trees and shrubs are grown for people to study and enjoy. This one is the national arboretum for the United States.

It's a great spot to learn about plants, see beautiful gardens, and enjoy nature right in the city. The Arboretum helps scientists study plants and teaches people about how important plants are to our world.

What is the National Arboretum?

The U.S. National Arboretum was created by the U.S. Congress in 1927. It is managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Its main goals are to research plants, help people learn about them, and show off many different plant collections.

Plant Collections and Gardens

The Arboretum has many different areas, each with its own special plants. Some of the most famous collections include:

• Azalea Collections: These gardens are full of colorful azaleas, which are a type of flowering shrub. They look amazing when they bloom in the spring.
• National Bonsai & Penjing Museum: This museum shows tiny trees that are grown in pots. Bonsai is a Japanese art form, and penjing is a Chinese art form. These trees can be very old, some even hundreds of years old!
• National Herb Garden: This garden has many different kinds of herbs, including those used for cooking, medicine, and perfumes.
• National Capitol Columns: These are large stone columns that used to be part of the U.S. Capitol Building. When the Capitol was expanded, these columns were moved to the Arboretum. They make a very cool and historic sight among the trees.
• Gotelli Dwarf and Slow Growing Conifer Collection: This collection features many small evergreen trees that grow very slowly. They come in all shapes and sizes, even though they stay small.

Research and Education

Scientists at the Arboretum study plants to learn how they grow, how to protect them from diseases, and how they can help people. They also work to find new and better plants for gardens and farms.

The Arboretum also teaches people of all ages about plants and nature. They have programs for students and visitors to learn about gardening, plant science, and the environment. It's a place where you can connect with nature and understand its importance.

Visiting the Arboretum

The United States National Arboretum is open to the public almost every day of the year. Visitors can walk or drive through the different gardens and collections. It's a peaceful place to spend time outdoors, whether you want to see specific plants, have a picnic, or just enjoy a quiet walk.

There are also special events throughout the year, like plant shows and educational workshops. It's a great place for families and anyone who loves plants and nature.

Related pages

• List of botanical gardens

Images for kids

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  Azalea Collections, U.S. National Arboretum

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  National Herb Garden, U.S. National Arboretum

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  Split Ritual by Beverly Pepper

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  Bonsai persimmon presented to President Ronald Reagan by the King of Morocco in 1983. National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, U.S. National Arboretum

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  Entry to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, U.S. National Arboretum

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  Reflecting pool, U.S. National Arboretum

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  Kurume azalea bonsai, U.S. National Arboretum

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  National Capitol Columns, U.S. National Arboretum

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  View of the U.S. National Arboretum from the Anacostia River

See also

In Spanish: Arboretum Nacional de Estados Unidos para niños