Northwest Missouri State University

Search

Table of Contents

Tours

1. Arboretum Guided Tour

   Here is the Arboretum at Northwest Missouri State University, this is under construction.

   Stops

   1. Arboretum Walking Tour Start

      Welcome to Northwest Missouri State University, home of the Missouri Arboretum.
      
      In the early years after the Fifth District Normal School (now Northwest) was established in 1905, the campus had only a few trees. Since that time, generations of groundkeepers have lovingly tended to the landscape and planted trees, shrubs, and flowers to create a campus that is a beautiful place to live and learn. In 1993, the Missouri State Legislature designated Northwest’s campus as the Missouri Arboretum in recognition of our large and diverse tree collection. The 370-acre campus is home to more than 1,700 trees and more than 160 species. As an arboretum, we pay special attention to the educational and scientific value of our tree collection. We invite you to continue this tour to learn about some of our unique trees and historic campus landmarks.

   2. American linden

      Scientific Name: Tilia americana

      Native Region: Central and Eastern North America

      Height: 50–80 feet

      Spread: 30–50 feet

      Fall Color: Yellow

      Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Small, hard nutlets 

      In late spring, American lindens, or basswoods, like this one are buzzing as bees flock to small but fragrant blossoms. Honey made from linden nectar is prized for its distinct flavor. The tree can be identified by its large, heart-shaped leaves and small seed nutlets. Rope or cord can be made from the tough inner bark, which is called bast.

   3. Norway maple

      Norway maple

      Scientific Name: Acer platanoides

      Native Region: Europe

      Height: 40–50 feet

      Spread: 30–50 feet

      Fall Color: Yellow

      Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Samaras (winged seeds) in pairs

      Not recommended in many areas because it can spread aggressively

      The Norway maple is a native to eastern and central Europe and was introduced to North America in the 1700s. Once popular as a shade tree, it is considered an invasive species in some places because its winged seeds can spread seedlings widely. Norway maples can be identified by the milky sap that oozes when a leaf stem is cut.

       

   4. Canadian (Eastern) hemlock

      Scientific Name: Tsuga canadensis

      Native Region: Eastern North America

      Height: 40–70 feet

      Spread: 25–30 feet

      Fall Color: Evergreen

      Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Cones (1 inch) 

      The eastern hemlock is a needled evergreen that is native to eastern North America. The tree’s bark was once the source of tannin for the leather industry. Small seed cones, less than one inch long, remain on the tree through the winter. An invasive, sap-sucking insect called the hemlock woolly adelgid has killed many Eastern hemlocks.

   5. European larch

      Scientific Name: Larix decidua

      Native Region: Central and Southern Europe

      Height: 60–100 feet

      Spread: 20–30 feet

      Fall Color: Brown

      Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Cones (less than 1 inch)

      During the summer, the European larch looks like an evergreen tree, but it is deciduous. It drops its needle-like leaves each fall. The tree is native to cool, mountainous regions of central Europe. The larch bears both male and female cones. Short-lived male cones are seen in spring. Upright female cones are dazzling shades of red or pink before maturing to brown.

   6. Pin oak

      Scientific Name: Quercus palustris

      Native Region: Eastern and Central North America

      Height: 60–80 feet

      Spread: 60–80 feet

      Fall Color: Yellow, orange, red

      Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Acorn (0.5 inch)

      Pin oaks are named for the thin, pin-like branchlets that often grow from their trunk and limbs. Unlike most oaks, pin oak leaves can stay on the tree into the winter before they are shed. The pin oak’s lower limbs droop toward the ground, middle limbs are horizontal, and top limbs reach upward. The tree’s small acorns are eaten by many birds and mammals.

   7. Flowering crabapple

      Scientific Name: Malus spp

      Native Region: North America and Eurasia

      Height: 10–25 feet

      Spread: 10–25 feet

      Fall Color: Orange, red

      Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Fruits (1 inch)

      There are many species of flowering crabapples that are popular in landscaping. Different cultivars feature a variety of blossom colors and small, ornamental fruit. Crabapples and the larger domesticated apples found in the grocery store are both members of the rose family.

   8. Chinese fringe tree

      Scientific Name: Chionanthus retusus

      Native Region: East Asia

      Height: 10–25 feet

      Spread: 10–20 feet

      Fall Color: Yellow

      Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Blue/purple fruit (0.5 inch)

      The Chinese fringe tree is named for showy fringe-like flowers that appear in the spring. It is native to China, Korea, and Japan. Male trees have showier blooms, but female trees produce dark purple olive-like fruits that are a food source for birds and wildlife. In autumn, bright green leaves turn brilliant yellow.

   9. Golden rain tree

      Scientific Name: Koelreuteria paniculata

      Native Region: East Asia

      Height: 30–40 feet

      Spread: 30–40 feet

      Fall Color: Orange

      Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Papery capsules containing hard, black seeds 

      In early summer, the golden rain tree is covered with small yellow flowers that cascade to the ground like drops of golden rain. Native to China and East Asia, the tree was introduced to the North America in the 1700s. Several small, dark seeds are contained inside a capsule that resembles a paper lantern.

   10. Japanese zelkova

       Scientific Name: Zelkova serrata

       Native Region: East Asia

       Height: 50–80 feet

       Spread: 50–75 feet

       Fall Color: Yellow, orange, red

       Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Oval, wingless drupes

       The zelkova tree is native to East Asia. In Japan, it is often used in bonsai, the art of growing and carefully pruning miniature trees in containers. The zelkova has become a popular replacement for the American elm, which was wiped out by Dutch elm disease. Peeling bark on older trees exposes dramatic patches of orange inner bark.

   11. Memorial Bell Tower

       The Memorial Bell Tower was the vision of Northwest President Robert Foster, who wanted a lasting memorial to the men and women who served in World War II. Rather than state appropriations, Foster's plan relied on donations from alumni and other friends of the college – a plan that resulted in the formation of the Northwest Foundation. 

       The 100-foot Bell Tower was constructed using pre-cast concrete halfway down the "long walk" between the Administration Building and the Thomas Gaunt House. By 1971, the Bell Tower was chiming the time and songs in celebration of holidays and special campus events.

       In spring 2004, the Bell Tower underwent an extensive renovation that included structural repairs, the addition of handicap access and new lighting. In the process, the University seal on the floor of the Bell Tower was removed, ending a long-standing superstition that walking on the seal would lead to failing exams. Today, the Bell Tower stands as a memorial not only to war veterans but deceased Northwest alumni and employees as well as a hub for student activities.

   12. Willow oak

       Scientific Name: Quercus phellos

       Native Region: Southeastern United States

       Height: 40–75 feet

       Spread: 25–50 feet

       Fall Color: Yellow, brown

       Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Acorns (0.5 inch) 

       The willow oak is native to lowlands of the southeastern United States. It lacks the dramatic lobed leaves of most oak species. Instead, it has narrow willow-like leaves. It is a popular landscaping shade tree due to its fast growth and pleasing appearance. It takes two growing seasons for its acorns to mature, so immature acorns are visible on the tree in the winter.

   13. Tulip tree

       Tulip Poplar Liriodendron tulipfera: native to Eastern United States. Leaves are simple, alternate and have a unique tulip shape which gives the tree its other common name. The terminal buds resemble a duck's bill. Height to 150 feet. The wood is used to make furniture and boats.

   14. Colorado blue spruce

       Scientific Name: Picea pungens var. glauca

       Native Region: Rocky Mountains

       Height: 30–60 feet

       Spread: 10–20 feet

       Fall Color: Evergreen

       Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Cones (up to 4 inches)

       The Colorado blue spruce is native to the Rocky Mountains. It generally prefers cooler climates and high elevations. Stiff, horizontal limbs give the Colorado blue spruce an attractive shape. A coating of wax gives the evergreen needles their eye-catching silvery blue appearance. Cones are up to four inches long.

   15. American sycamore

       Scientific Name: Platanus occidentalis

       Native Region: Eastern United States

       Height: 75–100 feet

       Spread: 50–75 feet

       Fall Color: Yellow, brown

       Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Ball-like seed head (1 inch)

       The American sycamore is often cited as the largest deciduous tree in the United States. Hollow trunks of massive sycamores sometimes provided temporary shelter for early pioneer settlers. Mature trees shed pieces of brown outer bark, revealing white inner bark. This bark, along with large leaves and seed balls can litter the ground beneath these majestic trees.

   16. Contorted European Beech

       Scientific Name: Fagus sylvatica ‘tortuosa purpurea’

       Native Region: Europe

       Height: 10–15 feet

       Spread: 10–15 feet

       Fall Color: Brown

       This small, unusual specimen may look like a shrub, but it is a contorted European beech tree. It grows low to the ground and is often wider than it is tall. Its leaves are purple throughout the growing season. Mature trees have a dramatic winter appearance. The absence of leaves allows the tree to show off its gnarled trunk and branches.

        

   17. Northern catalpa

       Scientific Name: Catalpa speciosa

       Native Region: Central United States

       Height: 40–70 feet

       Spread: 20–50 feet

       Fall Color: Yellow, brown

       Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Long, slender seed pods (up to 20 inches)

       This massive northern catalpa boasts large, heart-shaped leaves and clusters of attractive white blossoms with a yellow and purple interior. Its seed pods resemble enormous green beans that can be 20 inches long. Catalpa sphinx caterpillars occasionally devour the tree’s leaves but rarely cause lasting damage. Fishermen say these caterpillars make excellent bait.

   18. Ohio buckeye

       Scientific Name: Aesculus glabra

       Native Region: Eastern North America

       Height: 20–40 feet

       Spread: 20–40 feet

       Fall Color: Yellow, orange

       Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Shiny dark brown nut (1.5 inches) with a tan spot in a leathery capsule

       The Ohio buckeye takes its name for its shiny, dark brown nut with a light tan spot that resembles the eye of a deer. One or two buckeye nuts are found inside each prickly husk. According to legend, carrying a buckeye can prevent rheumatism and bring good luck. “Buckeye” is an affectionate nickname for people from Ohio.

   19. Red maple

       Scientific Name: Acer rubrum

       Native Region: Eastern North America

       Height: 40-60 feet

       Spread: 30–50 feet

       Fall Color: Red, orange

       Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Samaras (winged seeds) in pairs

       The red maple is aptly named. Red blossoms in the early spring are followed by clusters of winged seeds that are initially red.  Twigs and buds are also red in color, and autumn leaves are a vibrant orangish-red. This tree is one of several maples whose sap can be used to make maple syrup.

   20. Shagbark hickory

       Scientific Name: Carya ovata

       Native Region: Eastern North America

       Height: 70–90 feet

       Spread: 50–70 feet

       Fall Color: Yellow, brown

       Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Oval nuts (1.5 inches) in a thick husk

       It is easy to see how the shagbark hickory got its name. As the tree matures, it sheds long strips of bark, producing a shaggy appearance. Bats sometimes find shelter under the loose bark. Hickory nuts were an important food source for Native Americans and early settlers. The tree’s extremely hard wood is used to make a variety of products and to smoke meats.

   21. Chinkapin oak

       Scientific Name: Quercus muehlenbergii

       Native Region: Eastern United States

       Height: 50–80 feet

       Spread: 50–70 feet

       Fall Color: Yellow, orange, brown

       Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Acorns (less than 1 inch)

       The chinquapin oak is a member of the white oak group. It is sometimes called the chestnut oak because its oblong, toothed leaves resemble those of a chestnut tree. Dark brown or nearly black acorns mature in a single season and are an important winter food source for birds and squirrels.

   22. Bald cypress

       Scientific Name: Taxodium distichum

       Native Region: Central and southern United States

       Height: 50–70 feet

       Spread: 20–30 feet

       Fall Color: Brown

       Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Round cone (1 inch)

       Bald cypress trees like this one are native to swampy areas of the southeastern United States. They are deciduous, meaning they drop their needles each fall and are “bald” throughout the winter. Knobby root growths called “knees” often protrude from the ground and may help the roots get oxygen when the tree grows in water. Some of these cone-bearing trees in southeastern Missouri are more than 500 years old.

   23. Kissing Bridge

       According to Northwest lore, a freshman was not considered an official student “co-ed” if he or she had not been kissed on the Kissing Bridge by the first snowfall. The small rustic wood bridge is located on the south side of Colden Hall and suggests that it is a place for student romance to begin. Throughout its history, the bridge has become a destination for first dates, engagement proposals and the occasional wedding.

   24. River birch

       Scientific Name: Betula nigra

       Native Region: Eastern United States

       Height: 40–70 feet

       Spread: 40–60 feet

       Fall Color: Yellow

       Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Clusters of winged seeds

       The river birch is Missouri’s only native birch and is often found along streambanks. It often has multiple trunks. As the tree matures, papery outer bark peels off to reveal inner bark. Winged seeds mature in the spring. They grow easily but are also eaten by birds and mice. River birches are highly resistant to the bronze birch border, an insect that attacks other birch species.

   25. American hornbeam

       Scientific Name: Carpinus caroliniana

       Native Region: Eastern North America

       Height: 20–35 feet

       Spread: 20–35 feet

       Fall Color: Yellow, orange, red

       Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Clusters of small nutlets

       The American hornbeam tree is sometimes called “musclewood” because its mature trunk has a sculpted shape resembling muscles. Strong, heavy wood—sometimes used to make tool handles—provides another nickname, “ironwood”.  Hornbeams often grow in the partial shade of larger trees. Leaves are a stunning reddish orange in the fall.

   26. Thomas Gaunt House

       The historic Thomas Gaunt House, on what is now the Northwest Missouri State University campus, was constructed during the 1870s, a decade after Gaunt purchased the tract of land on May 4, 1860, for $693. He later added a tract of 19 acres in 1864 for $120. By 1882 his holding had grown to 72 acres.

       The year of the home’s construction is depicted in white brick lettering on the west side of the house. While it has undergone numerous renovations throughout its history, the Gaunt House maintains its graceful spaces associated with Georgian domestic architecture.

       Thomas W. Gaunt was born in Staffordshire, England, on April 4, 1830, to Thomas Gaunt, a fruit and flower gardener, and Catherine Wooley. Gaunt left England for the United States on Aug. 3, 1853, and arrived in New York on Sept. 12, 1853.

       After his immigration in the spring of 1854 to McDonough County, Illinois, Gaunt found employment with the Smith and Franklin Plant Nursery. Then, in April 1855, Gaunt immigrated to Andrew County, Missouri, where he established a nursery for Smith and Franklin.

       Finally, in 1857, Gaunt moved to Nodaway County, where he established his Gaunt Nursery, cultivating and developing many of the early ornamental shade and fruit trees found in the region.

       During the Civil War, Gaunt served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia and obtained the position of Captain of Company G, 36th Regiment Missouri Militia.

       In 1861, Gaunt married Mary Ann Castillo, and they raised four daughters—Josephine, Martha, Carrie and Ruby. Mary died in 1900, and Capt. Gaunt died a few months later, at the age of 70 in 1901.

       In 1905, his daughters donated the house and grounds for the proposed site of the new Maryville Fifth District Normal School, which is now Northwest Missouri State University.

       The home has served as the residence for Northwest presidents and their families since the institution's founding, and thus as a setting where some of the University’s noteworthy history has played.

       President Lamkin, who oversaw an expansion of Bearcat athletics programs during his tenure, kept the Gaunt House porch light on when the teams were away and instructed bus drivers to honk when they returned safely. After the devastating Administration Building fire in 1979, President Owens assembled his administrative team at 2 a.m. to assess the disaster and make plans to rebuild. Dignitaries from Eleanor Roosevelt to Maya Angelou to Rev. Jesse Jackson have been guests at the home.

       For its significance, the home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

   27. American sweet gum

       Scientific Name: Liquidambar styraciflua

       Native Region: North America

       Height: 60–80 feet

       Spread: 40 to 60 feet

       Fall Color: orange, red, and purple

       Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Spiny, gumball-like fruits (up to 1.5 inches)

       The American sweet gum has large, star-shaped leaves that turn beautiful shades of orange, red, and purple each autumn. The tree’s name refers to the sweet-smelling gum that oozes from wounds to the tree. Hard, spiky fruits—sometimes called gumballs or monkey balls—contain small seeds and can cover the ground under these trees.

   28. Sawtooth oak

       Scientific Name: Quercus acutissima

       Native Region: East Asia

       Height: 40–60 feet

       Spread: 40–60 feet

       Fall Color: Yellow, brown

       Fruit/Cone/Nut/Seed: Acorns (1 inch)

       The sawtooth oak is native to Asia but has become widespread in the United States. It takes its name from the bristly teeth along the edge of its leaves. Shaggy caps cover bitter acorns that are not popular with squirrels when other food sources are available. In Japan, shiitake mushrooms are grown on sawtooth oak logs.