If you are driving to campus there is paid visitor parking at the Student Center Parking Deck.
Pecan Orchard
The pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis) is a large deciduous tree native to North America and is renowned for its delicious and nutritious nuts. These trees can reach heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters) and have a broad canopy with pinnately compound leaves, often consisting of 9 to 17 leaflets. Pecan trees produce highly sought-after nuts that are used in a wide range of culinary applications, including pies, pralines, and snacks. They require well-drained soil and a warm, sunny climate to thrive and are a valuable crop in the southern United States, where they are commonly grown in orchards for commercial production.
Southern Magnolia (champion tree)
Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is a magnificent and iconic evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States. It is renowned for its large, glossy, dark green leaves with a leathery texture and its stunning, fragrant, white flowers that can measure up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) in diameter. These fragrant blooms often appear in late spring and early summer and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. The tree's distinctive cone-like fruits house bright red seeds and add further ornamental interest. Southern magnolias are popular as ornamental trees in landscaping and are cherished for their beauty and their ability to provide year-round greenery.
Southern Magnolia - Layering
This southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) provides an example of a vegetative method of reproduction known as layering. In additional to typical reproduction through seeds, this species sends out low-lying branches that eventually make contact with the soil. The branch then enters the soil and develops root structures. Eventually, those root structures form a sprout that can become a new tree. Many of the smaller trees you see here are a result of layering from the large tree in the center.
Chinese Pistache
Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis) is a deciduous tree native to China and Taiwan but widely planted in various parts of the world for its ornamental qualities. It is prized for its stunning fall foliage, which turns brilliant shades of orange and red, creating a striking visual display. Chinese pistache trees typically reach heights of 30 to 35 feet (9 to 10.5 meters) and have compound leaves with multiple leaflets. They produce small clusters of green flowers in the spring, followed by small, red, berry-like fruits. Due to its drought tolerance and vibrant fall colors, Chinese pistache is a popular choice for urban and suburban landscapes. This particular tree was given to the university by Britain's Queen Victoria in the 1850s and is thought to be the oldest living member of its species.
Eastern Red Cedar
Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a coniferous tree native to eastern North America. Despite its name, it is not a true cedar but rather a member of the juniper family. This evergreen tree is known for its fragrant, dark green foliage, which often takes on a reddish-brown hue in the winter. Eastern red cedar is a hardy and adaptable species, often found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, woodlands, and disturbed areas. Its berries provide food for birds, and its wood is highly valued for its durability and is used for making cedar chests, fence posts, and other products.
Abiotic Conditions
This bald cypress would not usually be found in such a location, as it competes best in waterlogged soils and inundated areas. But, the depression in the surrounding soil and the nearby water drain provide this tree with ample opportunity for water, allowing it to not only survive but also thrive.
Loblolly Pine
Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States. It is one of the most commercially important timber species in North America, prized for its straight trunks and high-quality wood used in construction, paper production, and more. Loblolly pines can reach towering heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters) and have long, slender needles grouped in bundles of three. They also produce large, woody cones filled with seeds that provide a food source for various wildlife species. These versatile trees are commonly used in reforestation efforts and are a prominent feature of southern pine forests.
River Birch
River birch (Betula nigra) is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America, often found along riverbanks, streams, and wetland areas. It is characterized by its distinctive salmon-colored to reddish-brown bark that peels away in papery curls, adding to its ornamental appeal. River birch leaves are simple, serrated, and dark green, turning yellow in the fall. This tree is valued for its adaptability to wet soils and its ability to withstand flooding, making it a preferred choice for stabilizing riverbanks and providing shade in riparian zones. Additionally, it is a popular landscaping tree for its graceful form and attractive features.
Cherrybark Oak
Cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda) is a tall, deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It is part of the red oak group, recognized for its strong, straight trunk and dark gray bark that develops distinctive ridges and furrows as it matures. Cherrybark oak leaves are simple and have pointed lobes with a glossy green surface, turning shades of red, brown, or orange in the fall. These trees are ecologically valuable for providing food in the form of acorns for various wildlife species and are highly prized for their timber, which is used in the production of furniture and flooring.
Overcup Oak
Overcup oak (Quercus lyrata) is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It gets its name from the acorns that are nearly enclosed in a distinct, thick, cup-like structure. The leaves of the overcup oak are distinctive, with 5–9 rounded lobes, middle lobes usually widest, often squarish, the notches of lobes with various shapes, and the leaf tip rounded to pointed. This oak species is often found in lowland areas, such as floodplains and swamps, where it plays an important ecological role by providing habitat for wildlife and helping to stabilize the soil.
Japanese Maple
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is a stunning deciduous tree or shrub native to East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and China. It is highly regarded for its exquisite and often deeply lobed leaves, which come in a wide range of colors, including vibrant reds, purples, oranges, and greens, adding a striking aesthetic to landscapes. Japanese maples are typically small to medium-sized, growing to heights of 10 to 25 feet (3 to 7.5 meters), making them ideal for gardens and ornamental plantings. These trees are known for their graceful and delicate appearance, and they thrive in well-drained, moist soils with partial shade, making them a favorite choice among garden enthusiasts for their ornamental value.
Callery Pear
Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to China and Vietnam. It is known for its striking display of white flowers in the spring, which cover the tree in a profusion of blooms. The tree's leaves are glossy green and have a distinctive, slightly serrated shape. While Callery pear is appreciated for its ornamental beauty, it has become invasive in some regions, outcompeting native plants and disrupting local ecosystems. Due to its invasive nature, it's important to consider its potential impact before planting it in a landscape.
Longleaf Pine
Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), the state tree of Alabama, is a resilient evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States. It is recognized for its long needles, which can reach lengths of 8 to 18 inches (20 to 45 centimeters), and its tall, straight trunk that can grow up to 100 feet (30 meters) in height. Longleaf pine forests are known for their unique ecosystem, providing habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Historically, longleaf pine wood was highly valued for its strength and durability, used in shipbuilding and construction, particularly in the southeastern U.S. Efforts are underway to restore and conserve longleaf pine ecosystems due to their ecological importance and historical significance.
Burr Oak
Burr oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a large and majestic deciduous tree native to North America. It is renowned for its robust and wide-spreading canopy, with branches often extending horizontally and forming a broad crown. Burr oak leaves are deeply lobed and have a glossy dark green color that turns golden-brown in the fall. The tree produces acorns with a distinctive fringed cap, and these acorns are an important food source for wildlife. Burr oaks are well-suited to various soil types and are commonly planted in parks, open spaces, and along streets for their shade and aesthetic qualities.
Red Maple
Red maple (Acer rubrum) is a versatile deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is celebrated for its vibrant foliage, with leaves that can turn brilliant shades of red, orange, or yellow in the fall, creating a stunning display of autumn colors. Red maple trees typically grow to heights of 40 to 60 feet (12 to 18 meters) and produce small red flowers in early spring, followed by distinctive red-winged seeds. They are commonly found in a variety of habitats, from wetlands to upland forests, and are widely planted for their aesthetic appeal in landscaping and urban areas.
Deodar Cedar
The deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) is a majestic evergreen tree native to the western Himalayas and other parts of South Asia. It is renowned for its graceful, drooping branches and its aromatic, needle-like leaves that emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed. Deodar cedars can attain impressive heights, often reaching 50 to 200 feet (15 to 60 meters) or more, and they are frequently planted as ornamental trees in gardens and parks around the world. The wood of the deodar cedar is highly valued for its durability and is used in construction, furniture making, and the crafting of musical instruments.
Water Oak
Water oak (Quercus nigra) is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It is a relatively small to medium-sized oak tree that typically reaches heights of 50 to 80 feet (15 to 24 meters). Water oak is known for its simple, elliptical leaves with smooth margins and a glossy dark green color. It is often found in wetland areas, along streambanks, and in low-lying areas, hence its name. While it provides valuable habitat and food for wildlife, water oak is relatively short-lived due to its susceptibility to disease and pests.
Black Oak
Black oak (Quercus velutina) is a sturdy and deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It's characterized by its deeply lobed, dark green leaves with a glossy surface that turn a rich red or russet in the fall, providing a vibrant display of autumn color. The tree typically grows to heights of 50 to 80 feet (15 to 24 meters) and produces acorns that are an important food source for wildlife. Black oak wood is durable and has been historically used in the construction of buildings, barrels, and furniture, thanks to its strength and resistance to decay.
Basswood
Basswood (Tilia americana) is a deciduous tree native to North America and is often referred to as American basswood or American linden. It is a medium to large tree, reaching heights of 60 to 80 feet (18 to 24 meters) with a broad canopy of heart-shaped leaves. In early summer, basswood produces fragrant, pale yellow flowers that attract bees, making it an excellent source of nectar for honey production. The wood of the basswood tree is lightweight, fine-grained, and easy to carve, making it popular for sculptors and woodworkers. Additionally, basswood trees are valued for their shade and are often planted in parks and urban landscapes.
Tulip Poplar
Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a towering deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is one of the tallest hardwood trees on the continent, often reaching heights of 70 to 90 feet (21 to 27 meters) or more. The tree's name comes from its tulip-shaped, greenish-yellow flowers with orange markings, which appear high in the canopy in late spring. Tulip poplars are also recognized by their unique leaves, which are four-lobed and resemble tulip silhouettes, and they turn a bright yellow in the fall. These trees are highly valued for their straight trunks and light, strong wood, which is used in various applications, including furniture and cabinetry.
Green Ash
Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) is a deciduous tree native to North America, widely distributed across the eastern and central parts of the continent. This tree is known for its pinnately compound leaves with leaflets arranged oppositely along the stem, creating a feather-like appearance. Green ash typically grows to heights of 50 to 70 feet (15 to 21 meters) and is valued for its rapid growth, making it a popular choice for shade trees and timber. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, from wet to dry, and is commonly found in floodplains and riparian areas, where its fibrous root system helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
Redbud
Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small deciduous tree native to North America, particularly in the eastern and central regions. It is known for its striking and early springtime display of pink to lavender, pea-like flowers that emerge directly from the tree's branches before the leaves appear. The heart-shaped leaves of the redbud add to its visual appeal, turning from a reddish hue when they first emerge to green in the summer and vibrant yellow in the fall. Redbuds are often used in landscaping for their ornamental beauty, adaptability to a variety of soil conditions, and their value as a native tree that supports local wildlife.
Willow Oak
Willow oak (Quercus phellos) is a medium to large deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. This tree is valued for its slender, willow-like leaves, which are long and narrow, giving it its common name. Willow oaks can reach heights of 50 to 80 feet (15 to 24 meters) and are known for their attractive, rounded canopy and fast growth rate. They are often planted in urban landscapes and along streets for their adaptability to various soil types and their ability to provide ample shade.
Sycamore
American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is a large, deciduous tree native to North America. It is recognized for its striking mottled bark, which peels away in patches, revealing a creamy white inner bark layer, creating a visually distinct appearance. Sycamores can reach impressive heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters) or more and have broad, palmate leaves with three to five lobes. They are commonly found along riverbanks and in riparian zones, where their extensive root systems help stabilize the soil. Sycamore trees provide valuable habitat for various wildlife and are often planted as shade trees in urban and suburban areas.
Ginkgo
The ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) is a unique and ancient species that is sometimes referred to as a "living fossil." It is the only living member of the Ginkgoaceae family and has no close relatives. Ginkgo trees have distinct fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant golden-yellow in the fall, creating a striking visual display. They are often planted as ornamental trees in urban environments due to their tolerance of pollution and ability to thrive in a wide range of soils. Additionally, ginkgo leaves have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for their potential health benefits, particularly for cognitive function and circulation.
Live Oak
Live oak (Quercus virginiana) is a classic evergreen oak tree found primarily in the southeastern United States. It's renowned for its sprawling, wide-spreading canopy that provides ample shade and a timeless, picturesque appearance. Live oaks are characterized by their glossy, dark green leaves, which remain on the tree year-round, contributing to their "live" name. These trees are often revered for their longevity and cultural significance in the southern United States, where they have been used for everything from shipbuilding to providing shade in historic landscapes.
American Elm
The American elm (Ulmus americana) is a majestic deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is renowned for its distinctively vase-shaped canopy and serrated, elliptical leaves that turn vibrant shades of yellow in the fall. In the past, American elms were widely planted along city streets and in urban parks for their elegant appearance and shade-providing capabilities. Unfortunately, many of these trees succumbed to Dutch elm disease, a devastating fungal infection, which led to the decline of the once-ubiquitous American elm in urban landscapes. However, efforts are ongoing to develop disease-resistant varieties to restore the presence of this iconic tree.
Sawtooth Oak
Sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima) is a deciduous oak tree native to East Asia but commonly planted in various parts of the United States as an ornamental and timber tree. It earns its name from the sawtooth-like edges of its leaves. These leaves are glossy, dark green, and usually measure about 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 centimeters) in length. The tree is prized for its rapid growth and ability to produce acorns at a young age, providing a valuable food source for wildlife like deer and squirrels. Sawtooth oak is often planted in parks, wildlife habitats, and urban landscapes for its aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits.
Red Mulberry
Red mulberry (Morus rubra) is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is a medium-sized tree that can reach heights of up to 50 feet (15 meters) and is characterized by its distinctive lobed leaves and reddish-brown bark. The tree produces sweet, dark-red to almost black fruits in early summer, which are edible and enjoyed by both wildlife and humans. Red mulberries are adaptable and can thrive in various soil types, making them a valuable tree for wildlife habitat and historically significant for their use in making pies, jams, and other culinary treats.
Spruce Pine
Spruce pine (Pinus glabra) is a native coniferous tree found in the southeastern United States. It is often recognized for its slender and straight trunk, which can grow up to 100 feet (30 meters) tall. The tree's needles are typically arranged in clusters of two and are dark green, with small cones that measure around 2 inches (5 centimeters) in length. Pinus glabra is valued for its hard and durable wood, which has been used in various applications, including construction and utility poles.
Bald Cypress
Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a unique and striking deciduous conifer tree native to the southeastern United States. It is renowned for its distinctive appearance, featuring needle-like leaves that turn a vibrant coppery-red before shedding in the fall, hence the name "bald cypress." These trees can grow to impressive heights, with some specimens reaching up to 100 feet (30 meters) or more. One of their most remarkable features is their ability to thrive in waterlogged soils, often found in swamps and wetlands, where they develop "knees" or pneumatophores that protrude from the roots to facilitate oxygen exchange. Bald cypress trees are not only important ecologically but also culturally, with their wood being prized for construction and their picturesque presence in natural landscapes.
Paper Birch
Paper birch (Betula papyrifera) is a deciduous tree native to North America, recognized for its distinctive, white, peeling bark that resembles paper. This tree typically reaches heights of 50 to 70 feet (15 to 21 meters) and has a slender, upright form with delicate, pendulous branches. In spring, paper birch showcases its charm with bright green, serrated leaves that turn golden-yellow in the fall, creating a stunning display of color. These trees are often found in cool, northern forests and are valued for their aesthetic appeal and their historical use by indigenous peoples for crafting items like canoes and baskets.
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States, known for its stunning oak-like foliage. The leaves of this hydrangea species are large and deeply lobed, resembling the shape of oak leaves, which gives the plant its name. In addition to its unique foliage, oakleaf hydrangea produces cone-shaped clusters of white or pinkish flowers in the summer, which gradually fade to a beautiful purplish-pink hue as they age. This shrub is popular in landscaping for its attractive foliage, striking flowers, and its ability to thrive in a variety of garden settings, from woodland gardens to formal landscapes.
Hackberry
Southern hackberry (Celtis laevigata) is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It is a relatively small to medium-sized tree, typically reaching heights between 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters). Southern hackberry is easily recognizable by its distinctive bark, which is gray and warty, and its simple, serrated leaves. In the late summer and early fall, the tree produces small, round, sweet-tasting fruits that are consumed by various wildlife species. This hardy tree is commonly found in bottomland forests, along riverbanks, and in other moist, lowland habitats.
Marr's Spring
Marr's Spring once served as the primary water source for the University of Alabama. Today, it serves as a relaxing outdoor environment, a break from the university hustle and bustle. Enjoy the walking path, have a seat by the pond, and take a moment to appreciate the serenity that can be found here.