Glenn Dale Hybrid Azalea Sandra and Kenneth McDonald Azalea Experimental Planting

Here’s your guide to the arboretum’s 125 acres
of extraordinary beauty. The native oak-hickory forest,
gentle slopes, lowland swale and ponds serve as havens
for a rich variety of Virginia wildflowers, trees and
shrubs as well as many rare and endangered species
native to the Mid-Appalachians.
Glenn Dale Hybrid Azalea
Experimental Planting
These large-flowered, winter-hardy hybrids were
in danger of being lost to horticultural science 60
years after the mass hybridization program that
created them from their Japanese and Chinese
parents. In flower April through July.
April Walk Daffodil Garden
More than 50 varieties of daffodils are planted
in large naturalized groupings. Enjoy the cheery
blaze of yellows and oranges with pristine
whites and peaches of Narcissus.
Herb Garden
Four theme terraces constitute the Herb
Garden -- fragrance, medicinal, culinary, and
Appalachian. The garden gains its inspiration
from history and local folklore as well as modern
culinary and medicinal usage. Both common
and lesser-known herbs grace these terraces.
Peak flowering June through July; in flower all
summer; fruit interest in autumn; foliage interest
all year.
Ballard Planting
On the bank overlooking the pond bridge,
featuring a Maidenhair Tree with its fan-shaped
leaf. This species dates to the age of dinosaurs.
Planted along with Giant Leopard Plant and the
White Redbud tree with its heart-shaped leaf
but white flowers. In flower April through June,
foliage interest in October.
Wetlands Garden
Found between the pond and amphitheater, see
gardens featuring acid loving plants common to
wetlands and marshes with a centerpiece Bald
Cypress, a coastal plain swamp tree. Flowering
May through July.
Drury Planting
This planting at the edge of the pond includes
Weeping Bald Cypress, Bigleaf Magnolia,
Japanese Maple ‘Bloodgood’, Forest-Pansy
Redbud, Cherokee Sunset Dogwood, and
Dolchica Spirea. In flower April through June.
Fern Valley
Located on the slopes of the deepest ravine in
the arboretum, this planting of ferns forms a
blanket of brilliant green under the curved John
Clayton Trail bridge. Ferns include the HayScented, Christmas, Marginal Shield, New York,
Ostrich, and Sensitive. Peak foliage in May.
*View Memorial Gardens at our website
Viette Perennial Garden
Donated by noted horticulturist Andre Viette,
this delightful mixed perennial garden features
hostas, ornamental grasses, daylilies and irises,
which have been planted for a spectacular array
of mid-summer color. In flower May through July.
Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the American
Rhododendron Society Native Azalea Garden
Adjacent to the pond, this native azalea garden
exhibits Pinxter flower, Flame azalea, Plum-Leaf
azalea and number of hybrid crosses among
these natives. In flower March through July;
foliage interest all year.
Norlyn L. Bodkin Oak Hickory Forest
The mixed species of oaks and hickories
that comprise the eastern deciduous forest
biome’s most extensive forest association,
also form this forest that supports the diverse
gardens, plantings and native Mid-Appalachian
species of the arboretum. The Norlyn L. Bodkin
Oak Hickory Forest is named for the founding
arboretum director. Foliage interest spring
through autumn; peak autumn color in October.
Sandra and Kenneth McDonald Azalea
and Rhododendron Garden
Hundreds of individual azaleas and
rhododendrons, some up to 25 years old
and up to 15 feet tall, adorn both sides of
the John Clayton Trail. From the earlyflowering Rhododendron prunifolium, the
garden offers spectacular color from March
through July and foliage interest all year.
Sycamore Flat
This grass carpeted swale, where
Sycamore, Blackhaw Viburnum, Box Elder
and Elderberry grow naturally, receives
intermittent flooding. It acts as protective
barrier to the rest of the arboretum from
sudden erosion, slowing the flow of water
into the pond. In flower May through June.
Larkin Smith Shale Barrens
Perhaps the most unique arboretum
garden, this man-made shale barren is the
only arboretum garden of its kind in the
state to feature seven of the 15 strict
endemic species that make their home only
under the shale barren’s extreme
conditions: harsh, direct prolonged sunlight
and summer temperatures above 100°F.
William Andrew Wood Wildflower Garden
Turk’s Cap Lily, Dutchman’s Breeches and
delicate trilliums are among the most eyecatching specimens of the 92 species
originally planted in this native shrub and
wildflower garden. It is one of the largest
wildflower and native shrub gardens in
Virginia. In flower April through May; fruit
interest October through December.
Caroline Sinclair Garden
This terraced garden is home to a variety of
perennials and shrubs including colorful
butterfly bushes and Kousa Dogwood In
flower May through July; foliage interest all
year.
EJC Arboretum at JMU
780 University Blvd, MSC 3705,
Harrisonburg, Va 22807
Phone: 540.568.3194
Fax: 540.568.5115
Email: [email protected]
www.jmu.edu/arboretum
Self-Guided Walking Tour
Welcome to the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
at James Madison University. Stroll the
winding trails, explore the gardens, relax
by the pond. Leave with an enhanced
appreciation for nature and a greater
understanding of our most precious natural
resources - plants.
ve.
Neff A
Landmarks
Restrooms and Water Fountains
These facilities can be located on
the arboretum grounds by the icons shown on
the left.
Frances Plecker Education Building
& Ernst Tree Terrace
This building houses the arboretum’s
Botanical Library, offices, and space for
meetings, workshops, and events.
Pavilion
Located at the start of the John Clayton Trail,
the open-air pavilion is the central location
for classes, lectures and special events as
well as the summer Brown Bag Lecture Series.
Ann O’Connor Jurney Stage Garden
The Stage Garden provides a trail head for the
Plecker Pond Loop Accessible Trail as well as
place to linger and rest. It allows the Arboretum
to provide both an outdoor accessible space at
garden level, and to have concerts.
Labyrinth
The labyrinth is an ancient meditative art form.
It’s design serves as a metaphor of life’s
journey. Just off the trail it offers an opportunity
for quiet meditation and contemplation.
John Clayton Trail
Plecker Pond Loop
Accessible Trail
Service Road/Student
Bike Access
Nature Trails
Foot Paths
Costco
Stone Gate
Apartments
Forest Hills
Manor Subdivision
University
Plaza
Lot R5
.
vd
Un
ive
rsi
ty
Bl
e
r Driv
Drive
Convo Lot F
Convo Lot G