Overview of the plants at the NYBG

Number of plant species: Over 1 million living plants
Number of gardens and collections: 50+ gardens and plant collections

Trees

Hundreds of species, including ancient oaks, American beeches, cherries, birches, tulip trees, and white ash. The Thain Family Forest preserves one of the last old-growth forests in New York City.

Shrubs & woody plants

Extensive collections of azaleas, conifers, viburnums, hydrangeas, and rhododendrons, showcased in specialty gardens like the Azalea Garden and Conifer Arboretum.

Herbaceous perennials

Thousands of species, including peonies, irises, daylilies, ferns, and ornamental grasses, are featured in the Perennial Garden, Native Plant Garden, and other displays.

Annuals & bulbs

Seasonal displays of tulips, daffodils, lilies, and other bulbs, as well as vibrant annuals throughout the year in beds and borders.

Native plants

Nearly 100,000 native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, and grasses in the Native Plant Garden celebrate the flora of north-eastern North America.

Tropical & subtropical plants

Thousands of species from rainforests, deserts, and Mediterranean climates are housed in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory’s glasshouses, including palms, orchids, and the famous Amorphophallus titanum (corpse flower).

Rare & endangered species

Dozens of rare and threatened plants, including several on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s active inventory list, such as Carex aggregata and Helonias bullata.

Wild flora

The NYBG grounds also support a spontaneous flora of over 400 wild vascular plant species, both native and non-native, in naturalistic areas like the Thain Family Forest and along the Bronx River.

Fun fact: The NYBG is a living museum and a global plant research center, with one of the world’s largest herbaria (over 7 million specimens) and a research library containing more than 550,000 volumes.

The growing list of plants at the New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden is renowned for its vast collection of over one million plants spread across 250 acres, offering a stunning and diverse botanical landscape. It features spectacular exhibits like Van Gogh’s Flowers and the Orchid Show. Here are some of the most fascinating flowers you’ll find at the NYBG.

Amorphophallus titanum (Corpse Flower)

Famous for its enormous inflorescence and pungent odor resembling rotting meat, this rare tropical plant blooms only once every several years, drawing crowds to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

Size: The flower spike can reach over 8 feet in height
Habitat: Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Tropical Rainforest House
Fun fact: The bloom lasts just 24–48 hours and emits a powerful scent to attract pollinators.

Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)

With their gracefully lobed leaves and stunning seasonal colors, Japanese maples are among the most admired ornamental trees at NYBG.

Size: Typically 10–25 feet tall, with a wide canopy
Diet: Photosynthetic; thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Habitat: Found primarily in the Maple Collection
Fun fact: NYBG features multiple cultivars of Japanese maple.

Eutrochium dubium (Coastal Joe-Pye Weed)

Tall, late-summer perennial with mauve flower heads that attract butterflies and bees.

Size: 3–5 feet tall
Habitat: Native Plant Garden and Wet Meadow Areas
Fun fact: Named after a Native American herbalist who used it for medicinal purposes.

Rosa spp. (Rose)

With over 4,000 rose plants and 37 species, the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden showcases a dazzling array of colors, forms, and fragrances.

Size: Varies widely by species and cultivar
Habitat: Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden
Fun fact: Roses have been symbols of love and beauty for millennia.

Prunus serrulata (Japanese Cherry)

These iconic cherry trees create a breathtaking display each spring, celebrated during the NYBG’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

Size: Up to 25 feet tall
Habitat: Cherry Esplanade and throughout the grounds
Fun fact: Cherry blossoms symbolize renewal and the fleeting nature of life.

Magnolia spp.

Magnolias are among the earliest spring bloomers at NYBG, with large, fragrant flowers that brighten the landscape.

Size: Small shrubs to large trees, up to 80 feet
Habitat: Magnolia Garden and throughout the grounds
Fun fact: Magnolias have existed since the time of the dinosaurs.

Quercus spp. (Oak)

The mature oaks form the arboreal backbone of NYBG, some dating back over 200 years, providing habitat and shade throughout the grounds.

Size: Can exceed 100 feet in height
Habitat: Thain Family Forest
Fun fact: Oaks support more life forms than any other native tree in North America.

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)

Known for its dramatic foliage and cone-shaped flower clusters, this shrub is a highlight in summer and fall gardens.

Size: 4–8 feet tall
Habitat: Perennial Garden and Native Plant Garden
Fun fact: Its leaves turn deep red and purple in autumn.

Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry)

A native shrub with glossy black berries and striking red fall foliage, valued for its ornamental and ecological benefits.

Size: 3–6 feet tall
Habitat: Native Plant Garden
Fun fact: The berries are high in antioxidants and used in jams and juices.

Mertensia virginica (Virginia Bluebells)

These spring ephemerals carpet woodland areas with clusters of bell-shaped blue flowers.

Size: 1–2 feet tall
Habitat: Native Plant Garden and Thain Family Forest
Fun fact: The flowers start pink and turn blue as they mature.

Trillium grandiflorum (Large-flowered Trillium)

A spring wildflower recognized by its three-petaled white blooms, often found in the Native Plant Garden.

Size: 12–18 inches tall
Habitat: Native Plant Garden and Thain Family Forest
Fun fact: Trilliums can take up to seven years to bloom from seed.

Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)

A vibrant orange-flowered milkweed that attracts butterflies, especially monarchs, to the Native Plant Garden.

Size: 1–2.5 feet tall
Habitat: Native Plant Garden and Perennial Garden
Fun fact: Its deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant.

Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ (Eastern Redbud)

This small tree is prized for its magenta spring flowers and heart-shaped, purple foliage.

Size: 20–30 feet tall
Habitat: Native Plant Garden and throughout the grounds
Fun fact: The flowers are edible and can be used in salads.

Salvia transylvanica (Transylvanian Sage)

A perennial with vivid blue-purple flowers, popular in perennial borders for attracting pollinators.

Size: 1–2 feet tall
Habitat: Perennial Garden
Fun fact: Its aromatic leaves repel deer and rabbits.

Tricyrtis spp. (Toad Lily)

Shade-loving perennials with unique, orchid-like spotted flowers bloom in late summer and fall.

Size: 1–3 feet tall
Habitat: Perennial Garden and Shade Gardens
Fun fact: The flowers resemble tiny orchids and bloom when few others do

Helonias bullata (Swamp Pink)

A rare, endangered wildflower with clusters of pink blossoms, featured in conservation plantings.

Size: 1–2 feet tall
Habitat: Conservation Plantings and Native Plant Garden
Fun fact: It’s federally listed as threatened due to habitat loss