Founder’s Grove

The Founders’ Grove is located in the southeast corner of the Arboretum and is home to the first trees planted on the Arboretum grounds. Beginning in 1970, board members celebrated the purchase of the 40-acre site by participating in a ceremonial tree planting. Honorariums to the founders of the arboretum are still being added today.

The State Champion Southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis) was also planted here, but was regrettably deaccessioned in 2014 due to canopy death. However, several other specimens deserve an historical highlight.

Evan’s white fir (Abies concolor ‘Evans’) is an original Founders’ Grove specimen which was grafted by Iowa State Horticultural Society’s President Albert (Al) Ferguson in 1970. Consequently, this marked the gradual development of the Founders’ Grove collection.

Kompact sugar maple (Acer saccharum ‘Kompact’), another specimen propagated by the late Al Ferguson, has an unforgettable teardrop silhouette with brilliant golden-orange fall color. Al recognized the unique growth pattern of one particular specimen compared to all the other sugar maples growing along “K Street” in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After observing this specimen for several years, Al determined it was worth propagating for cuttings. It took several years for Al to grow the cuttings out, but the tree was finally transplanted to the Founders’ Grove; where it resides today. While it has potential commercial value, we have not yet been able to interest any nursery into propagating it as there are similar varieties already in commerce.

The three-flowered maple, (Acer triflorum), is said to have limitless use in the landscape. Shining in three seasons with its graceful habit, exquisite exfoliating bark, and  brilliant fall color, this species was first discovered in 1917 by Ernest H. Wilson from the Arnold Arboretum. While the largest and oldest three-flower specimen is said to still reside at the Arnold Arboretum, the specimen that dwells in the Iowa Arboretum’s Founders’ Grove dates back to 1970, and has been speculated to be the largest in Iowa. The three-flowered maple gained popularity in the nursery trade upon earning a Gold Medal Award in 1996 from The Pennsylvania Horticulture Society, as well as the Great Plant Pick in 2004, and the Tower Hill Botanic Garden’s Cary Award in 2008.