Trees and Plants
The Ratrie Arboretum has more than 1,400 trees that represent 109 distinct species. Most are native to our region, but there is a healthy population of unusual non-native trees.
There are four champion trees of West Virginia within the Arboretum. All contribute to the health of the Kanawha Valley by manufacturing oxygen, sequestering carbon dioxide and some airborne pollutants, and preventing stormwater runoff. They provide food and shelter for birds and wildlife. They support and are supported by, a multitude of insect, bacterial, and fungi species. The Arboretum itself can be thought of as a complex organism.
Explore with PlanIT Geo™
To get the most out of your Arboretum visit, use your device to access our tree inventory. The inventory was surveyed and is displayed by PlanIT Geo™, a geospatial technology firm specializing in urban forestry, planning, and natural resources.
To view the Arboretum’s tree inventory in a new window, click here.
By clicking on each tree in the Arboretum list, you will find in-depth information about its unique characteristics, how to identify it, the primary uses of its wood, and the ecological benefits. We invite you to come learn and explore our tree inventory!