On a beautiful summer day, it’s a great time to walk through Biltmore’s forests to honor the estate’s timeless commitment to the legacy of the land. And if you can’t be there in person, a virtual walk will do!
A Brief History Of Arboriculture At Biltmore
When George Vanderbilt purchased the acreage that would become Biltmore, much of the land was cleared and vacant of trees due to activity from the previous settlers. Biltmore’s landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, advised George Vanderbilt to make most of his estate a forest.
According to Bill Alexander, Biltmore’s Landscape and Forest Historian, “Olmsted suggested, as a general rule, the establishment and maintenance of an unbroken forest from the north to the south and from the east to the west, which he intended as a model for the country.”
Trees to Look for During Your Visit
During your visit this summer, see some of these original trees and other varieties planted through the years.
- Dawn Redwood: Find this North Carolina state champion tree in the Azalea Garden at Biltmore. These trees were believed to be extinct until 1941 when living specimens were discovered in China. Historians believe Biltmore’s trees are grown from original wild seeds collected in China in 1944. Several of these magnificent trees are also located in the triangular space directly across from the admissions booth. “Another grove is located along the road after you exit the house and gardens area and past the Bass Pond waterfall on the left,” says Bill Alexander, Biltmore’s Landscape and Forest Historian. (Above)
- Persian Parrotia: No matter when you visit, this tree is sure to delight with its natural beauty. Native to Iran and cultivated in 1840, this tree boasts tiny flowers with purplish-crimson stamens in the spring, brilliant fall foliage, and exfoliating bark in gray, green, or cream in the winter. Find it between the Conservatory and Gardener’s Cottage. Bill notes that Biltmore’s Parrotia, “Ranks among the top specimens of its kind in the world and is a North Carolina state champion specimen tree.” (Below)
- Two-Winged Silverbell: This generally small growing treasure is usually found in the coastal Southeast, but Biltmore is home to the North Carolina state champion and national champion tree. Visit in late April or early May to enjoy the pure white bell-shaped flowers on this multi-stemmed tree. Look for it between the Conservatory and Gardener’s Cottage. (Below)
- Blue Atlas Cedar: Gaze upon this tree to admire one of the only four species of “true cedars” growing in the world from the Mediterranean and Himalayan regions. Found along the main path in the Azalea Garden, this tree is believed to have been planted in the early 1930s. It is a North Carolina state champion specimen tree. (Right)
- Bigleaf Magnolia: Early June is an excellent time to pause and admire this tree in the Azalea Garden. Find it near the circle with the Chauncey Beadle monument, and pause to enjoy the enormous cream flowers that open in summer. “One of the two specimens growing in the central part of the Azalea Garden at Biltmore is currently listed as both a state and national champion tree,” notes Bill.
- Katsuratree: Alongside the Bigleaf Magnolia is another North Carolina champion specimen tree, which is one of the largest and best in the country. In the spring, look for new leaves that are reddish purple. In the summer, the foliage turns a delightful bluish green. While the leaves change to varying shades of yellow and orange in the fall, the true delight is the cinnamon-like fragrance the leave release as they shed. (Bottom photo)
- Golden-rain Tree: Beautiful yellow flowers in late spring and inflated seed pods reminiscent of Chinese lanterns make this unusual tree a show-stopper. A native to China and Korea, this specimen was on Olmsted’s original planting list from 1892. Wander through the Shrub Garden to find this North Carolina state champion specimen tree. (Top photo)
Please visit www.biltmore.com for more information and to plan your stay.
(Prepared by Judy Ross of The Biltmore.)