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Welcome to Mount Peace Cemetery Arboretum
a serene sanctuary where nature and remembrance intertwine. Our beautifully landscaped grounds offer a peaceful environment for reflection and honor the memories of loved ones. Explore our diverse collection of trees and plants, each contributing to the tranquility of this sacred space. We invite you to visit and experience the calming beauty of our arboretum.
Mount Peace received accreditation as an arboretum in 2022. The trees and woody plants found on the cemetery grounds are primarily native species, including a wide variety of magnificent, mature oaks. A grove of oaks is found sheltering Soldier’s Row, a group of veteran’s headstones that serves as a focal point within the arboretum. Many of the tree species found on the grounds, including sassafras, black cherry, oak, tupelo, white pine and beech, have been employed in traditional African American medicine, and those trees are highlighted in some of our programming. Our arboretum, features a diverse collection of trees and native plants. Discover the unique beauty and ecological importance of each specimen as you stroll through our grounds. Join us in celebrating the wonders of nature and the vital role trees play in our environment.
Sassafras, Sassafras albidum
Common names: sassafras
The Sassafras tree, scientifically known as Sassafras albidum, is a deciduous tree native to North America. It is known for its distinctive, aromatic leaves that can have different shapes on the same tree, ranging from oval to lobed. The tree produces small, yellow flowers in spring and blue-black berries that attract wildlife. Sassafras is often appreciated for its unique fragrance and is commonly used in traditional herbal remedies and culinary applications. *One of the major native plants of North America incorporated into the Afro-botanical healing tradition.
Eastern white pine, Pinus strobus
Common names: Eastern white pine, white pine
The Eastern white pine is a majestic tree native to eastern North America, known for its tall stature and soft, flexible needles. It can grow up to 80 feet tall and is characterized by its long, straight trunk and distinctive clusters of five needles. This tree is not only valued for its beauty but also for its high-quality wood, which is used in construction and furniture making. With its adaptability to various soil types, the Eastern white pine is a popular choice for landscaping and reforestation efforts. *One of the major native plants of North America incorporated into the Afro-botanical healing tradition.
Northern Catalpa, Catalpa speciosa
Common names: northern catalpa, catalpa, cigar-tree, hardy catalpa, western catalpa
The Catalpa tree, specifically the Catalpa speciosa, is a stunning deciduous tree known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and beautiful white flowers. It can grow up to 60 feet tall and is often used for shade in parks and gardens. The tree's unique seed pods, which can reach lengths of up to 12 inches, add its visual interest throughout the seasons. With its resilience and striking appearance, the Catalpa speciosa is a fantastic addition to any landscape.
Sweet-gum, Liquidambar styraciflua
Common names: sweet-gum, American sweet-gum, sweet gum, sweetgum. Liquidambar translates as “liquid amber”, referring to the sweet resin that can be obtained from the tree. styraciflua translates as “flowing with styrax” (sweet gum – hence the common name).
Also known as American storax, hazel pine, bilsted, redgum, satin-walnut, star-leaved gum, alligatorwood, or simply sweetgum. *One of the major native plants of North America incorporated into the Afro-botanical healing tradition.
Eastern White Oak, Quercus alba
Common names: white oak
The Eastern white oak tree, known for its majestic stature and impressive longevity, is a symbol of strength and resilience. With its broad, spreading canopy and beautiful lobed leaves, it provides ample shade and habitat for various wildlife. This tree is not only valued for its durable wood, often used in furniture and flooring, but also for its stunning fall foliage that transforms into vibrant hues of red and orange. Planting an Eastern white oak can enhance any landscape while contributing to the environment for generations to come.
Black Tupelo, Nyssa sylvatica
Common names: tupelo, black gum, sour gum, black tupelo, pepperidge
The Black Tupelo tree, also known as Nyssa sylvatica, is a stunning addition to any landscape. The species' common name, tupelo, is of Native American origin, coming from the Creek words ito "tree" and opilwa "swamp"; it was in use by the mid-18th century. With its glossy green leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall it offers year-round beauty. This tree is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides excellent wildlife habitat and is known for its resilience in various soil types. Nyssa sylvatica is found in a variety of upland and wetland habitats in its extensive range. Its flowers are an important source of nectar and its fruits are important to many birds and mammals. Hollow trunks provide nesting or denning opportunities for bees and various mammals. It is among the longest living non-clonal flowering plants in eastern North America, capable of obtaining ages of over 650 years. Because of its wide range, frequency of occurrence, and the palatability of its fruit and sprouts, black tupelo is an important wildlife species. The fruit, high in crude fat, fiber, phosphorous, and calcium, are eaten by many birds and animals. Black tupelo is a good honey tree and is a major source of wild honey in many areas within its range and is often planted as an ornamental. *One of the major native plants of North America incorporated into the Afro-botanical healing tradition.
Get To Know Our Trees
Pin Oak, Quercus palustrus
Pin oaks have distinctive leaves that maintain the signature five to nine lobes that many oak leaves display, but pin oak leaves are long and pointed rather than rounded. Another main difference is that the sturdy, dark green leaves are slightly smaller than other types of oaks. In the fall, their leaves turn to red, orange, and brown, and like the related American beech tree, a pin oak tends to hold on to its leaves over winter before dropping them in early spring when new buds form on the branches. It's believed that the pin oak tree gets its name from the thin, pin-like branchlets that grow on the tree’s lower trunk. The tree’s branches in general tend to be thinner than other oaks, and they arch outwards, with lower branches reaching straight out or bending down, while upper branches reach up, forming a pyramid shape as the
Eastern Red Cedar, Juniperus virginiana
The Eastern Red Cedar, scientifically known as Juniperus virginiana, is a versatile and hardy tree native to North America. Known for its aromatic wood and vibrant foliage, it thrives in a variety of soil types and conditions. This tree is not only valued for its beauty but also for its ecological benefits, providing habitat for wildlife and serving as a natural windbreak. Its striking appearance and resilience make it a popular choice for landscaping and reforestation efforts. *One of the major native plants of North America incorporated into the Afro-botanical healing tradition.
Black Cherry, Prunus serotina
The Black Cherry tree, scientifically known as Prunus serotina, is a beautiful deciduous tree native to North America. It can grow up to 80 feet tall and is known for its dark, glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers that bloom in. The tree produces small, dark cherries that are not only enjoyed by wildlife but can also be used in various culinary applications. With its stunning appearance and valuable wood, the Black Cherry tree is a popular choice for both landscaping and timber production.
Cornelian-cherry dogwood, Cornus mas
The Cornelian cherry dogwood tree is a stunning addition to any landscape, known for its vibrant clusters of yellow star-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring. This hardy tree not only offers beautiful foliage but also produces small, cherry-like fruits that attract birds and wildlife. With its unique branching structure and adaptability to various soil types, it makes for an excellent choice for gardens and parks alike. Enjoy the beauty and benefits of this remarkable tree in your outdoor space!
American Beech, Fagus grandifolia
American beech is a large, graceful native tree, excellent for large, park-like landscapes where it has room to spread its wide, low-growing branches. The massive trunk has beautiful silver-gray bark; the dark green summer foliage turns a golden-bronze in the fall. Beech trees are among the most easily identifiable, with their characteristic silvery, smooth bark. For this reason, they’ve been a historical target for people to carve their initials into. Their smooth, thin, and light-colored bark stands out in contrast to neighboring trees (usually sugar maples or white pines) whose bark is darker, cracked, and ridged. American beech leaves are also distinctive. The simple, oval leaves come to a point at the end, and the vein pattern gives it away as a beech—straight, horizontal veins run perpendicular to an equally straight center vein, and each leaf has evenly serrated edges. They’re about as long as they are wide, and in the fall, the leaves turn from a bright green to a golden yellow. As a common native tree, the beech plays a significant role in the local ecosystem. Beech trees are shade tolerant, and as slow growers, a beech will remain an understory tree in a forest until the tallest, most mature trees die and create the space for a beech to grow into. Their longevity also contributes to the stability of the local wildlife.
One of the major nut producers, beech trees are a food source for a variety of animals, including squirrels, ducks, wild turkeys, and deer. The spiny shells shouldn’t deter you from tasting one yourself; in small amounts, beech nuts are safe for humans to roast and eat (they taste like pine nuts!). Beech trees have symbolized knowledge for a long time: the word “beech” is believed to be the source word for book, since beech bark provided material to write on. It may also be due to the fact that words can be carved legibly into the smooth trunk of a standing beech.
One of the major nut producers, beech trees are a food source for a variety of animals, including squirrels, ducks, wild turkeys, and deer. The spiny shells shouldn’t deter you from tasting one yourself; in small amounts, beech nuts are safe for humans to roast and eat (they taste like pine nuts!). Beech trees have symbolized knowledge for a long time: the word “beech” is believed to be the source word for book, since beech bark provided material to write on. It may also be due to the fact that words can be carved legibly into the smooth trunk of a standing beech.
Black Locust, Robinia pseudoacacia
The Black Locust tree, scientifically known as Robin pseudoacacia, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to North. Known for its fragrant white flowers and durable wood, it is often used for landscaping and erosion control. The tree thrives in a variety of soil types and is valued for its ability to fix nitrogen, improving soil fertility. Its striking appearance and resilience make it a popular choice for gardens and parks.
Northern Red Oak, Quercus rubra
The Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is a majestic tree known for its impressive height and broad canopy. With its vibrant fall foliage, showcasing brilliant red and orange hues, it adds stunning beauty to any landscape. This hardy tree is not only valued for its aesthetic appeal but also for its strong, durable wood, making it a popular choice for furniture and flooring. Ideal for parks and large gardens, the Northern Red Oak provides shade and habitat for various wildlife.
Northern Black Oak, Quercus velutina
The Black Oak, scientifically known as Quercus velutina, is a majestic tree native to North America. Known for its dark, furrowed bark and vibrant fall foliage, it can grow up to 80 feet tall. This tree thrives in a variety of soil types and is often found in mixed forests. Its acorns provide food for wildlife, making it an important species in its ecosystem.
Red Maple, Acer rubrum
The Red Maple tree, scientifically known as Acer rubrum, is a stunning deciduous tree known for its vibrant red foliage in the fall. It thrives in a variety of soil types and is often found in wetland areas, making it a versatile choice for landscaping. With its rapid growth and beautiful, heart-shaped leaves, the Red Maple adds both beauty and shade to any outdoor space. This tree is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides essential habitat for wildlife.
White Mulberry, Morus alba
The white mulberry tree, scientifically known as Morus alba, is a deciduous tree native to China. It is known its fast growth and broad, heart-shaped leaves, which are the primary food source for silkworms. The tree produces small, sweet, and edible fruits that can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary dishes. Additionally, the white mulberry is valued for its ornamental qualities and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
Weeping Cherry, Prunus pendula
Prunus pendula is an ornamental weeping Cherry Blossom tree that has been cultivated in Japan for many centuries. Their slender and flexible branches make them weep gracefully, sometimes almost kissing the ground. It has been widely cultivated in gardens and parks around the world for its aesthetic appeal.
Scots Pine, Pinus sylvestris
The Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) a resilient coniferous tree native to Europe and Asia. Known for its tall stature and distinctive orange-brown bark, it thrives in a variety of soil types and climates. This tree is not only valued for its timber but also plays a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems Its needle-like leaves and conical shape make it a popular choice for reforestation and landscaping projects. Symbolizes resilience, offering protection and hope in folklore. Supports biodiversity and helps combat climate change. Economic and medicinal pillar, with cultural and recreational significance.
Eastern White Pine, Pinus Strobus
The Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) is a majestic native to eastern North America, known for its tall, straight trunk and soft, flexible needles. This evergreen can grow up to 80 feet tall and is valued for its lightweight, durable wood, making it a popular choice for construction and furniture. Its distinctive long cones and graceful branches provide a beautiful aesthetic in landscapes and forests alike. The Eastern White Pine is not only an ecological species but also a symbol of strength and resilience.
Creeping Juniper, Juniper horizontalis
Creeping Juniper, scientifically known as Juniperus horizontalis, is a versatile and hardy ground cover plant. Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for erosion control and landscape design. With its attractive blue-green foliage and ability to thrive in various soil types, this juniper adds beauty and texture to gardens and outdoor spaces. Ideal for both sunny and partially shaded areas, Creeping juniper is a resilient option for any landscape.
Willow Oak, Quercus phellos
The Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) is a beautiful deciduous tree known for its slender, willow-like leaves and impressive height, often reaching up to 75 feet. This tree thrives in wet, lowland areas and is valued for its rapid growth and adaptability to various soil types. Its acorns provide food for wildlife, making it an excellent choice for enhancing biodiversity in your landscape. With its graceful form and vibrant fall color, the Willow Oak is a stunning addition to any garden or park.
Eastern Red Cedar, Juniperus virginiana
The Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a versatile and hardy tree native to North America. Known for its aromatic wood and vibrant green foliage, it can thrive in various soil types and conditions. This tree is often used for landscaping, windbreak, and wildlife habitats, making it a valuable addition to any garden or natural area. Its beautiful, scale-like leaves and distinctive blue berries add visual interest throughout the seasons.
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