The Magnificent Trees at Ferncliff Arboretum
Home to Ohio Champion Trees, century-old oaks and maples, and flowering beauties that bloom from February to fall, The Arboretum at Ferncliff Cemetery is a living showcase of biodiversity and history.
Noteworthy Trees
As it has been cultivated for more than 150 years, the arboretum at Ferncliff Cemetery is home to some award-winning and remarkable trees!
Ohio Champion Trees:
The National Champion Tree Program is a nationwide registry of the largest known trees in the United States. In Ohio, the Department of Natural Resources tracks tremendous trees in our state, and Ferncliff is home to two trees designated at Ohio Champions!
- Blackhaw Viburnum
- Section I (Named Ohio Champion: 7/14/04)
- Viburnum prunifolium, also known as a Blackhaw or Stagberry, boasts bunches of white or pink, fragrant flowers in the spring, dark berries, and beautiful red and purple leaves in the fall.
- Rusty Viburnum
- Section N (Named Ohio Champion: 06/07/04)
- Viburnum rufidulum, also known as a Rusty Blackhaw, grows small clusters of star-shaped white flowers in the spring, followed by blue fruit and showy leaves in the fall.
Ferncliff's State Champion Blackhaw Viburnum
The Ohio Champion Blackhaw Viburnum is located near the Bookwalter Leffel Mausoleum
Other Notable Trees
- Aged Oaks and Maples
- Several Oak and Maple trees estimated to be more than 100 years old reside at Ferncliff!
- Hawthorns
- Prolific in Irish folklore, and also known as “Fairy Trees” Hawthorns are found at Ferncliff in sections L and D.
- (Un)Common Sassafras
- Ferncliff’s Common Sassafras tree is anything but common! While not an Ohio champion, this tree located in Section F has been measured as one of the largest Sassafras trees in the state.
Flowering Trees
Something is in bloom at Ferncliff from spring to fall! Stop by regularly to spot something stunning.
February:
- Witchhazel (NW Corner of Section 35)
Spring Blooms:
- Dogwood (Section W and by office)
- Lilacs (Section 30)
- Serviceberry (East Section 25)
- Redbud (Sections C and F)
- Crabapple (along First Street)
- Weeping Cherry (Section U)
- Red Horse Chestnut (South Section D)
- Magnolia Tree (West Section B, Section Z)
- Viburnum (Sections I and N)
- Yellowwood (Section 39)
- White Fringetree (NW Corner of First St.)
Summer Highlights
- Big Leaf Magnolia (Section C)
- Poplars (Section 39)
- Japanese Pagoda Tree (along First Street)
Fall Color:
- Several species of Maples, throughout the Arboretum, check the map
- Scarlet Oak (Section X)
- Black Tupelo (Section I)
A flowering pink Dogwood at Ferncliff Cemetery
A Tulip Poplar at Ferncliff Cemetery
A Weeping Cherry Tree at Ferncliff Cemetery
Recent Additions
We’re adding new trees every year at Ferncliff to continue to care for our cemetery and Arboretum! Our tree guide is updated every few years and may not be representative of everything growing onsite. Some of the more recent species are listed below.
- State Street™ Maple (West Section A)
- Autumn Gold Ginkgo (North Section 50)
- Sparkling Sprite® Crabapple (NW Section X)
- Japanese Flowering Crabapple (South Section J)
- Eastern Redbuds (Sections L & Z)
- Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud (North Section A)
- Paper Bark Maple (N Section S, NE Section M)
Biodiversity and Longevity
At Ferncliff Arboretum, the landscape tells a living story of care, vision, and renewal. This dedication is evident in the diverse population of trees thriving throughout the cemetery grounds, where stately, aging specimens thrive alongside newer species.
Today, the Arboretum is cared for by arborist Mark Goheen and his team. Each year, Mark and crew plant new trees on the property, including disease-resistant varieties like crabapples, add to Ferncliff’s living legacy, ensuring beauty and biodiversity for generations to come.
“I really love it here, said Goheen. “I tell people: come visit often and you’ll always see something beautiful.”
We invite you to explore Ferncliff Cemetery & Arboretum and see our acclaimed trees for yourself! Stop by the office or reach out to our arborist if you have questions.
