The Edible Woody Plants of Morris Arboretum

Discussions about food systems and food sources are symptomatic of a larger shift of focus for the U.S. population. The Morris Arboretum has an opportunity to capitalize upon this burgeoning field of interest by highlighting our holdings that are edible. This project aimed to select and highlight twenty edible plants through the creation of a printable walking guide to the edible woody plants of Morris Arboretum. In addition to an analysis of the Arboretum’s current edible holdings, this project researched, identified, placed orders for, and designed planting for selected plants that the Arboretum lacks, but that are of interest and value to it. Research was conducted through on-site visits to peer gardens and arboreta, and consultations with fruit and nut specialists in the region. Utilizing the energy behind the local food movement, this project simply seeks to help more arboretum visitors establish an understanding of our universal dependence on plants.