The Arboretum at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum
The Bellefontaine Arboretum holds a Level III Accreditation. , a distinguished honor shared by only 50+ institutions worldwide. We support and enhance the Cemetery as a place of perpetual commemoration, and as a garden of beauty, inspiration, and historic significance. As a unique St. Louis botanical garden and a true hidden gem, our mission extends beyond maintaining a beautiful landscape; it is to cultivate a living collection of trees and plants that enriches our community and stands as a testament to the enduring qualities of nature.
A Level III Accredited Arboretum
Composition of the Collection
Our grounds are home to a vast array of trees and shrubs of local, regional, and international origins, providing a changing landscape every season. Our horticultural collection consists of nearly 10,000 trees and shrubs, representing nearly 600 distinct species, selections, and varieties—an essential part of our accessible and diverse horticultural collection and a vital natural sanctuary for urban wildlife. This extensive, living library serves as a valuable resource for horticultural research and community education throughout the St. Louis area.
The Importance of Our Living Collections
As an Arboretum, our trees are part of the ‘living collections’ of our organization, representing native species from Missouri and the Midwest, along with others from temperate forested regions around the globe. Trees are a vital part of nature, providing ecological benefits like reducing erosion and moderating climate. They also add to the beauty and comfort of the grounds, creating a changing landscape with each season.
Your support helps us maintain and expand this collection. Tree planting is made possible by our dedicated garden volunteers, community partners, and the financial support of the Friends of Bellefontaine. Your gifts allow us to bring in innovative solutions to keep this urban green space living and growing for hundreds of more years to come .
Our grounds are home to a vast array of trees and shrubs of local, regional, and international origins, providing a changing landscape every season. Our horticultural collection consists of nearly 10,000 trees and shrubs, representing nearly 600 distinct species and trees approaching 200 years old and beyond, selections, and varieties—an essential part of our accessible and diverse horticultural collection and a vital natural sanctuary for urban wildlife. This extensive, living library serves as a valuable resource for horticultural research and community education throughout the St. Louis area.
Exploring Our
Living Collection
Arboretum Photo Gallery
Step inside the beauty of our living collection through this gallery, which captures the vast diversity and serenity of our Level III Accredited Arboretum throughout the year. From vibrant spring blooms and summer canopies to autumnal color and quiet winter scenes, these images showcase the essential role our trees play in creating a beautiful urban sanctuary and a priceless piece of St. Louis history. Every photo is a reminder of the quiet inspiration and peace that the living collections offer. We invite you to explore the grounds in person to experience this unique landscape for yourself.
