Notable Tree Tour
Colorado Tree Coalition's
Notable Tree Tour in Boulder
What is a Notable Tree?
A notable tree is one that is remarkable or distinguishable in some way, or related to a famous or historical person, place or event. A tree may also be notable if the surrounding community accepts it as being special based upon its species, uniqueness, or contribution to the community. Many of the trees in this guide are notable because they are the largest of their species in Colorado and are called Champion Trees. The Colorado Tree Coalition updates their champion tree list every year so check out the website www.coloradotrees.org for the latest champions, or to nominate a champion or notable tree.
Map of Locations of Notable Trees in Boulder
The Tour Begins
The Tree Tour begins at the famous Chautauqua Park. July 4, 1898 was the opening day for Boulder’s Chautauqua. Before radio and television the Chautauqua movement united people for cultural and educational events. Originally there were over 12,000 Chautauqua sites and now this is one of the remaining three in the United States (www.chautauqua.com). Chautauqua Park is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is known for its variety of tree species, especially oaks. Here are a few favorites:
- White Oak, Quercus alba
Location: In between the circle road and Baseline
Notable: Fourth largest in CO
- Pin Oak, Quercus Palustris
Location: South of the circle road near Baseline
Notable: CO State Champion
- Chestnut Oak, Quercus Prinus
Location: East of pin oak
Notable: The champion and third largest are located here next to each other
- Kentucky Coffee-Tree, Gymnocladus dioicus
Location: Northwest of dining hall
Notable: A unique and large specimen
Street Trees are Special Too
Boulder has some notable trees lining the streets and decorating the parking lots, contributing to its unique beauty.
- Turkish Filbert, Corylus colurna
Location: 900 Block of Grant
Notable: There are many filberts in this area planted in the 700, 800, 900 and 1000 blocks; the largest is at 982 Grant
- Black Locust, Robinia pseudoacacia
Location: 505 University (on 5th Street)
Notable: CO State Champion
Historic Elementary
Mapleton Elementary is in the heart of a registered historic district. Be on the look out for many outstanding trees, including the rows of silver maples along Mapleton planted between 1890 and 1895.
- Red Maple, Acer rubrum
Location: 840 Mapleton Ave, on the east side of Mapleton Elementary
Notable: A gorgeous tree with amazing fall color
Next Stop
The trees at Central Park were planted around 1885. The park was originally called Cigarette Park because it was so thick with trees women would go there to smoke unobserved. It was acquired in sections, from 1906 to 1933, from the Colorado Southern Railway. (NOTE: The map is incorrect; tree numbers 8, 9, and 10 are in Central Park on the EAST side of Broadway.)
- Willow Oak, Quercus phellos
Notable: CO State Champion
- Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii
Notable: Tied for second largest in CO
- White Oak, Quercus alba
Notable: Third largest in CO
Where Special Trees Grow
Our next tree is at Andrews Arboretum, established in 1948 by Maud Reed, a former botany teacher at Boulder High School. At her request it was named after Darwin M. Andrews, an internationally recognized horticulturist from Boulder. The arboretum was acquired by the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department in 1989.
- Yellowwood, Cladrastis lutea
Location: SE corner of Broadway and Marine
Notable: Tied for largest in CO
A Few Treasures
Another stop of the tour is at Naropa Campus. This university contains a few of Boulder’s treasures.
- Sycamore, Platanus occidentalis
Location: Intersection of Arapahoe and 22nd
Notable: Three of the largest sycamores in Colorado, including the champ!
Something Unique
Right in Turley’s parking lot stands an unexpected species.
- Cucumbertree Magnolia, Magnolia acuminata
Location: 2350 Arapahoe
Notable: Very unique species, CO State Champion
Back to School
Colorado University’s campus has many special trees surrounded by historic buildings, some dating back to the University’s beginning in 1876.
- American Elm, Ulmus arericana
Location: West of Mackey Auditorium
Notable: Survived while most campus American Elms died of Dutch Elm Disease in the 1970’s.
- Yellow Buckeye, Aesculus octandra
Location: West of Mackey Auditorium
Notable: Tied for second largest in CO
- Northern Red Oak, Quercus rubra
Location: South of Hale Science Building
Notable: A fine specimen over 100 years old
- Cottonwood, Populus sargentii
Location: South side of Old Main
Notable: Planted in 1876, this is the largest tree on campus
- Eastern Redbud, Cercis canadensis
Location: Next to University Theater
Notable: Tied for second largest in CO
- Weeping Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor
Location: North of University Theater
Notable: Has a unique sagging appearance
Final Stop!
The final stop is Green Mountain Cemetery, home to five Colorado Champions! This cemetery was established in 1904 and most of the trees were planted in the next ten years after that.
- Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor
Notable: CO State Champion
- Red Maple, Acer rubrum
Notable: CO State Champion
- Chestnut Oak, Quercus Prinus
Notable: Second largest in CO
- American Beech, Fagus grandifolia
Notable: CO State Champion
- Northern Red Oak, Quercus rubra
Notable: Tied for largest in CO
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 September 2012 13:15
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