Situated in the heart of Clinton, SC, the campus of Presbyterian College is an oasis of serene, pastoral beauty. Nestled within this campus of magnificent historic buildings lies a gem worth exploring: the PC Arboretum. Lining the walkways are towering oaks that form a canopy to greet and shade visitors while numerous other species of trees and shrubs are interspersed among the buildings. From one end of the campus to the other, plant lovers can find something unique to discover. From the Shellbark Hickory that produces the largest hickory nuts, 1.5-3 inches long, to the semi deciduous Live Oaks which shed their leaves right before the new ones appear in the Spring, to the white bark of the Sycamores, visitors will find plenty of intriguing and diverse plants to observe. The area around the Orr Pond is most relaxing with its Piephoff Outdoor Chapel and group of Oaks, Maples, Elms, Pecan and Deodar Cedar. While most of the trees in the collection are native species, many ornamentals can also be found including Chinese Firs and numerous gorgeous Crape Myrtles. The color of the Myrtles combined with that of the Tulip Magnolia near the Thomason Library combine for a breath-taking bloom of color in the Spring. Additionally, the campus arboretum is continually developing as witnessed by the recently planted Pistache trees in front of Neville Hall. Their color in the Fall promises to be most spectacular!

Additionally, and most exciting, is the work that is being done in the greenhouse. Pure Native American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) bare root seedlings sourced from Purdue University’s Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC) were transplanted into pots and are now thriving. Additionally, seeds of the hybrid Chinese Chestnut (Castanea dentata x mollissima) donated by a PC alumnus from trees located near Davidson N.C were planted in the Fall and have sprouted and are also thriving!