Botanical Center

Built in 1938, this house boasts the most space with high 20' ceilings accommodating an established rainforest canopy.  Economically valuable plants include towering bamboo & sugar cane and fruiting banana & papaya on display along with two pet parrots, Colombo and Chiquita.   Lush Ficus trees planted in the ground create a vignette with palms, bird of paradise and gingers treating visitors to a tropical getaway in the middle of Iowa.

An extensive collection of arid plants demonstrate characteristics unique to desert ecosystems.  Many of these drought-adapted plants prominently display succulent leaves, spiny stems, or tuberous roots.  Guests will find succulents such as Sansevieria, Crassula and Echeveria displayed on one side of the room and cactus including Mammillaria, Opuntia and Cereus on the other.   A dynamic display of in-ground desert plants are found in the center for you to walk through.  Many visitors say this is their favorite room to sit and soak up the sunshine on cold winter days!

Koi and Gold Fish greet you in the 1000 gallon pond with waterfall.  Native and tropical aquatic plants are displayed amidst this setting.  Look carefully for the carnivorous plant bog around the corner- be sure to find the Venus fly traps and pitcher plants enjoying a buggy treat!

Much of the in house propagation begins here.  It's a nursery of sorts where we start seeds, take cuttings or divisions and raise them for specific functions.  The Begonia, Fern & Gesneriad collection can also be found in this house.

The Botanical Center has one classroom and a Research Lab,  both providing a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in which students can learn.  Students have many opportunities to observe and investigate living plants in this setting.

Imitating a high elevation rainforest, many epiphytic plants are on display including the Bromeliad & Orchid collection.  Bright Eastern light, cooler temperatures and higher humidity create a pleasant environment for tranquil morning reflections.

This south facing house is filled with sunshine and a rainbow of flowering plants.  Visitors are welcome to pinch and sniff the herb and scented geranium collection for a total sensory experience!  Other collections found here are Coleus, Peperomia, Citrus and a variety of interesting fruiting plants.

Seasonal bulb displays, spring ephemerals & annual colors saturate the perennial landscape surrounding the greenhouses.   Using plants from the interior collection Botanical Center staff curate, design & grow these outdoor gardens, enhancing campus with a tropical twist.