March is often the beginning of spring at Hoyt Arboretum. Buds burst all over the park, but the flowering tree collections on the east side of Fairview are a must-see this time of year. For the clearest signs of spring we recommend Magnolia Tail, the Winter Garden, Wildwood Trail between Magnolia and Hawthorn Trails, Maple Trail, and Overlook Trail.
Spring Blossom Tracker 2026
Starting this month, we’ll be posting weekly updates of where to see spring blossoms around Hoyt Arboretum. Be the first to know when bulb flowers sprout, Magnolias burst into bloom, and trillium unfurl along the trail by following along on our Spring Blossom Tracker.
What’s Happening at Hoyt this March?
Brainy Birds: Winter March 14, 2026 at 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
PNW Conifer Tree ID Walk March 14, 2026 at 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Spring Equinox: Balance, Symbolism & Renewal March 15, 2026 at 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Into the Trees: Personal Vision Quest March 15, 2026 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
WAITLIST – Resin Jewelry Making Workshop March 21, 2026 at 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Moss and Lichens of the PNW March 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Ceramic Flower Vase March 29, 2026 at 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Spring Break Pop-Up Nature!
Spring Break Stations March 23, 2026 – March 27, 2026 at 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Looking for free and educational activities to do with your kids for spring break? Drop in at the Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center for Pop-Up Nature! Our Nature Educators will be leading spring-themed activities and nature facts! Get an up close look at nature, and take what you learned out on the trails. Designed for elementary-aged children and their families, but all are welcome!
Trees to See and Plants to Peruse!
Cornus mas
Cornelian cherry
This is one of the “big three” early-flowering shrubs (the others being witch hazel and forsythia). The dense masses of small yellow flowers attract lots of bees in the early season. The berries arrive later in the summer and are often described as being like a combination of cranberry and sour cherry. Fun fact: The wood of this plant is so dense that it doesn’t float. The ancient Greeks crafted weapons from the wood.
Location: Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Oemleria cerasiformis
Indian plum or osoberry
The greenish-white, five-petaled, almond-scented flowers of this large native shrub appear in late winter, before its leaves. The species name refers to its fruit being in the shape of a cherry (cerasiformis). When red-purple and fully ripe, the fruits are edible, but you’ll have to beat the birds, squirrels, and coyotes to them. The common name osoberry indicates that bears (oso in Spanish) also enjoy the berries. New leaves may have the scent or flavor of cucumber.
Location: Oak Trail
Ribes sanguineum
Red-flowering currant
The pink to bright red flowers of this Northwest native are the source of its species name sanguineum (“blood red”). In Oregon and Washington, it can be found mainly on the west side of the Cascade Mountains. The flowers emerge early in spring and have a resinous scent. They attract hummingbirds and butterflies. In the fall, blue-black berries appear and are a favorite of songbirds. Botanical sources describe the berries as “palatable but insipid,” so best to leave them “for the birds.”
Location: Trail side in many locations, particularly along Overlook Trail near the main parking lot.
Trillium ovatum
Pacific Trillium
One of the most recognizable plants of the Northwest forest floor, Pacific trillium, a member of the lily family, is notable for its bright white flowers that fade to pink or purple late in their life cycle. The name trillium refers to the plant parts that come in groups of three—the petals, the sepals below the flower, and the leaves. Trillium is very slow to develop, taking up to seven years to flower for the first time.
Location: Once they start blooming, you’ll see them all over the Arboretum’s Trails! A favorite spot: the Fairy Forest (Norway spruce collection between Spruce Trail and the start of the Fir Loop).
Winter Weather
Winter weather like snow and ice can occur in March at the Arboretum (but hopefully not!!). Plan ahead and check our Recent Updates page for information about Visitor Center and park road closures resulting from unsafe conditions. Otherwise, make sure you dress for the weather before your visit! Wear layers and shoes that can get muddy!
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