| Plant | Pollinators attracted |
|---|---|
| Anise hyssop | Bees and butterflies |
| Firecracker penstemon | Hummingbirds, bees and butterflies |
| Native black-eyed Susan | Butterflies and bees |
| Prairie winecups | Bees and butterflies |
| Creeping phlox | Bees, butterflies and moths |
| Ice plant | Bees, butterflies and some hummingbirds |
| Coneflower varieties | Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds |
| Pincushion flower | Bees, butterflies, hoverflies and hummingbirds |
| Sage salvia | Bees, butterflies, hoverflies, hummingbirds and some beetles |
| Moonbeam coreopsis | Bees, butterflies and hoverflies |
| Aster | Bees, butterflies, moths, hoverflies, predatory wasps and some beetles |
| Catmint | Bees, bumblebees, butterflies and hummingbirds |
Parks division
Arboretum
The Louisville Arboretum is a living collection of trees where visitors can explore, learn and enjoy nature.
Since opening in 1996, the Arboretum has grown to include approximately 200 species of trees, including two Colorado champion trees.
More than a traditional park, the Arboretum serves as an outdoor classroom and a place to appreciate the beauty and diversity of trees. Free and open to the public, it invites visitors to explore its gardens, enjoy the changing seasons and discover something new with every visit.
Plan your visit
Location: Via Appia and Eldorado Lane, near the Louisville Recreation & Senior Center
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Parking: Limited parking is available at the nearby Skate Park parking lot.
Amenities: Crusher fine walking path, reservable pavilion with picnic tables, five outdoor exercise stations, outdoor classrooms, gardens, pergola, public art, and restroom.
Explore the Louisville Arboretum
From champion trees and colorful pollinator gardens to peaceful walking paths and picnic tables under a shaded pavilion, the Arboretum offers something to discover in every season.
A living collection of trees
With approximately 200 species of trees, the Louisville Arboretum offers visitors a chance to discover and learn about trees from around the world. Each tree has an identification sign with its common name, scientific name, mature height and spread.
Among the collection are two Colorado champion trees, a Weeping Japanese Pagoda Tree and a Sweet Bay Magnolia. Champion trees are recognized as the largest known trees of their species in the state.
Louisville has been recognized as a Tree City USA community for more than 45 consecutive years, reflecting the City's ongoing commitment to planting, protecting and caring for its urban forest.
Pet memorial
Established in summer 2024, the pet memorial honors the beloved pets lost during the Marshall Fire on Dec. 30, 2021. Donated by Louisville Rising with support from the community, the memorial features artwork by local artist and firefighter Michael Garman. The garden offers a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance.
Water-wise turf demonstration
In 2025, the City planted test plots of Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass near the Arboretum pavilion to explore alternatives to traditional lawns. Tahoma 31 can use approximately 50% to 70% less water than cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass. It also handles summer heat and heavy foot traffic well, making it a durable option for Colorado landscapes.
The demonstration gives residents a chance to see how water-wise turfgrass performs and explore options for reducing outdoor water use.
Pollinator garden
Planted in spring 2025 using Resource Central's Garden In A Box program, the pollinator garden features 12 plant species, including eight native to Colorado. The plants bloom at different times throughout the growing season, providing food for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators.
The garden demonstrates how colorful, water-wise landscaping can support local wildlife. There are also two bee hotels located at the Arboretum for overwintering insects. One is located in the pollinator bed, and one is located in the Pet Memorial bed, as there are pollinator plant species growing there as well. Louisville is also a designated Bee City USA community, reflecting the City's commitment to protecting pollinators and their habitats.
Plants in the Arboretum pollinator garden
A growing history
Since opening in 1996, the Louisville Arboretum has continued to grow, with new features that offer more ways for the community to explore, learn and enjoy nature.
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1996: The Arboretum celebrates its grand opening on April 20, with partial funding from Colorado Lottery proceeds.
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2007-2008: A pergola designed by a local architectural designer is constructed.
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2019: A restroom is added to support visitors and community events.
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2024: The pet memorial garden is established.
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2025: A pollinator garden and water-wise grass test plots are added.
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