Plant Collections
A living collector's garden
Wave Hill’s plant collections contain more than 1,130 woody and 2,237 herbaceous species and cultivars. Together these two groups of plants represent 200 plant families.
Our collection strives to be beautiful, nostalgic, and inspiring. A majority of our collections have been planted since the foundation of Wave Hill as a non-profit in 1965.
This living collection is constantly changing and growing to reflect the visions of the current Director of Horticulture Cathy Deutsch while honoring the legacy of Founding Director of Horticulture Marco Polo Stufano. Stufano has been credited with Wave Hill’s rise from dereliction to beauty. His impact on United States public horticulture is echoed by similar public gardens that were previously private estates.
Wave Hill is a collector’s garden at heart with home gardeners in mind. If we can grow it, so can you!
Woody Plants
Plants containing woody tissues including trees, shrubs, and vines. These plants are documented in our cultivated gardens which make up 18 acres of Wave Hill. Taxa is selected for its ornamental value and ability to perform.
Herbaceous Plants
Herbaceous plants contain no woody tissues and typically die back in the wintertime. These plants are documented in our cultivated gardens which make up 18 acres of Wave Hill. Taxa is selected for its ornamental value and ability to perform.
Great Trees
One of the most notable collections at Wave Hill is a collection of “great trees” which includes legacy trees that were cared for by the families that lived on the property when it was a private estate.
Alpine House & Terrace
Hundreds of alpine and companion plants grow within the protection of the Alpine House and outdoors in hypertufa troughs. These collections were inventoried in 2025 & 2026 for the inclusion in the North American Alpine Plant Conservation Atlas.
Conservatory Collections
There are three separate collections displayed in three different houses; these include the Palm House, Cactus & Succulent House, and Tropical House. Most of the plants grow in containers and receive specialized care.
Herbert & Hyonja Abrons Woodland
Eight acres of new-growth oak-hickory forest grow on a slope along the western flank of Wave Hill. The Woodland is home to both the Forest Project and the Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship, two paid, high-school internships that engage students in ecological restoration and urban ecology.
All of our inventoried collections are also included in the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) Plant Search network.
If you have any questions about specific plants you cannot find, send us a message at information@wavehill.org
NOTE: The record-keeping of these collections is perpetually improving. We have many collections not inventoried. If you would like to help us with this project, submit a volunteer application.