The Mihăești Arboretum is recognized as one of the most important collections of tree and shrub species in Romania and has an impressive diversity of plants, with 185 species of trees and shrubs from different parts of the world identified. It is divided into 7 plots and 81 specific sub-plots, distributed over an area of approx. 67.50 ha. The species cultivated in the Mihăeşti Arboretum in different resinous and leafy associations, the pilot plantations installed in several stages, allowed the accumulation of basic results that can support the transition to a new stage of the acclimatization of exotic species – comparative cultures of origins especially for species that have achieved outstanding performance in growth and development and are valuable from an ecological and economic point of view.

It was conceived from the beginning by the Romanian forester Iuliu Moldovan “according to a precise plan and a well-defined purpose, to serve the experimentation and research of the acclimatization conditions of exotic species among our woody species” (Pavelescu, 1946). It was founded between the years 1895–1901, on the skeleton of the secular Frecioaia forest body, in the lower basin of the Târglu River, on the technical left of its bed. Iuliu Moldovan made experimental crops on these lands, both native trees outside the natural area and exotic trees.

In the same period, works of art were also made, creating alleys with a length of over 2 km, two bridges and two pavilions. In 1935, there were 74 species of indigenous and exotic trees in the Arboretum. This fact made it possible, in 1939, to declare the park as a “scientific reserve” within the Forestry Research Institute (currently “Marin Drăcea” National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry). In 1950, the forestry engineer Gheorghe Elian continued the installation of experimental cultures with exotic species and native species outside the natural area. Experimental crops continued in the period 1967-1969, installing exotic woody species of forestry interest. At the same time, the Mihăiești Arboretum includes the largest clonal collection, established in 1975, which consists of 11 species of spruce.

Visiting schedule: Monday – Thursday: 8:00 – 16:30; Friday: 8:00 – 14:00