The words “UNLV” and “champion” usually bring athletics to mind. But there's another kind of champion is rooted across campus.

UNLV is home to 10 trees designated as champions by the Nevada Division of Forestry as being the largest of their kind in the state. 

Southern Nevada may be known for the dry, desert landscape, but there are plenty of pockets of green to be found. UNLV's 335-acre Maryland Parkway campus was designated as an official arboretum in 1985. The mission of the UNLV Arboretum is to display mature plant materials considered appropriate for our high desert climate. And with more than 4,000 trees, the campus is also recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus USA.

More than 80 acres are landscaped with trees, shrubs, and ground cover, including the two-acre Baepler Xeric Garden. (Fun fact: Since 2007, UNLV has reduced landscape water use by 25% by converting turf areas into xeriscape and rock.) 

UNLV’s Landscape and Grounds team works to cultivate and maintain the campus foliage. Thanks to their efforts, these champion trees stand tall at UNLV. Here's a closer look at the state champions you can find on campus.

Heritage Oak Tree 

This tree can be found along the Academic Mall near Grant Hall. A hybrid tree that boasts the best of both worlds — the height of the English oak and the width of the Bur oak — this 60-foot giant provides shade for passersby in the summer. Its seasonal leaf change, from green to yellow and brown, helps bring a touch of autumn to our campus. Thanks to its smaller leaves, which help reduce water loss, it’s well adapted to the desert climate and has a long lifespan.

Weeping Camperdown Elm

This small but mighty tree can be found by the Carlson Education Building. One of the shortest trees on this list at just 11 feet, the weeping Camperdown elm is a unique mutated tree discovered by the Scottish Earl of Camperdown in 1835. It’s said that all trees of this species are descended from the Earl’s original elm. Aesthetically, it stands out from typical elm trees with its twisting branches and drooping leaves.

Weeping Mulberry

This weeping mulberry planted on the grassy hill just outside the Carlson Education Building is a campus favorite. Originally native to China, it thrives in a wide range of soils and is hardy enough for our climate. From children hiding beneath its branches during Take Your Child to Work Day to its nickname as the campus “kissing tree,” and even a dedicated Instagram fan page, this 20-foot-tall, 30-foot-wide tree is perhaps the most beloved of UNLV’s champions.

Holly Oak

Found next to White Hall, this holly oak was recently pruned, slightly reducing its spread. Don’t let its smaller size fool you into thinking it’s a delicate tree — the holly oak is one of the hardiest evergreen oaks. Originally from the Mediterranean, it provides welcome shade to students on the north side of campus.

Yew Pine

With quite a misleading name — neither a yew nor a pine — this yew pine is tucked away against White Hall and surrounded by recently renovated landscaping. Sometimes known as a “Buddhist pine,” this tree complements other native Asian trees around the building. This 24-foot evergreen has long leaves that frame the building year round. Because of its dense, upright form, it’s often used as a column option in landscape design; a perfect inspiration for both the engineering and life sciences students who study nearby.

Mondell Pine

If you’re feeling the holiday spirit, the Mondell pine, sometimes known as the Afghan pine, behind the Carlson Education Building is worth a visit. These are a popular choice for Christmas trees due to their symmetrical shape and evergreen leaves. After suffering from a prolonged dry spell during the pandemic, this champion continues to recover thanks to attentive care.

Chir Pine

Standing tall at 52 feet outside the Lilly Fong Geosciences Building, the Himalayan-native chir pine is a common sight across the Southwest due to its tolerance for acidic soil and moderate need for water. 

Sissoo

Also known as Indian rosewood, this sissoo provides valuable shade in the Barrick Museum parking lot. Due to its fast-growing and hardy nature, many municipalities avoid planting them — making our champion a rare sight in the city. With its wide canopy and minimal water needs, it’s an ideal shade tree for the desert.

Desert Willow

Desert willow, located by the Research Administration Building, is one example of the Landscape and Grounds team’s effort to plant species native to the southwest. Though its pruned shape makes it look slightly different from its wild cousins in Red Rock Canyon, this 42-foot tree is a must-see from late spring through summer, when it blooms with bright pink flowers.

Texas Olive

The 20-foot Texas olive planted behind the paint shop on campus sits at the highest end of the growth scale. This Texas native thrives in Nevada’s dry climate and grows striking white flowers loved by hummingbirds. 

After flowering, it produces an olive-like fruit often eaten by birds. (Despite the name, it’s not a true olive and should not be consumed by hungry students looking for a snack between classes.)

The next time you're walking across campus, look up — you might just be passing a champion.