How are botanical gardens different from arboretums?

The distinction between a botanical garden and an arboretum is primarily one of focus and scope. A botanical garden is a broad institution dedicated to the study, exhibition, and cultivation of a wide variety of plants, often including herbaceous species, greenhouses, and research facilities like herbaria.12

In contrast, an arboretum is a specialized type of garden that concentrates specifically on the cultivation of woody plants, such as trees and shrubs, for scientific and educational purposes.31

While they are distinct in their primary focus, the two are closely related:
* Integration: An arboretum can exist as an independent institution or function as a specific section within a larger botanical garden.31
* Shared Purpose: Both are distinguished from public parks by their commitment to scientific organization, typically arranging plant collections according to taxonomic relationships rather than purely for aesthetic or recreational landscape effects.2

Ultimately, while a botanical garden encompasses a diverse range of plant life, an arboretum serves as a focused collection dedicated to woody species.12