Small Hall

The Osmanthus Tunnel

As you walk between Swem Library and Small Hall, you will pass beneath two fragrant olive bushes (Osmanthus species). These mature specimens have grown so tall that they have been trimmed into a natural archway.

• Seasonal Highlight: Visit during the autumn to experience their tiny white blooms, which produce one of the most pervasive and beautiful floral scents on campus.

Spectacular Fall Foliage

The area along Landrum Drive is especially vibrant during the autumn months:

• Japanese Maples: Three distinct specimens each displaying unique brilliant hues.
• Snake Bark Maple (Acer davidii): Easily identified by its distinctive striped bark rather than its leaves.
• Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica): A deer-resistant relative of witch-hazel known for striking fall colors.

The Newton Apple Trees

Near the south entrance of Small Hall, you will find a cluster of three small trees with a profound scientific legacy.

• The "Gravity" Trees: The two westernmost trees are clones of the famous Newton Apple (Malus domestica ‘Flower of Kent’), derived from the tree said to have inspired Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity.
• Pollination: A compatible crabapple tree is planted nearby to assist these clones, which cannot self-pollinate.

Local Pollinators

At the northwest corner of Andrews Hall stands a small-leaf linden or basswood (Tilia cordata). In the spring, its blooms serve as a vital nectar source for local bee populations.