Benjamin Yoe Morrison (1891–1966) papers
Content Description
This collection holds nine folders of materials pertaining to Dr. Morrison's work with Azaleas at Back Acres, his horticultural gardens and home in Pass Christian, Mississippi. Folders three and six contain personal correspondence from Dr. Morrison, largely regarding his work in the gardens and on hybridization of his Back Acres Azaleas. Most of the rest of the collection are materials created after his death, regarding the indexing, shipping, and ownership of the Azaleas and related topics.
Dates
- Creation: 1958–1969, n.d.
Biographical / Historical
Benjamin Yoe Morrison (1891–1966) was a horticulturalist, botanist, and artist who worked at the United States Department of Agriculture from 1920 until his retirement in 1951. During his career he served as Chief of the Division of Plant Exploration from 1934 to 1948, and as Acting Director then Director of the National Arboretum from 1937 to 1951. He is perhaps best known for his floral hybridization projects, especially the creation of the Glenn Dale Azaleas which are notable for their vibrant color, large bloom, and weather resistance. After retirement he moved to Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he managed Back Acres and continued hybridization work on Azaleas until his death in 1966. For more information on Dr. Morrison see Delectus Huntiana 15 in Vol. 8, No. 2 of the HIBD Bulletin (https://www.huntbotanical.org/publications/show.php?25), and his artwork featured in the Botanist's Art exhibit on our website (https://www.huntbotanical.org/botanists-art/detail.php?3).
Extent
1 Linear Feet (1 small box)
Language of Materials
English
- Title
- Guide to Benjamin Yoe Morrison (1891–1966) papers
- Author
- Christi Thomas
- Date
- 30 June 2026
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation Archives Repository