The WashU Arboretum is now welcoming design submissions from WashU students for the 2026 Arboretum sticker, featuring this year’s Tree of the Year, Ginkgo biloba.
Looking for inspiration? Take a stroll through the beautiful Ginkgo allée east of the Olin Library during the first weeks of November to see their leaves create a golden blanket over the Danforth landscape.
Former WashU English Professor Howard Nemerov found inspiration in the Ginkgo allée and published the poem, “The Consent.” Click here to listen to WashU students recite the poem.
Fun Fact: There are a few Ginkgo trees in China and Japan that are reportedly 3,000 years old.
The artwork must incorporate all of these details.
- A botanically accurate sketch of a Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba, twig with leaf and fruit. Designs can also include sketches of the full Ginkgo tree; however, the full tree is not a required design element.
- It must be hand-drawn and original artwork. No AI-created sketches will be considered. Any individual who submits an AI-generated sketch will be removed from consideration for this year and future competitions.
- Both the common name and Latin name, properly formatted
- The words “WashU Arboretum”
- The website’s URL: trees.washu.edu
- Stickers must follow WashU brand guidelines and include a red ring around the 3” circular design. Additional information about brand standards can be found here.
Submission Deadline: Sunday, January 25, 2026.
All current Washington University students, graduate and undergraduate, are welcome to submit their art for the Arboretum’s fourth annual Tree of the Year design competition. Any design submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
The body of the submission email must include: a high-resolution, print-ready PNG or PDF of the design, as well as the artist’s name, major and expected graduation year.
The arboretum advisory committee will evaluate all of the submissions and announce the winner of the competition in mid-February, with the winner receiving a $200 prize.
Email submissions or questions to the Arboretum at trees@wustl.edu.