Plants
Types of plants, including flowers, trees, water plants and weeds- Explore more »
How Much the Hope Diamond is Worth and Other Questions From Our Readers
From American art, history and culture, air and space technology, contemporary art, Asian art and any of the sciences from astronomy to zoology, we'll find an answer
February 07, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
The Orchid Olympics
Breeders from 19 countries put their creations to the test at the 20th World Orchid Conference in Singapore
February 2012 |
By Somali Roy
Why Not All Chili Peppers Are Hot
Being spicy helps a chili plant protect its fruit from fungal rot, but it has a downside in dry conditions
January 05, 2012 |
By Sarah Zielinski
Mistletoe: The Evolution of a Christmas Tradition
Why does this parasitic plant remind us of romance?
December 21, 2011 |
By Rob Dunn
What Was Killing the Aspens?
Scientists determine it was lack of water, not food, that was responsible for sudden aspen decline
December 19, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
The Columbines and Their Pollinators: An Evolutionary Tale
New research provides insight into an evolutionary concept introduced by Charles Darwin
December 02, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
Wildflower, Magnified
Imagery from the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition ranges from the fantastical to the freaky
October 14, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
The Great Pumpkin
Competitive vegetable growers are closing in on an elusive goal—the one ton squash
October 2011 |
By Brendan Borrell
The Evolution of the Orchid and the Orchid Bee
Which came first--the plant or its pollinator?
September 23, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
How To Choose What To Plant For Biofuel
Some species proposed for bioenergy have the potential to become invasive
September 15, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
The List: Five Study Nooks in and Around the Smithsonian Museums
Calling all students, finding it hard to concentrate on your studies, we recommend five cool places to hit the books
September 14, 2011 |
By Megan Gambino
How to Trademark a Fruit
To protect the fruits of their labor and thwart "plant thieves," early American growers enlisted artists
August 2011 |
By Daniel J. Kevles
Seeking the Origins of Amber
By studying the chemical signatures of living trees, Smithsonian's Jorge Santiago-Blay intends to reconstruct ancient forests
August 2011 |
By Megan Gambino
The Beer Archaeologist
By analyzing ancient pottery, Patrick McGovern is resurrecting the libations that fueled civilization
August 2011 |
By Abigail Tucker
The Vine With Its Own Bat Signal
Specially shaped leaves lure the flying mammals. The bats get a meal, and the flowers get pollinated
July 29, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
A New View Into California’s Kelp Forests
Satellite imagery is providing new insight into an important ecosystem just off the California coast
May 27, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
Making the Best of Invasive Species
Garlic mustard and Asian carp can wreak havoc on their ecosystems, but do they have a future on your dinner plate?
May 25, 2011 |
By Kristin Ohlson
The List- Five Must-See Butterfly Spots Around the Mall
It is said that April showers bring May flowers. So what do May flowers bring? Pollen, which attracts bees (and attacks the sinuses), and nectar which feeds the butterflies, emblematic of the welcome change in seasons. We know it's spring when we start to see butterflies again, but how do butterfli...
May 12, 2011 |
By Arcynta Ali Childs
Weekend Events: Asian Pacific American Heritage, Garden Fest, Mother's Day
Friday, May 6 Garden Fest!Family-friendly celebration of plants, gardens and gardening. Add to a garden mural, build a puppet, make a miniature Japanese garden and take home seeds for your garden. Saturday will include live music and a stilt walker. Location: Enid A. Haupt Garden, south of the C...
May 06, 2011 |
By Michelle Strange
It's Time to Garden at the Smithsonian
April showers bring May flowers. Or maybe, just mosquitoes. But the horticulture folks who bring you the Smithsonian gardens want you front and center tomorrow and Saturday (May 6 and 7). Bring your wellies and gloves to this year's Garden Fest for tips and techniques to make your flowers and veggi...
May 05, 2011 |
By Madeline Andre
