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30+ Different Types of Ivy (And Ivy Varieties)
Unless you are reading this from the Saharan desert, chances are that ivy is somewhere nearby. It grows on office buildings, homes, trees, fences, and bridges. It turns sharp concrete corners of the city into something greener, causing mischief, and is a connective...
100 Different Types of Succulent Plants (and Species)
The perfect house plant for an individual lacking a green thumb is a succulent! These desert-loving plants are endemic to many places around the world, and they are generally very easy to take care of. Today, let’s take a deep dive and look at 100 different types of...
How to Get Your Yucca Plant to Flower
Yucca is a common succulent closely related to agaves. There are over 40 species of the spiky plant that grow throughout North America including the US, Mexico, and even one species in Canada! Additionally, they are common in parts of Central America and the...
50+ Different Types of Melons (Melon Kinds, Names, & Facts)
The world of melons is vast, confusing, and interesting. This is partly due to the fact that melons have been cultivated by humans for over 5,000 years. Today, let’s take a deep dive into many of the different kinds of melons. IDENTIFY NEW PLANTS WITH PLANTSNAP What...
Top Bay Leaf Benefits
If you’ve ever accidentally chomped down onto a bay leaf, chances are you won’t forget it. Its bitter taste can be an unpleasant shock to your tastebuds (and not recommended by health professionals) but is also a clue - the bay leaf is a powerfully beneficial plant...
Interesting Plants Found in Temperate Deciduous Forests
There are some incredibly interesting plants found in temperate deciduous forests. Historically, these forests covered a vast expanse across the northern hemisphere, including the eastern parts of North America, Europe, and a huge swath of Asia. Although the amount of...
A Gardener’s Guide to Neem Oil Uses
Neem oil is something of a panacea for gardeners. Neem oil uses range from killing unwanted insects, to preventing powdery mildew, to getting rid of nematodes. It's a great, natural first line of defense against most of the common garden diseases and pests. ...
15 Different Eucalyptus Tree Types (And Classifications)
Life History of the Eucalyptus Genus Eucalyptus trees, also known by its common name, gum trees, are almost entirely Australian. Indeed, these are the trees that koalas eat and spend their lives in. In fact, only a few of the 700+ species recognized by science live...
The History of Thyme (Plus Uses of Thyme)
Thyme is a beloved herb for many human beings on planet earth. This is as true today as it has been throughout history. Thyme is a perennial evergreen plant that weaves its way throughout our stories and rituals. It has shaped our lives in ways we may not even...
What Is No Till Farming? And Why Do Farmers Do It?
Until recently in human agricultural history, soil tilling was done by hand. Eventually, machine technology advanced so that tilling machines could be manually pulled by animals. Today, a wide variety of motorized and fully mechanical tilling machines exist. While...
Rhubarb Benefits, Uses, and the Holy Grail of Pie
A traditional summer delicacy for some and a culinary curiosity for others, rhubarb has a reputation for both its tangy flavor and mystique. Although it rarely makes its way to the table, it adds both taste and nutrition when it does. Rhubarb even boasts an array of...
St. John’s Wort Uses And Gardening Tips
Cheery yellow blooms and powerful medicinal properties make St. John’s Wort a beloved plant in any herbalist garden. Botanically known as Hypericum perforatum, this plant is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. Today it can be found all over the...
Borage Flower (Starflower) Gardening Tips and Uses
Borage flowers provide delightful splashes of blue for your garden. They attract loads of pollinators, have edible leaves and flowers, and are a medicinal herb. All around, borage, also sometimes called starflower, is a top choice for gardeners around the world. It is...
A Gardener’s Guide to Perennial Identification
As a plant geek and gardener, I get asked 'what are perennials?' all the time. Usually, plant identification is tricky and full of inconsistencies and surprises. Luckily, perennial identification is straightforward. The concept of a perennial plant is easy to grasp!...
Bees and Agriculture: A Love Story
If you remember much from elementary school, you know bees are important. One of planet earth’s beloved beneficial pollinators, these busybodies transfer pollen between plants, increase yields of crops and create the tantalizingly sweet and earthy elixir known as...
Why Are There So Many Plants In the Rainforest?
The biodiversity of plants in the rainforest is staggering. Some rainforests have more species of plant than entire continents, and a single tree in the rainforest may contain more species of epiphyte (plants that grow on other plants) than most countries. But why are...
Barrel Cactus vs Saguaro Cactus: What’s the Difference?
To those of us new to the desert, it can be hard to tell the difference between a barrel cactus vs saguaro cactus. These large cacti grow across the southwestern United States. Young saguaros can closely resemble barrel cacti, adding to the confusion. Let’s break down...
Cuttings: The Magical Way to Grow Plants
Fall is here! The sweaters are warm! The pumpkins are spiced! And leaves are falling from their trees! While many regular gardening activities are winding down, it is the perfect time to begin starting new plants from cuttings. Many of the plants you see every day...
Why Do Desert Plants Have Fat Leaves and Stems, Spines, or No Leaves?
As you wander around the desert or peruse the succulent section of your local garden shop, you might start to wonder why desert plants have such fat leaves. Cacti are famous for their spines, but they (and other desert plants) have other trademark characteristics. The...
How Do Some Trees Get So Big?
Anyone who’s ever visited a rainforest in the tropics or the Pacific Northwest will findi it impossible to ignore how tall the trees are. A defining characteristic of a tree is definitely the fact that trees are taller than bushes -- but why are trees tall? Let’s look...
Magic Plants in the Real World
We’re never too old for fairy tales. Folk stories about gingerbread houses, witches cauldrons, glass slippers, and cursed frogs have shaped our imaginations and cultures since humans first gathered around the fire. To this day, they continue to delight, enchant, and...
What Plants to Look for After Wildfires? Wildflowers!
Wildfire seasons are becoming longer and more intense throughout western North America. As climate change continues to make such extreme weather events more common, it is important to know what to expect from land that has previously been burned. And it's not all bad!...
How to Identify, Remove, and Treat Poison Oak
Poison oak, or Toxicodendron diversilobum or Toxicodendron pubescens, is another relative of poison ivy and poison sumac. There are two species of poison oak: eastern and western. Both species are common across North America in a variety of habitats, making it a good...
How (and why) to Remove Invasive European Buckthorn
Though Buckthorn is nowhere near as scary as Giant Hogweed, it’s still a serious invasive species that causes all sorts of problems where it grows. Buckthorn is shorthand for the genus Rhamnus, which includes about 110 species of shrubs and small trees. Unfortunately,...
How to Identify, Remove, and Treat Poison Sumac
Poison Sumac, or Toxicodendron vernix, is a common North American plant that causes skin irritation to people. Like its better-known cousin poison ivy, the green leaves of poison sumac sure to put a damper on an otherwise pleasant camping trip or another outdoor...
Pack Your Bookbags: The Best Plant Field Guides
Learning to identify plants, even for full-time students, is no small task. Building a library of the best plant field guides will help you learn to accurately identify plants. While field guides may seem technical and tedious at first, they are integral to building...
The Best Botanical Gardens in Africa and the Middle East: Jewels in the Desert
Though you might not think of verdant gardens when you think of traveling to Africa and the Middle East, the botanical gardens from Istanbul to Johannesburg are not to be missed! The contrast between the gardens and the desert makes many of these gardens even more...
The Best Botanical Gardens in Asia and Oceania
From Hawaii to India, the best botanical gardens of Asia and Oceania are not to be missed. Full of lush tropical plants and unique aesthetic, these botanical gardens are some of the most verdant in the world. Getting out to enjoy the flowers and plants is a great way...
The Best Botanical Gardens in Europe
From Claude Monet’s gardens to exotic gardens of Monaco, the best botanical gardens in Europe are not to be missed. Spend a bit of time on your next European vacation getting outside and exploring these beautiful gardens. As you prepare to stretch your legs and smell...
The Best Botanical Gardens in North America
The best botanical gardens in North America might be closer to you than you think. These verdant parks can be found from Brooklyn to British Columbia, and they’re a great way to spend an afternoon. Whether you’re the sort to plan your next vacation around the best...
Intro to the Most Common Wedding Flowers
There’s a lot that goes into planning a wedding celebration. When it comes to wedding flowers, it can be difficult to know where to start. What’s popular? What’s cliche? What buds will add vibrancy to the occasion and which ones will droop away before the day is over?...
What is a Monkey Puzzle Tree?
Archibald Menzies, one of the great British naturalists, brought this other-worldly tree to the U.K. in 1795. Shortly after its arrival in the U.K., British lawyer, Charles Austin, remarked that "It would be a puzzle for a monkey to climb that tree." Because the...
Alpine Plants To Look For When Hiking
The alpine zone is a region or biome of that world with high-altitude conditions. It is an incredible ecozone to explore and learn from. However, anyone who has been caught in an unexpected wind gust or summer storm in the region knows that these environments can be...
Houseplant Identification 101
It can be soothing to care for houseplants and help them grow. But it’s hard to take good care of your houseplants if you don’t know what they are. Not all plants are created equal, and the ideal care for one plant will quickly cause another to wither. That's why...
What Plant Makes Tequila and Mezcal?
The bartender plops a little glass of clear liquid in front of me, accompanied by a small plate of salt, candied fruits, fried crickets, and limes. It's Dia de Los Muertos in Mexico, which means it's time to drink a little (or a lot). But what was the clear drink in...
Weird Plants of Baja California
I had the joy of driving the entire length of Mexico’s Baja California last fall. Starting in San Diego, we followed Highway 1 and found many of the bizarre and beautiful plants of Baja California. The whole way, my eyes were glued to the landscape. Desert plants are...
Tree Identification 101: What You Need to Know
Despite being gigantic, trees can be surprisingly difficult to identify. While tree identification might be easier than grass identification, it's no walk in the park (...although that might be a good place to practice). Let's start with the basics. If you already can...
4 of the Most Fascinating Native Hawaiian Plants
Hawaiian plants are some of the most beautiful and unusual curiosities in the world. Like many islands, Hawaii is full of plants that are isolated and don't exist anywhere else. There's also a rich cultural history surrounding the use of these plants (known as...
What Is That Plant Growing On Power Lines?
Power lines might not seem like the ideal place for a plant to call home, but curious observers throughout the Americas might see strange, spiky plants that rest upon power lines like party decorations. So what is that plant growing on power lines? Never fear,...
How to Identify Deadly Plants That Could Kill You
Whenever you’re out foraging for edible plants or tasty mushrooms, there’s a risk of picking and eating the wrong plant. Making a mistake while foraging for wild plants can kill you - so it’s important to know what you’re doing! In some cases, eating the wrong parts...
11 Edible Mushrooms in the U.S. (And How to Tell They’re Not Toxic Lookalikes)
Mushroom hunting is a rewarding way to get outside and learn more about nature. There are many different edible mushrooms in the United States, including tasty chanterelles and morels. Mushroom hunting can also be quite dangerous - many mushrooms are very similar in...
Jungle Botany: A Beginner’s Guide
The rainforest is a treasure trove for plant lovers, whether you’re a newbie or you already have experience with jungle botany. Your first step into a tropical forest can be a bit overwhelming. There is a staggering amount of diversity to take in. It’s also often hard...
10 Cool Facts About Bioluminescent Mushrooms (and Where to Find Them)
Glow-in-the-dark mushrooms? Is that a real thing? Yep, it is. And no, you’re not tripping. Fungi are a source of mystery, delight, and danger for forest adventurers and plant identifiers. Recently, scientists have shed light on the way mushrooms glow in...
Do All Plants Use Photosynthesis?
Have you ever wondered do all plants need sunlight in order to survive? Though this may sound like a silly question, it turns out there are quite a few plants that can live with no light at all! Plant leaves are nature’s solar panels. They excel at converting carbon...
Why Are There So Many Plants In the Rainforest?
The biodiversity of plants in the rainforest is staggering. Some rainforests have more species of plant than entire continents, and a single tree in the rainforest may contain more species of epiphyte (plants that grow on other plants) than most countries. But why are...
Houseplant Identification 101
It can be soothing to care for houseplants and help them grow. But it’s hard to take good care of your houseplants if you don’t know what they are. Not all plants are created equal, and the ideal care for one plant will quickly cause another to wither. That's why...
How Are Plant Cells Different Than Fungi Cells?
On the cellular level, how are plants and fungi different? Plantae and Fungi are two of the three main kingdoms in the domain Eukaryota (the third group is Animalia, which includes you and me). Many fungi grow in a way that’s similar to plants. They inhabit similar...
What’s So Special About the Hibiscus Flower?
The hibiscus flower is one of the most recognizable flowers due to its color, size, and overall beauty. Keep in mind that hibiscus is an entire genus of plants, and there are actually over 300 species! Of all the different species of hibiscus, they are mostly found in...
Top 3 Coolest Carnivorous Plants
Along with light, water, and air, plants need nutrients which are usually found in the soil. However, some soil contains almost no nutrients important to plants such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Bogs and fens are two environments that have very poor soil,...
Tree Identification 101: What You Need to Know
Despite being gigantic, trees can be surprisingly difficult to identify. While tree identification might be easier than grass identification, it's no walk in the park (...although that might be a good place to practice). Let's start with the basics. If you already can...
10 Cool Facts About Bioluminescent Mushrooms (and Where to Find Them)
Glow-in-the-dark mushrooms? Is that a real thing? Yep, it is. And no, you’re not tripping. Fungi are a source of mystery, delight, and danger for forest adventurers and plant identifiers. Recently, scientists have shed light on the way mushrooms glow in...
Everything You Need to Know About Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms have long been used as medicine. Also known as the Ling Zhi mushroom, these fungi grow on the sides of trees. In the wild, reishi mushrooms prefer to grow at the base of maple or hemlock trees. IDENTIFY NEW PLANTS WITH PLANTSNAP These mushrooms are...
How to Care for Your Plants When You Leave for Vacation
With the holidays coming up, many of us are facing hectic travel schedules. How do we care for our plants when we leave for vacation? Of course, the exact answer to this question depends on two major factors: How long will you be gone for vacation? What sort of...
Why Do Cacti Have Spines? 4 Reasons Cacti are Spikey
Walking through the desert, it doesn’t take long to realize that just about everything is sharp. Large and small, strange and familiar, most cacti have spines. But why? Cactus spines aren’t just nature’s way to make the desert a rougher place to be. They serve several...
Do All Plants Use Photosynthesis?
Have you ever wondered do all plants need sunlight in order to survive? Though this may sound like a silly question, it turns out there are quite a few plants that can live with no light at all! Plant leaves are nature’s solar panels. They excel at converting carbon...
A Crash Course in Aquaponics: How to Grow Plants and Raise Fish Together
For the experienced gardener and aquarium-keeper, aquaponics is a natural next step. Combining plants with fish allows the excrement from the fish to feed the plants, while the plants clean the water for the fish. You can create a symbiotic environment in your home...
Why Are There So Many Plants In the Rainforest?
The biodiversity of plants in the rainforest is staggering. Some rainforests have more species of plant than entire continents, and a single tree in the rainforest may contain more species of epiphyte (plants that grow on other plants) than most countries. But why are...
Barrel Cactus vs Saguaro Cactus: What’s the Difference?
To those of us new to the desert, it can be hard to tell the difference between a barrel cactus vs saguaro cactus. These large cacti grow across the southwestern United States. Young saguaros can closely resemble barrel cacti, adding to the confusion. Let’s break down...
Cuttings: The Magical Way to Grow Plants
Fall is here! The sweaters are warm! The pumpkins are spiced! And leaves are falling from their trees! While many regular gardening activities are winding down, it is the perfect time to begin starting new plants from cuttings. Many of the plants you see every day...
Why Do Desert Plants Have Fat Leaves and Stems, Spines, or No Leaves?
As you wander around the desert or peruse the succulent section of your local garden shop, you might start to wonder why desert plants have such fat leaves. Cacti are famous for their spines, but they (and other desert plants) have other trademark characteristics. The...
What Is This Flower? A Guide to Learning to Identify Plants
“What is this flower?” You ask, pointing towards a bright pink bud that appeared in your neighbor’s garden. Or perhaps you’re looking at a small blue flower during a hike along a river. Learning plant identification is easier than ever, and it's especially true with...
Why PlantSnap’s Flower Identification is a Perfect Educational Tool
Learning how to identify flowers is one of the easiest (and prettiest) ways to get kids interested in nature. Given how busy teachers are, it’s always nice to learn about a new educational tool to help engage students in the classroom. It’s even better when the tool...
A Guide to Garden Flower Identification
It’s exciting to watch new shoots pop up in springtime and new blooms emerge. But what is growing in your garden? Maybe you just moved in and have no idea what the last owner planted in your garden. Or perhaps you’re forgetful (like me) and just can’t remember what...
5 Easiest Perennial Flowers to Grow in Your Garden
One of the most enjoyable things for a gardener is seeing a flower bloom in spring that was planted years before. These types of flowers, called perennial flowers, come back year after year. These types of plants make a great choice for a beginner gardener because of...
8 Edible Flowers That Taste Great In Salads
Whatever time of year it is, we can’t help but think fondly of warm sunshine, fresh produce, and summertime salads. Before we know it, flowers will be blooming along the boulevards and bursting out of buckets at your local farmer’s market, ready to be added to a...
Tips to Grow an Indoor Herb Garden
I hate having to throw out fresh culinary herbs that have started to wilt and die. Unfortunately, dried herbs just don’t have the same aromatic flavor. The best way to make sure you always have fresh herbs available is to grow them yourself! A mint plant in your...
What’s So Special About the Hibiscus Flower?
The hibiscus flower is one of the most recognizable flowers due to its color, size, and overall beauty. Keep in mind that hibiscus is an entire genus of plants, and there are actually over 300 species! Of all the different species of hibiscus, they are mostly found in...
Top 7 Mosquito Repellent Plants
Looking forward to spring and summer, it’s time to start thinking about the downsides of warmer weather… mosquitos. As much of a downer as these biting bugs can be, they’re a fact of life for warmer months. But did you know that there are mosquito repellent plants?...
Top 10 Flowers to Grow for a Winter Garden
Winter can be a tough season for a lot of us. Less sun and colder temperatures make life seem to come to a halt. Many plants drop their leaves and go dormant until the spring. For others, winter is just another season for growing! Certain plants, even edible ones,...
Call the Botanist! How to Save Your Dying Plants
It's surprisingly emotional to watch a plant die in front of you. You can't ask your plant what's wrong, and sometimes a remedy actually makes it worse. We're here to help you save your dying plants - and save yourself from the stress of killing (yet another)...
5 Houseplants That Produce the Most Oxygen
Houseplants can change your home’s atmosphere in more ways than one! Choosing houseplants that produce the most oxygen can greatly help improve your indoor air quality. We all rely on plants to create breathable air. Our lungs breathe the oxygen that plants produce...
How to Care for Your Plants When You Leave for Vacation
With the holidays coming up, many of us are facing hectic travel schedules. How do we care for our plants when we leave for vacation? Of course, the exact answer to this question depends on two major factors: How long will you be gone for vacation? What sort of...
Guide to Growing Snake Gourds (and the Best Recipes for Them)
Image by Health Jade Snake gourds might be the most distinctive and delicious crop most home gardeners have never heard of. Getting its name from the serpentine growth habit, this long, slender squash is a great choice for gardeners and home chefs who are...
A Crash Course in Aquaponics: How to Grow Plants and Raise Fish Together
For the experienced gardener and aquarium-keeper, aquaponics is a natural next step. Combining plants with fish allows the excrement from the fish to feed the plants, while the plants clean the water for the fish. You can create a symbiotic environment in your home...
Cool Examples of Moss Graffiti and Plant Art
The hustle and bustle of the city can be contagious. Everyone’s got somewhere to be, something to do, and people move quickly along the streets and avenues lined with multi-story buildings, apartment complexes and neighborhood shops. But nearby, many cities...
Cuttings: The Magical Way to Grow Plants
Fall is here! The sweaters are warm! The pumpkins are spiced! And leaves are falling from their trees! While many regular gardening activities are winding down, it is the perfect time to begin starting new plants from cuttings. Many of the plants you see every day...
Enjoy These Nine Gorgeous Decorative Christmas Plants: Classic to Chic
As the snow starts to fall across the northern U.S., you may be ready to bring some greenery into your life. Festive plants will help you get into the holiday spirit and stave off seasonal depression during the winter months. If you’re not ready to put up your...
18 Plants You Can Grow from Table Scraps (With Instructions)
Composting leftover food is great and all, but what if you could make more food come from your table scraps? This isn’t the stuff of dreams for starving college students - it’s real. You can grow plants from table scraps. It's nice to know where your food comes from...
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Intro to the Most Common Wedding Flowers
There’s a lot that goes into planning a wedding celebration. When it comes to wedding flowers, it can be difficult to know where to start. What’s popular? What’s cliche? What buds will add vibrancy to the occasion and which ones will droop away before the day is over?...
What is a Monkey Puzzle Tree?
Archibald Menzies, one of the great British naturalists, brought this other-worldly tree to the U.K. in 1795. Shortly after its arrival in the U.K., British lawyer, Charles Austin, remarked that "It would be a puzzle for a monkey to climb that tree." Because the...
Alpine Plants To Look For When Hiking
The alpine zone is a region or biome of that world with high-altitude conditions. It is an incredible ecozone to explore and learn from. However, anyone who has been caught in an unexpected wind gust or summer storm in the region knows that these environments can be...
Houseplant Identification 101
It can be soothing to care for houseplants and help them grow. But it’s hard to take good care of your houseplants if you don’t know what they are. Not all plants are created equal, and the ideal care for one plant will quickly cause another to wither. That's why...
What Plant Makes Tequila and Mezcal?
The bartender plops a little glass of clear liquid in front of me, accompanied by a small plate of salt, candied fruits, fried crickets, and limes. It's Dia de Los Muertos in Mexico, which means it's time to drink a little (or a lot). But what was the clear drink in...
Weird Plants of Baja California
I had the joy of driving the entire length of Mexico’s Baja California last fall. Starting in San Diego, we followed Highway 1 and found many of the bizarre and beautiful plants of Baja California. The whole way, my eyes were glued to the landscape. Desert plants are...
Tree Identification 101: What You Need to Know
Despite being gigantic, trees can be surprisingly difficult to identify. While tree identification might be easier than grass identification, it's no walk in the park (...although that might be a good place to practice). Let's start with the basics. If you already can...
4 of the Most Fascinating Native Hawaiian Plants
Hawaiian plants are some of the most beautiful and unusual curiosities in the world. Like many islands, Hawaii is full of plants that are isolated and don't exist anywhere else. There's also a rich cultural history surrounding the use of these plants (known as...
What Is That Plant Growing On Power Lines?
Power lines might not seem like the ideal place for a plant to call home, but curious observers throughout the Americas might see strange, spiky plants that rest upon power lines like party decorations. So what is that plant growing on power lines? Never fear,...
How to Identify Deadly Plants That Could Kill You
Whenever you’re out foraging for edible plants or tasty mushrooms, there’s a risk of picking and eating the wrong plant. Making a mistake while foraging for wild plants can kill you - so it’s important to know what you’re doing! In some cases, eating the wrong parts...
11 Edible Mushrooms in the U.S. (And How to Tell They’re Not Toxic Lookalikes)
Mushroom hunting is a rewarding way to get outside and learn more about nature. There are many different edible mushrooms in the United States, including tasty chanterelles and morels. Mushroom hunting can also be quite dangerous - many mushrooms are very similar in...
Jungle Botany: A Beginner’s Guide
The rainforest is a treasure trove for plant lovers, whether you’re a newbie or you already have experience with jungle botany. Your first step into a tropical forest can be a bit overwhelming. There is a staggering amount of diversity to take in. It’s also often hard...
10 Cool Facts About Bioluminescent Mushrooms (and Where to Find Them)
Glow-in-the-dark mushrooms? Is that a real thing? Yep, it is. And no, you’re not tripping. Fungi are a source of mystery, delight, and danger for forest adventurers and plant identifiers. Recently, scientists have shed light on the way mushrooms glow in...
Do All Plants Use Photosynthesis?
Have you ever wondered do all plants need sunlight in order to survive? Though this may sound like a silly question, it turns out there are quite a few plants that can live with no light at all! Plant leaves are nature’s solar panels. They excel at converting carbon...
Why Are There So Many Plants In the Rainforest?
The biodiversity of plants in the rainforest is staggering. Some rainforests have more species of plant than entire continents, and a single tree in the rainforest may contain more species of epiphyte (plants that grow on other plants) than most countries. But why are...
Intro to the Mint Plant (and the Top Mint Plant Uses)
Not all of us have a green thumb, but some plants are so ubiquitous that you can’t help but encounter them in everyday life. Mint is one of those plants. It’s probably in your toothpaste, or in a pot nearby as you walk down the street. There are a lot of reasons you...
History of the Poppy Flower
The history of the poppy flower is a rich one. The popular plant is not only famous for its pretty flowers, but also for its use in the production of a highly addictive drug called opium. It also allows us to produce some of the most important medicine in the world,...
How Do Pineapples Grow?
The pineapple is a tropical fruit that travels far in our modern age. Whether you live in the fjords of Iceland or the open prairies of Nebraska, chances are there are little pineapple cubes in your fruit cup, frozen bags of it in the freezer section of the grocery...
What Is Chaga? Intro to the Alaskan Medicinal Mushroom
If you haven’t heard of chaga, you aren’t alone. This mushroom, while wildly popular amongst certain groups in the far northern reaches of the planet, has yet to make it into mainstream culture. That being said, it is rapidly gaining celebrity for its wide variety of...
Top 5 Uses For Bamboo Plants
Belonging to a subfamily of grass, bamboo is one of the most versatile plants on planet earth. Uses for bamboo plants are practiced by over 2.5 billion people every day. This plant is naturally pesticide resistant and helps to rebuild eroded soil. It is antifungal,...
What Is the Best Rope Plant?
Plants have provided humans with some of the most important tool-making materials since the dawn of man. Indeed, wood and other plant products are an absolute necessity when going about our daily lives. We often take for granted just how many tools and materials are...
5 Great Anti-Inflammatory Herbs
Inflammation is important. It is a phenomenon that helps the body repair damaged tissues. It helps the body combat foreign invaders like bacteria and fungi. Without inflammation, we wouldn't last long. But inflammation can also cause serious problems. Chronic...
Intro to the Most Common Wedding Flowers
There’s a lot that goes into planning a wedding celebration. When it comes to wedding flowers, it can be difficult to know where to start. What’s popular? What’s cliche? What buds will add vibrancy to the occasion and which ones will droop away before the day is over?...
What Is Plant Therapy?
Plant therapy - it might sound like a new fad, but in fact, the practice is ancient. Engaging with plants can have a relaxing, peaceful effect on many people. For individuals struggling with mental illness and depression, plants can help to generate positive emotions...
Mosquito Repellent Plants For Your Garden and Skin
When the weather warms up and the water stands still, mosquitos are sure to follow. Whether you’re spending time on a tropical island in Indonesia, hiking through the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota, or planning an epic backyard garden, mosquitos can turn an...
Sunscreen Plants That Really Work
One of the most important tools used during the summer is sunscreen. To prevent skin damage caused by the sun’s harmful rays, we slather on a thick layer of the stuff before a day at the beach, going on a hike, or an afternoon at the ballpark. However, many people are...
Introduction To Using Chinese Herbs
Originating in ancient China, traditional Chinese medicine has evolved over the ages. It stretches back thousands of years the first written example dating back to 168 BC. Practitioners use a variety of body and mind practices and herbal remedies for both treatment...
Why the Lotus Flower Is a Plant Celebrity
The lotus flower is one of the most sacred and iconic plants in the world. The striking flower is a symbolic staple for some of the most prolific cultures and religions throughout history. It's safe to say that for thousands of years, the lotus has been a plant...
Carnivorous Plants You Can Keep at Home
If you’re looking for a unique and interesting houseplant, it’s hard to get more unique than a carnivorous plant. Unlike other plants, carnivorous plants need to “digest” animal or insect matter to get all of their nutrients. Most carnivorous plants are native to...
Benefits and Uses of the Sage Herb
Sage, or Salvia officinalis, is a part of the mint family Native to the Mediterranean region, the sage herb is a perennial plant that has naturalized across the globe and can grow to two feet tall. Its leaves are fuzzy with an oval shape. Different varieties range in...