PLANTS

How to Spot Poison Ivy, According to a Scientist

Poison ivy can take many different shapes and sizes. It can appear in small patches, take the form of creeping vines or a bush, and can even mimic the appearance of a tree it has wrapped itself around.

7 Tips for Growing a Native Plant Garden

Planting native flowers, shrubs, and trees instead of ornamentals or plain grass around your home has a number of long-term environmental benefits.

Serial Houseplant Killer? This Simple Trick Will Help Ensure You Don't Commit Another Herbicide

If you've ever drowned a houseplant, it's time to switch to the ice cube method.

Garden Soil vs. Potting Soil: What's the Difference?

The differences between garden soil and potting soil shouldn’t be ignored.

These conservation success stories will make you want to jump for joy.

25 Species That Have Made Amazing Comebacks

When it comes to rescuing endangered species, progress is an ongoing effort—but these plants and animals have made successful comebacks.

How Often Should You Water Your Garden?

Once you’ve learned a few key things about your garden, you’ll know how often you should grab a hose and start watering.

10 Fascinating Facts About Corpse Flowers

The rare, giant plant is equal parts fascinating and foul.

Can Plants Die of Old Age?

Houseplants can die of old age, but likely not within your lifetime.

Cherry blossoms as seen from Central Park's Reservoir, with the El Dorado in the background.

Central Park’s Cherry Blossom Tracker Tells You When the Trees Are in Peak Bloom

Washington, D.C. is a cherry blossom explosion, sure. But the cherry trees in NYC’s Central Park are pretty nice, too.

If someone were to mention the word 'Fartulum' to you, a snail probably wouldn't be the first thing that came to mind.

11 Naughty-Sounding Scientific Names (and What They Really Mean)

Perfectly innocent Latin or Greekisms that just happen to sound like something else.

10 Amazing Facts About Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossom season is a major tourist draw for any city that’s lucky enough to grow ornamental cherry trees.

'Nature's Pitfall' by Samantha Stephens.

See 11 Stunning Images From the 4th Annual Close-Up Photographer of the Year Competition

Slime mold definitely had a moment—but it’s hard to beat two dead salamanders floating in a carnivorous plant.

A bunch of surprisingly unromantic mistletoe

8 Decidedly Unromantic Facts About Mistletoe

The tradition of kissing under mistletoe might stem from a mythological murder.

It’s a good thing this mistletoe is fake.

7 Holiday Plants That Are Toxic to Pets

Traditional Christmas plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe can be dangerous for pets.

Trees hit growth spurts just like we do.

How Long Does It Take to Grow a Christmas Tree?

Your tree has lived a whole other life before being attacked by your cat.

Looking to Chop Down a Fresh Christmas Tree This Year? This Map Can Help Locate the Nearest Tree Farm

The best Christmas tree farm near you is whichever one also has sleigh rides and a petting zoo.

Buyers Beware: These Are the Holiday Gifts No One Really Wants

Grab one of these and you run the risk of someone throwing it right in the garbage.

Do Brussels Sprouts Taste Better Now? Yes—Here’s Why

It’s partly thanks to the popularity of roasted Brussels sprouts over boiled ones—but that’s not the whole story.

Before you bring home a new plant, be sure to check that it's safe for your pets, too.

20 Pet-Friendly Houseplants That Are Safe for Cats or Dogs—And 20 That Aren't

Get peace of mind (and a greener space) with these pet-friendly plants, plus find out which plants aren't so safe for cats and dogs.

This would brighten up your Instagram feed.

See What North Dakota’s Sunflower Fields Look Like in Full Bloom

North Dakota’s sunflower season is almost over, but these captivating photos and videos won’t fade.

How to Identify Plants Using Your iPhone Camera

If you have an iPhone, you can identify plants without downloading a third-party app.

Rogue invader or pleasant pot-mate? You be the judge.

Why Mushrooms Grow in Potting Soil—and What to Do About Them

If you spot a mushroom growing in the same pot as your houseplant, there's no need to panic.

How to Turn Your Aloe Vera Plant Into a Sunburn Remedy

With the right knowledge, you can harvest homegrown aloe vera and take advantage of its medicinal properties.

Catnip has some real benefits beyond getting your pet wasted.

The Surprising Reason Cats Love to Roll Around in Catnip—and It's Not Just for the High

Catnip is good for tripping out, but there's actually another tangible benefit for cats that doesn't involve a recreational high.