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The Origins of 12 Christmas Traditions
From expecting Santa to fill socks with gifts to eating cake that looks like tree bark, some holiday traditions are downright odd. But we can explain!
PLANTS
Are Christmas Trees Dangerous to Pets?
Pets are a welcome part of the holidays, but a little care is needed to make sure they don't have problems with your decorations.
New Study Reveals the Source of the Corpse Flower’s Horrible Stench
Research (and lots of dry-heaving) has revealed why the flower reeks of weeks-old road kill.
Scallion vs. Chives. vs. Green Onion: What’s the Difference?
One of these things is not like the others.
Such Pricks: A German Town Has Banned Cactus From Government Buildings
The mayor in ‘Footloose’ banned dancing. The mayor of Plettenberg has banned cactus.
From Snakeroot to Salamanders, Life Thrives in Cemeteries
Three historic cemeteries, designed as refuges of the dead, are bringing their landscapes back to life for native plants and animals.
A Forest of Giant Sequoias Is Growing in Detroit
A local organization is aiming to fill Detroit’s vacant land with gigantic forests.
Gourd vs. Squash: What’s the Difference?
Matters become more confusing when you add pumpkins to the mix.
Special Viewfinders at Virginia State Parks Let Colorblind Guests See Fall Foliage
Fall just got more colorful for colorblind visitors to Virginia’s state parks.
Why Do Some Pumpkins Have Warts?
Some gourds are bred to have a bumpy appearance.
New ”Golden Lettuce” Was Engineered to Boost Nutrition
Golden lettuce isn’t just pretty—it’s good for you, too.
A Brief History of Leaf-Peeping
From Henry David Thoreau's 'Autumnal Tints' to the origins of the term 'leaf-peeper.'
Air Pollution May Prevent Bees From Smelling Flowers
Air pollution is making it hard for bees to pollinate flowers.
9 of the Best Trees for Spectacular Fall Foliage
Trees like aspens, sugar maples, and black gums are known for their vibrant fall foliage.
What’s the Difference Between Coconut Trees and Palm Trees?
You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? It may have actually been a different type of palm tree.
The 30 Most Popular Botanic Baby Names
If you’re hoping to pass on your love of nature to the next generation, you may be inclined to choose a name rooted in the natural world. Oliver, Olivia, Violet, and Rowan are all top contenders.
7 Tips for Keeping Cut Flowers Fresh
Unfortunately, those blooms you clipped from your home garden or snagged from a local farmer’s market won’t last forever.
Watch: Mountain Cedar Trees ‘Sneeze’ Huge Clouds of Pollen
The allergy-inducing mountain cedar may be the most hated tree in Texas.
Can Dogs Get Poison Ivy?
Dogs can potentially have an allergic reaction to poison ivy, and they can also transmit the irritating oils to people. Here's what to do if you pet encounters the plant.
The Best U.S. Cities for Gardening Naked
Like gardening naked? You may want to move to one of these cities.
10 Historical First Impressions of Animals and Plants
From the “dark politicks” of cuttlefish to the “prodigious bigness” of snakes, here are 10 accounts of the first times explorers encountered new animals, foods, and more.
Are Blueberries Blue? The Answer Is Surprisingly Complicated
Blue pigmentation doesn't exist in the plant kingdom, but blueberries have found a unique way around this.
100 Things We Learned in 2023
From record-breaking plants and incredible animal news to space superlatives and the awesome power of Taylor Swift fans, here’s the long list of things we learned in 2023.
Why Is Holly a Symbol of Christmas?
The hardy plant’s ability to stay vibrant through the winter made it a natural choice for pre-Christian winter festivals, but why is holly now associated with Christmas?