PLANTS

What Are Frankincense and Myrrh, Anyway?

Frankincense and myrrh are a fragrant part of traditional Christmas celebrations, but what exactly are these pebble-like perfumes?

Watch This Carnivorous Plant Consume an Unlucky Insect

Watch up close as one Cape sundew plant uses its tentacles to trap and entomb an insect.

Before picking out your Christmas tree, try picking the tree out of this festive puzzle.

Spot the Christmas Tree in This Festive Brainteaser

As you wait for Christmas to arrive, this cheery brainteaser will get you in the holiday spirit.

You'd be amazed at what things you can get through a TSA checkpoint.

10 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know You Could Bring Through TSA Checkpoints

Most airline passengers focus on what they can’t bring through TSA checkpoints—but you'd be shocked by what can actually slip right through.

10 Chilling Facts About Permafrost

About 11 percent of the Earth’s surface is perpetually frozen, though that will surely change as global warming continues.

Meet Pepper X: Guinness World Records’ New Hottest Pepper

The Carolina Reaper used to be the hottest pepper in the world—but it just got dethroned by its own offspring.

Prepared horseradish sometimes requires more preparation.

What Exactly Is Horseradish Sauce?

Prepared horseradish and horseradish sauce aren’t the same thing.

Biltmore’s formal gardens are augmented with fall foliage from nearby forests.

Watch a Time-Lapse Video of the Changing Seasons at Biltmore Gardens

Spring isn't the only time of year the gardens are worth visiting.

The stuff hanging from these trees isn't actually moss.

10 Fascinating Facts About Spanish Moss

Spanish moss is neither Spanish nor moss. But the iconic Southern plant has an interesting history.

Homicidal or harmless? iNaturalist can help you answer that question.

The iNaturalist App Is Like Shazam for Plants, Animals, and Insects

It has even led to the discovery of a new species.

Your iPhone can help you learn what’s growing around your yard.

How to Identify Plants Using Your iPhone Camera

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

How to Spot Poison Oak

Poison ivy isn’t the only thing that can give you a nasty rash.

Rash Judgment: A 68-Foot-Long Poison Ivy Vine is a Guinness World Record Holder

The finding was confirmed when the property owner broke out in a rash.

Why Are Peaches Fuzzy?

Whether you enjoy the velvety skin on peaches or peel it off, you may wonder why they developed fuzz in the first place.

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.

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