Discover stories in Plants
Attacking Invasive Cheatgrass at Its Root
Not much can stop cheatgrass from spreading. That's why scientists are turning to a solution in the soil, a microbe that inhibits the growth of cheatgrass roots, giving native plants a chance to return.
Ginseng Digging: Local Traditions and Global Markets for Appalachia’s Medicinal Plants
Ginseng: a medicinal root with a long tradition of harvesting in Appalachia. But can the plant withstand the demands of a global market? Hal Herring takes a personal look at the plants, the place and the people that make up the history of ginseng digging.
Sagebrush Science Makes a Breakthrough with Soil Pasta
When scientists were looking for a better way to restore sagebrush they thought way outside of the box. The solution — a pasta maker.
The Cactus Smuggler: Are Desert Plants Being Loved to Extinction?
Across their range, cacti are disappearing. The number one culprit? Illegal collecting. A look at the cactus smuggling trade.
10 Unexpected Impacts of Climate Change
Climate change will affect your health, your sports, even what you drink. A look at some of the more unexpected impacts.
A Treasure Hunt for Prairie Wildflowers
A rare prairie wildflower is lost, then found, then lost again. Or was it?
The Promise and Peril of Wild Seed Harvesting
Planting native seeds harvested from the wild back into damaged ecosystems brings the promise of restoring entire landscapes. But at what cost?
Greatest Threat to the Everglades? Maybe Not Pythons
A deceptively deadly invasive species is slithering its way through the Florida Everglades, threatening the entire ecosystem. But it’s not a python.
Logging Ash to Save Hemlocks
The preserve was established specifically to protect trees from logging. But what happens when waves of forest pests are going to kill trees anyway? What if logging one tree could help save another? What trees live and what trees die? Welcome to forest conservation decisions, 2014 edition.
Coyote Scat and Native Plant Conservation
Cultivating native plants for conservation requires the perfect water, sunlight, nutrients and pollinators. And in at least one case, it needs coyote poop. And lots of it. A story of an observant naturalist, palm seeds and hungry coyotes in South Texas.
Plight of the Bumble Bee: Conserving Imperiled Native Pollinators
You've probably heard about the loss of honey bees. But did you know native bumble bees face even more alarming declines? These vital pollinators are disappearing due to pesticides and habitat loss. You can make a difference -- right in your backyard.
Matchmaking for Elms: Restoring America’s Iconic Tree Through Genetics
Christian Marks runs a dating service. For elm trees.
