Smithsonian Gardens

Even though Halloween is just around the corner, are you still looking for costume inspiration? Might we suggest the larva of Battus philenor, the pipevine swallowtail butterfly. In case the black/brown and orange markings of this caterpillar don't seem spooky enough, it also has a dangerous secret. This North American caterpillar feeds on plants belonging to the genus Aristolochia. When it does, it ingests toxins (aristolochic acids) that are safe for the caterpillar but are used as defense against predators. That's pretty scary if we do say so ourselves! 📷: Shelley G. & Bekah B., Horticulturist #Halloween #SpookySeason #SmithsonianGardens

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Pretty but poisonous, don’t grow these plants in a vegetable garden! Many beautiful plants that are used in gardens all over the world have properties with more nefarious attributes. Aconitum, or wolfsbane, has been known to be a poisonous plant since ancient times, used in hunting, mythology, and folk medicine. The active toxin, aconitine, is a neurotoxin and cardiotoxin. In fact, it gets the common name of “wolfsbane” because the plant was used to poison arrows and bait to hunt wolfs (and maybe the occasional werewolf). All parts of Aconitum are poisonous and should never be consumed, but the purple, fall-blooming flowers are a spooky reminder of the history and lore around this plant.   Digitalis purpurea (foxglove) is a beloved garden plant with iconic flowers, but it conceals a deadly secret. Digitalis contains the lethal toxin digitoxin, a cardiac glycoside. Interestingly, the same lethal effects been carefully used in medicine to treat heart failure. Digitalis has also been a popular poison-of-choice in pop culture books, movies, tv shows, and songs.   Ricinus (castor bean) is a gorgeous tropical plant that is safe to grow as an ornamental, but it also contains the toxin ricin, particularly in the seeds. Ricin is said to be more poisonous than cyanide or rattlesnake venom- yikes! Conversely, castor oil is safe to consume and has been used for centuries as medicine and in industrial applications. The oil is pressed from the seeds and the toxin is left behind in the process. 💬: Rori W., Intern #SpookySeason #Horticulture #Halloween #SmithsonianGardens

Cattleya season is upon in our orchid greenhouses! Horticulturist Justin shows off a Cattleya Vickie Andrews. #OrchidCollection #Cattleya #SmithsonianGardens

Dracula diana is an orchid with a double awesome name. The species epithet comes from the Roman goddess Diana. She is associated with the moon, beauty, and divinity. Dracula means “little dragon,” in reference to the creatures many people see in the flowers. (But no need to fear loosing any blood!) Plants in this genus are also commonly called the monkeyface orchid. This species is native to the cool, humid cloud forests of Colombia where it grows on trees. 📷: Caroline S., Horticulturist #OrchidCollection #Orchids #SpookySeason #SmithsonianGardens

Join us Thursday, October 24th at noon for a free garden chat on “Shifting Boundaries: Approaches to American Landscapes” with Lauren Brandes (Smithsonian Gardens), Melinda Whicher (Smithsonian Gardens), and Diana Greenwold (National Museum of Asian Art). Register here: https://lnkd.in/dUwG2Gy7 #GardenChat

Smithsonian Gardens is pleased to unveil the completion of a multi-year project, “The Preservation of Smithsonian Gardens Tree Collection on Constitution Avenue” outside of the National Museum of Natural History. This initiative addressed the care of our collections (the trees) through the care of the collections’ housing (the soil). The soil was first remediated to correct years of compaction, through airspading and vertical mulching. Then fencing and plantings were installed to help prevent further damage to the soils. This project is the first of its kind in Washington, DC’s Monumental Core, as it intentionally moves away from turf and mulch as the traditional treatments for tree boxes. It demonstrates that it is possible to use a 100% native plant palette to protect tree roots and soil health while supporting urban ecology with functioning green space. This effort will help to prolong the health of the trees, both as Smithsonian Gardens accessioned collection objects and as critical components to a healthy city and healthy environment. #TreeCollection #SoilHealth #SmithsonianGardens #PublicGardens

Did you know that there are orchids with red leaves? This is Coelogyne incrassata, a native to Malesia, has this uncommon trait. The new leaves emerge with reddish coloration before changing to green. This species grows in damp, mossy forests as an epiphyte and is a continuous bloomer. Each thickened “ridge” on the inflorescence reveals where a previous flower bloomed, creating an interesting texture. 📷: Caroline S., Horticulturist #Orchids #SmithsonianGardens #OrchidCollection #Horticulture

It’s spoooooky season. Let some haunting Halloween horticulture creep into your day. This evergreen shrub has white-speckled leaves that have caught many a Fatsia lover in its web. Fans of Fatsias have been known to search high and low for this plant. 🕷️🕸️ 🌱: Fatsia japonica ‘Spider’s Web’ 💬: Kayleigh W., Living Collections 📷: Hannele Lahti, Living Collections Photographer #SpookySeason #Horticulture #Halloween #SmithsonianGardens

Trees like the Ulmus americana, provide so much use, especially in an urban environment. Intern Gustavo concludes this series by sharing some of his key takeaways after working with the Smithsonian Gardens Tree Collection. Be sure to check out the Smithsonian Gardens website to learn more about the amazing trees in our collection. Video description: a person in a light blue shirt and khakis pants standing next to a tree. #TreeCollection #Elm #PublicGarden #Horticulture #SmithsonianGardens