Plants are People too: Botany Podcast

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Centering around the topics of botany, taxonomy, native flora, ecological and the evolutionary traits of plants, this podcast is designed to bring attention to and broaden the botanical knowledge of it's audience. While we can't know everything, with this podcast I hope to spark ideas and curiosity of the audience to dig deeper into botanical realms. Primarily focused on the native flora of North American, and in particular, New England, the majority of the topics and botanical species discussed will pertain to the Northeast region of the United States. Episodes will not exclusively be about the Northeast region however, and episodes from different regions of the United States as well different regions of the world are included. Intermittently, there will also be episodes on cannabis and it's cultivation. Enjoy. Send Questions, Show Ideas or anything botanically relevant to plantsarepeopletoopodcast@gmail.com or on IG @plants.are.people.too

Tom Groves

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    • Feb 5, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 1m AVG DURATION
    • 32 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Plants are People too: Botany Podcast

    Episode 32: Arthur Haines, Research Botanist with Native Plant Trust and Determining Nativity of RT&E Species in New England

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2023 66:57


    In this episode we have a special guest, Arthur Haines who has authored a number of books, the most well known is probably the Botanical Identification Manual for New England "Flora Novae-Angliae".  Arthur shares with us in this episode seven considerations to make when observing native plant populations in New England and how these considerations can help you come to a reasonable conclusion about its nativity. Support the show

    Episode 31: ROADTRIP to Whately, MA: Native Plant Trust/Nasami Farm Nursery Manager Alexis Doshas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2022 79:04


    In Episode 31 of the Plants are People too podcast we visit the oldest native plant organization in the United States (Native Plant Trust) native plant nursery in Whately, Massachustts, Nasami Farm. At the farm we meet, talk and take a tour with Alexis Doshas the Nursery Manager. In this episode we talk casually about native plant propagation, germination, short and long term seed storage, visit the climate controlled seed vault and talk about some bigger picture ideas of plants and effects of ecotypes and plants in our region. Enjoy!Support the show

    Episode 30: All About Phenology with Director of the National Phenology Network, Dr. Theresa Crimmins

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2022 64:47


    In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Theresa Crimmins, Director of the National Phenology Network based in Tucson, Arizona. In this episode we discuss what phenology is, how this information is being collected and utilized and how we can all get involved in the collection of this valuable data! Enjoy!Support the show

    Episode 29: Orchid Genus Platanthera and the Species and Lobelia Species in New England

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2022 46:44


    This week on the Plants are People too Podcast is a run down of some of the more common Platanthera species in New England as well as a checklist run down of the six Lobelia species! EnjoySupport the show

    Episode 28: Botanical 2022 Season Storytime and Phenology of Plants

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2022 50:21


    Some story highlights from the 2022 season as well as some thoughts on phenology! Enjoy!https://www.bonfire.com/store/plants-are-people-too/Support the show

    Episode 26: Seed Germination Experiments, Clear Cuts Vs. Patch Cuts and Digital Herbariums

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2022 54:47


    In Episode 26 I discuss some of my germination experiments for this season (plant your native seeds outside now!) for Spiranthes incurva, Lobelia dortmanna and kalmii as well as Parnassia glauca. I also discuss the differences between a "Clear Cut" vs. a "Patch Cut" and what the benefits of these types of management strategies are for increasing biodiversity and for wildlife. I also talk about digital herbariums and their benefits and what I've found! Enjoy!Support the show

    Vermont Rare Plant Population Research: Collinsonia canadensis (Stoneroot), Process, Results

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2022 53:25


    Rare plant research for Collinsonia canadensis in Vermont. In this episode I go over why I chose to do research on this plant, how I went about finding potential sites for new populations of this plant in the state and what I learned over the season and what the results of the surveys were! Enjoy!Support the show

    Season 2 Episode 3: Kill Your Mums, Cullowhee Native Plant Conference in Review, Common Symphyotrichum Species in New England

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2022 73:43


    We're back (weekly hopefully) with a new episode! Hating on the non-native but oddly popular (Chrysanthe) Mums and some native alternatives, that should be the standard. Also, reviews and stories from the July 2022 Cullowhee Native Plant Conference. Enjoy.Support the show

    Finding Rare Plants in New Hampshire and Vermont

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2022 33:24


    In this episode we talk about Cypripedium parviflorum, White-flowered Red Trillium and Sanguisorba canadensis. Support the show

    Season 3 Episode 1 Part 3: Mountainair and Pediularis in the Manzano Mountains, Cryptantha in Santa Fe and Threats and Burgers in Taos

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2022 56:14


    In the conclusion of Season 2 Episode 1 Part 3 we finish our New Mexico journey in Mountainair, Santa Fe, Taos and end the episode with some Vermont spring plant talking.Support the show

    Season 2 Episode 1 Part 2: Pecos Diamonded in Rockhound State Park, Silver City, Black Range and Truth or Consequences

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2022 65:36


    Season 2 Episode 1 Part 2 just got uploaded! Happy mother's day and to all the dioecious plants out there happy mother's day to 50% of you! In today's episode, we continue through New Mexico on our botanical road trip recap. In this episode: Getting Pecos Diamonded with Eschscholzia in Rockhound State Park, waiting an eternity for legal weed in Las Cruces,shitting our pants driving over the Black Range and talking about the interesting plants along the way.Support the show

    Season 2: Ep.1: Spring New Mexico Botanical Roadtrip Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2022 68:27


    In this episode we're on the road in the Texas Panhandle, Roswell, New Mexico, and White Sands. We save babies in Canyon, get punctured by puncture vine, drive through the McBride Fire and get disappointed in Roswell!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 20: Special Guests @letsbotanize (Ben Goulet-Scott and Jacob Suissa) and the Democratization of Botanical Knowledge

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2022 64:41


    In Episode 20 we're very excited to be joined by the botanical duo @letsbotanize, Ben Goulet-Scott and Jacob Suissa, who are Post-Doctorate and PhD candidates at Harvard University and Fellows at the Arnold Arboretum. In this episode, we discuss the @letsbotanize mission to bring botanical knowledge to the masses and what the democratization of botanical knowledge looks like now and what it might look like in the future. This will be the last episode of Season 1. The podcast will be taking a spring break and returning for Season 2 beginning May 1st. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 19: Greg Nelson (@thebogboy) Tries Moxie™ Soda for the First Time and Tells Us How to Set Up a Bog Plant Garden

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 20, 2022 72:09


    Episode 19 is brought to you by Moxie™ (not really, but I'm open). Today we have Greg Nelson @thebogboy  from San Diego, California on the podcast to share his knowledge about growing some bog species (both carnivorous and not) on your own property. Greg shares about the beginning steps on container choice, where to get ethically grown plants and how to propagate your own, aspect, watering and long term care, as well as some points for Northeastern growers. Some of the species discussed are Dionaea  (Venus Fly Trap), Darlingtonia (Cobralily), Nepenthes, Sarracenia  (PitcherPlant),  Drosera  (Sundews),  Pinquicula  (Butterwort), Utricularia (bladderwort), Sabatia and Xyris  (Yellow-eyed grass) as well as some orchid species. Remember a lot of these plants are endangered or threatened in their native range. If you're interested in native species consider donating to a local plant conservation group or joining  a local botanical society. If you do purchase plants of ANY species make sure they're coming from a reputable and ethical source (either by seed or cloning from seed grown root stock). NEVER PURCHASE POACHED PLANTS - ITS A DICK MOVE Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 18: Tanner Filyaw, Plant Propagation Manager with United Plant Savers, Non-Timber Forest Products, Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), and Growing Wild-Simulated Woodland Medicinal Plants for Native Plant Conservation

    Play Episode Play 32 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 13, 2022 77:56


    In Episode 18 we have special guest Tanner Filyaw, Plant Propagation Manager with United Plant Savers on the show to talk about non-timber forest products including American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), forest farming and conservation techniques for medicinal plant conservation as well as a little on White Ash (Fraxinus americanus).Visit the United Plant Savers Website to become a member: https://unitedplantsavers.org/A little about UPS from the webisteMission Statement:United Plant Savers' mission is to protect native medicinal plants and fungi, and their habitats while ensuring renewable populations for use by generations to come.Vision Statement:Medicinal species are readily available and are harvested and cultivated with practices that protect native plants, fungi, and their habitats and that embody the principles of reciprocity, right livelihood, and biocultural diversity.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 17: Dr. Lauren Erland Research Associate at the University of British Columbia, Kelowna discusses Arctic native plant conservation, plant conservation techniques with agar for species in the Orobanchaceae Family and plant hormones Melatonin and Se

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2022 63:48


    In Episode 17: Our guest this week on the podcast is Dr. Lauren Erland, research associate at the University of British Columbia, Kelowna. Dr. Erland shares and discusses with us Artic native plant species and their conservation in the face of climate change. The area of Dr. Erland's study was Inuit Nunangat, a unique cultural, political and geographic zone that encompasses, Nunavut, and Northern Quebec, Labrador and the Northwest Territories. Lauren explains a little bit about the botanical exploration of this area as well as botanical collection methods of seeds, traditional and tissue culture vouchers.  Also discussed in this episode is the invitro method of plant propagation using agar with a plant tissue culture as a substrate medium for germination of historically difficult to propagate flora. Who else loves the Orobanchaceae family of plants!?Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 16: Amanda Weise Research Botanist with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Non-Orthodox Plant Species, Butternuts (Juglans cinerea), Rhodiola (rosea and integrifolia, Disjunct Plant Species

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2022 57:37


    In Episode 16: I am joined by Amanda Weise, research Botanist with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, MN to discuss some of the things the arboretum is doing as part of it's mission. This includes vascular plant seed banking, terrestrial orchid germination research, and butternut conservation. In this episode, Amanda shares some of her identification techniques for Juglans cinerea and some of the management techniques that are going into the conservation of this historical northeastern and upper midwestern species. Also in this episode, Amanda shares with us some information on Rhodiola integrifolia, and some ponderings and research she's done on disjunct plant species. Enjoy.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 15: Matt Charpentier Field Botanist and VP of New England Botanical Society, Crepidomanes intricatum (Weft Fern/Appalachian Bristle Fern), Survey Biases as Biologists/Botanists and Gemmae

    Play Episode Play 15 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 20, 2022 55:18


    In Episode 15, we're happy to have Matt Charpentier a field botanist from Massachusetts and Vice President of the New England Botanical Society on to talk about his experience with a special fern species in the Northeast, Crepidomanes intricatum (AKA Trichomanes intricatum, Appalachian Bristle Fern, or Weft Fern). Matt also shares with us some thoughts on survey biases as field biologist/botanists and shares some stories on some special botanical finds as well as some points and explanation of gemmae. Enjoy!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 14: Equisetaceae (Horse-tail) Family of Plants closely related to the Ferns

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2022 37:34


    In Episode 14 of the Plants are People too Podcast we take a look at the common and easily recognizable Equisetum genus of plants in the Equisetaceae Family - that's right a monotypic genus. This family of plants evolved during the Jurassic and reproduces similar to ferns via spores - no flowers or fruits on this one! Learn a little bit about the folk lore, and easily identified species in New England and for most of the United States. We also briefly look at Hippuris or (Mare's-tail) which IS a flowering plant in the Plantaginaceae Family. Episode 14 is dedicated to our friend Jimmy Lucas who we will miss 1986 - 2022If you'd like to make a donation in support of Jimmy's family they're raising money here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ali-and-baby-in-loving-memory-of-jim-lucas  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 13: Phragmites (Native Vs. Non-Native), and Cat-Tails: the Typhaceae Family of Flowering Plants (Typha and Sparganium)

    Play Episode Play 31 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 6, 2022 46:35


    Episode 13 of the Plants are People too Podcast is brought to you by the Bureau of Secret Tourism. In this episode, I discuss some familiar wetland plants and some simple ID characteristics of the non-native vs native species. These ubiquitous plant species, Phragmites (australis and americanus) and Typha (latifolia and angustifolia) or the Cat-Tail, are found in much of North America and can have profound positive and negative wildlife impacts. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 12: MADCapHorse, Introduction to Caprifoliaceae Family of Flowering Plants, Invasive and Native Lonicera (Honeysuckles) species in New England, Diervilla (The other Honeysuckle), Triosetum (Horse Gentian, not a gentian at all),

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2022 44:46


    In Episode 12 of the Plants are People too Podcast we look at an easy way to take the first stab at identifying an oppositely branched tree or shrub and within this acronym (MADCapHorse) the Caprifoliaceae family of flowering plants. Within this family, I look at the native and non-native genera in New England (Lonicera (honeysuckle), Triosetum (horse-gentian), Linnaea (twinflower), Valeriana (valerian) and Diervilla (bush-honeysuckle) and how to identify some of these species in the wild. EnjoySupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 11: Special Guest: Chris Schorn, Botanist and Senior Land Steward at Midcoast Conservancy in Maine discusses common New England lichen species, symbionts, reproduction and terminology, but also Botany

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2022 94:28


    In Episode 11 of the Plants are People too Podcast we talk with Chris Schorn,  Botanist and Senior Land Steward at Midcoast Conservancy in Maine. Chris discusses lichen species like Lobaria and Cladonia  as well as a little on other Maine botanical subjects. In this podcast, Chris discusses a few of the unique Maine habitats, some special flora of the midcoast maine area (Gentianopsis crinita, Lomatogonium, and Carex), land stewardship, and regional lichen species identification and terminology.  Lichens may seem visually similar to plants, but interestingly this special symbiotic relationship is formed between two completely different kingdoms of organisms (Protista and Fungi) and not a plant at all. Winter is a categorically boring time of year for botanists in the Northeast. So, if the snow has covered all the Lycopodiella and Spinulum species you were hoping to study this January, tune in and learn a little about the rich diversity of lichens on the New England landscape. Enjoy!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 10: Rob Kretz from Prairie Moon Nursery in Winona, Minnesota with wild-type native plant seeds, How to Kill Your Lawn and Plant a Prairie, Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver's Root), Epigenetics, and Fire Management for Long Term Restoration

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2022 85:16


    In Episode 10 of the Plants are People too Podcast we speak with Prairie Moon Nursery native seed and plant sales consultant, Rob Kretz. In this episode, Rob shares his knowledge about some methods of prairie/grassland restoration, direct sowing methods, sourcing native seeds from around the region, how to improve the wildlife value of your lawn, vacant lot or 10+ acre property. Towards the end of the episode, Rob discusses some strategies for long term management with both fire and mechanical methods. We also touch on Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver's Root) and delve into some hypothetical discussions on epigenetics, climate change and possible implications of introducing genetically different plants into regions where native populations of the same species might be rare, threatened or endangered. Enjoy!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 9: Auto Flowering Cannabis with Vermont Cultivator and Seed Collector @closetmedicine, Australian Bastards, Vermont Cannabis Laws, Recreation Market and a Way for Vermont Residents to get Free Seeds!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2022 99:51


    In Episode 9 we talk with @closetmedicine a Vermont based cannabis cultivator and seed collector about the differences between photoperiod vs. auto flowering cannabis and what makes sense for a first time grower. Also in this episode, does the current homegrower cannabis law in Vermont really make sense? Towards the end of the episode we touch on some other plant related topics like Australian Bastard Cannabis, the Scoville scale for hot peppers and at the very, very end there's a way for Vermont residents to get some free cannabis seeds for the 2022 grow season! Enjoy!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 8: Weed Orchid (Epipactus helleborine) & Oxycodone, Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa), Poison Oak, Ivy and Sumac (Toxicodendron)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2022 59:07


    In Episode 8 we take a look at the most successful orchid ever(?) Epipactus helleborine. This species in non-native in New England but is by far likely the most common orchid observed in habitat. Also some research on the chemical constituents of this plant and it's creation of Oxycodone to increase likelihood of pollination success. Somehow this leads into Opuntia cactus on Cape Cod and a little background on the Toxicodendron genus in New England and some differences and observations - as well as a few stories about people getting poison sumac very badly. Enjoy.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 7: Hunting Dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum) in a black spruce swamp, Phoradendron the other mistletoe genus, Climbing Fern (Lygodium palmatum) & Don't Encourage the Spread Invasive Plants...Charlie Nardozzi!

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Dec 26, 2021 54:42


    In Episode 7 we take a walk in a Vermont black spruce swamp looking for Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum). We also discuss thermogenesis and other species like the southern mistletoe Phoradendron.  Further into the episode we discuss another historically harvested plant for X-mas decorations Climbing Fern (Lygodium palmatum). And toward the end we listen to an infuriating clip from VPR's "All Things Gardening" segment with Charlie Nardozzi and some corrections on wild-harvesting invasive plants and uncommon plant species, in particular (Celastrus).Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 6: Nathan Buchanan from Wildbud Natives, Buffalonut (Pyrularia pubera), Penstemon smallii and digitalis, Ethical Ramp Harvesting and Germinating Woodland Plant Seeds

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2021 66:31


    Episode 6: In today's episode we have Nathan Buchanan from Wildbud Natives out of Marshall, North Carolina where he propagates a variety of native plants for different landowners and organizations in the Western North Carolina area. We talk about Buffalonut (Pyrularia pubera) a member of the Santalaceae (Sandalwood Family) and a hemiparasite, ramps (Allium tricoccum) and ethical harvesting, Spigelia marilandica, Penstemon smallii and Penstemon digitalis and a little about a lot of other things! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 5: Barberry Anarchy, Mandrakes, Ticks, and how the Feds F'd US

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2021 49:13


    Episode 5: Takes a look at the Berberidaceae family and the genera of this family in New England, Caulophyllum (blue cohosh)  & Podophyllum (Mandrake/Mayapple) and in particular Berberis (Barberry). The federal government around the turn of the century put forward a 30 year program to eradicate the Common Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) from the surrounding areas in order to save grain crops from Black Stem Rust. Find out the complications of what they did and how that's effecting us in the 21st century. This episode also discusses the Japanese barberry and it's ecological effects on ticks, and native plants.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 4: UFSS Tree Harvest Permits, Pinus rigida (Pitch Pine), End of the World Party: Trichostema dichotomum (Forked Blue Curls)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2021 45:54


    Episode 4: Is brought to you by the UFSS (United Forest States Service), tree shortages and their xmas tree harvesting program. Also in this episode we talk about fire dependent habitats and some plant species that have evolved to have a Plan B for pollination and "success".Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 3: Matango, Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) Seed Viability, Impatiens canadensis and pallida, Cannabis Seed Genetics. Stop Doing Monstera

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2021 58:24


    In episode 3 I discuss the invasive plant species Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica, sachaliensis and bohemia, seed viability and some management options as well as what native plants return to occupy the habitat. I also talk a little about different types of cannabis seeds  on the market, genetics, and how to discern quality seeds from junk. PSA at the end in support of any house plants other than Monstera. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 2: Adaptation: Done with Fish, N.A. Invasive Plant: Cynanchum (Swallow-Wort), and Crash Course in Beginners Cannabis Cultivation

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2021 68:54


    In this episode we explore the Apocynacae family particularly the Asclepiadoidae subfamily and Asclepiadeae tribe and species present in New England. Within this tribe, we look at the invasive plants in the Cynanchum genus which has two invasive species present in the Northeast. In the second half, we also discuss topics related to beginners cannabis cultivation, seed sources, outdoor growing and basic methods of ensuring success in growing and ultimately a quality harvest. This episode was brought to you by the "Build Better Backs" and Led Zeppelin IVSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

    Episode 1: North American Invasive Plants, North Carolina, Natural Bridge VA and Fuck Garlic Mustard

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2021 51:23


    Plants are People Too Episode 1: In this episode we discuss North American invasive plants Celastrus, Frangula, Euonymous, and Alliaria and some of the native counter parts to these exotic species. We also discuss some interesting native plants  and thoughts on their distribution on the east coast from visits to North Carolina and Natural Bridge Virginia: Collinsonia canadensis, Laportea canadensis and Lobelia Siphilicata. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

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