episode 098: Sunflower!
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 098: Sunflower!

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Rebecca Uri. First, what do state flowers and Pabst Blue Ribbon have in common? Then Rebecca and Steve trade stories and fun facts about the humble sunflower. Finally, a deep dive on a song called Sunflower written by Mack David.

Read More
episode 097: Variegated Winter Daphne and Mountain Mint
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 097: Variegated Winter Daphne and Mountain Mint

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Karen Hugg. First, Steve talks essential oils and natural product chemistry. Then Karen tells a moving story about a fragrant flower. Steve talk about a different sort of mint. Finally, so many people get turned into plants in greek myths!

Read More
episode 096: Maypop!
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 096: Maypop!

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Aja Yasir. First, Steve figures out the difference between anthers and stigmas and shares a joke to help you remember. Then, Aja and Steve discuss their passion for a fruit called the Maypop. The show ends with a potential solution to a etymological mystery.

Read More
episode 095: Multiflora Rose and Porcelain Berry
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 095: Multiflora Rose and Porcelain Berry

The guest on this episode of rootbound is the Executive Director of the Environmental Investigation Agency, Alexander Von Bismarck. First, a disturbing fact and the reveal of Steve’s “real job”. Then we learn about two invasive species, bugs and — gasp — herbicides. Finally, a bit of background on EIA.

Read More
episode 094: Root to Root AM
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 094: Root to Root AM

This is a weird one. Let’s transport to an alternate reality where rootbound is not a podcast in the early 2020s but a late night paranormal AM talk radio show circa 1998. Disclaimer: there are no facts in this episode.

Read More
episode 093: Fall Again!
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 093: Fall Again!

It’s Fall again and Steve is stuck inside due to rain. Along with Tish, Kendall and Karla, Steve talks about leaves, leaves and more leaves. Also ticks and woodchucks.

Read More
episode 092: American Ginseng
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 092: American Ginseng

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Sara Jackson. Sara tells Steve about the most valuable wild forest botanical in North America and the understanding that “valuable” has many meanings. Wild American Ginseng is a plant with a lot of lessons to give.

Read More
episode 091: Mignonette and Stefania
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 091: Mignonette and Stefania

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Mignon Fogarty, aka Grammar Girl. First, what is Binomial Nomenclature. Then Mignon shares a plant that shares her name. Steve also shares a plant that shares his name… kinda. Finally, what do a pickle, a design and toast have in common?

Read More
episode 090: Cattail and Old Man's Beard
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 090: Cattail and Old Man's Beard

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Irene Lyla Lee. First, a series of tubes and some new vocabulary. Then Irene shares about a plant we now have the option to call the Dragon’s Corn Dog. Steve talks about a plant with many names but chooses not to call it Devil’s Darning Needles. Finally, a Myth for Chicory.

Read More
episode 089: Birch!
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 089: Birch!

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Lynne Campbell of the Scotland on Shrooms podcast. First, the difference between hardwood and softwood. Then, Lynne shares about her grandad’s favorite tree, Rabbie Burns and a Swiss mummy. Steve is a total bummer. Finally. the Birks o’ Aberfeldy.

Read More
episode 088: Violets!
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 088: Violets!

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Nina Veteto. First, Steve stands in a forest. Then Nina shares a touching story about how she acquired her favorite flower and oh so many violet facts. Steve tries to keep up with a facts about Iodine and the electromagnetic spectrum. Finally, a poem in the woods.

Read More
episode 087: Nasturtium!
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 087: Nasturtium!

Our guest on this episode of rootbound is Party Nails! It’s another special episode with just one plant but first pretends to be a DJ. Then Party Nails shares the magic of eating a flower. Steve goes too deep into etymology again. Then many targets are taken, and the start a band? Finally, a Non-Stop Rock Block.

Read More
episode 086: Thunderstorm Orchid and Straw-Colored Flatsedge
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 086: Thunderstorm Orchid and Straw-Colored Flatsedge

This episode’s guest is Evan Foster! First, the unexpected etymology of “Orchid”. Then Evan talks about a plant that only likes it when it rains. Steve talks about a plant but mostly about what it’s not. Finally, some ridiculousness with sedge and a discussion of mycorrhizal fungi.

Read More
episode 085: Pinyon Pine and Mesquite
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 085: Pinyon Pine and Mesquite

This episode of rootbound’s guest is Erica Davis. First we talk cones. Next, Erica shares about native nuts, foraging and shaking the wrong tree. Steve shares a childhood misunderstanding about trees and barbecue. Finally, a dad joke.

Read More
episode 084: Purple Pitcher Plant and Ocotillo
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 084: Purple Pitcher Plant and Ocotillo

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Chris Jameson. First, we figure out Botany. Then Chris explains a carnivorous plant with a lot of P’s. Steve explains a desert plant that looks like some weird candles. We end with a final fun fact about Chris’s plant

Read More
Episode 083: Summer Again!
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

Episode 083: Summer Again!

It’s the summer special episode! Steve and Karla go on a road trip to the Catskills and discuss forests, water, bugs and of course Summer! Steve spots his first spotted lanternfly.

Read More
Episode 082: Staghorn Sumac and Tree of Heaven
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

Episode 082: Staghorn Sumac and Tree of Heaven

Why are things sour? Then Shane Alden, aka The Wild Dryad, talks about Staghorn Sumac, a plant with sour berries — it is not poison sumac. Steve shares a plant that looks like Sumac but isn’t. Finally, we explore the strange origins of pink lemonade.

Read More
episode 080: Striga and Mistletoe
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 080: Striga and Mistletoe

Parasitic Plants! First, Swifty aka OldCrothFace aka Elizabeth Kelly talks about witchweed and its enchanting effects. Then Steve shares all about Mistletoe, including the surprising meaning of its name. Finally, the illusion of old radio.

Read More
episode 079: California Poppy and Catalpas
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 079: California Poppy and Catalpas

This episodes’ guest is Jen Joyce! First, how do flowers know when to bloom? The Jen stumbles upon the California Superbloom but is time travel involved? Steve talks about a tree with beans and worms. Finally, a few Historic American Trees.

Read More