episode 110: Daylily and Dayflower
On this episode of rootbound we welcome back Mallory O’Donnell. Mallory shares about flowers that grown in ditches. Steve shares about some other flowers. Finally, the plant-based Michael Barbaro send-up we have all been waiting for.
episode 109: Buckeye and Cat’s Ear
The guest on this episode of rootbound is B.C. Vital! First, a list of plants named after parts of animals. Then B.C. shares a “strange” and “horrible” tree that has become the identity of an entire state. Steve shares a flower that is not a dandelion but still has a cat connection. Finally, the surprising etymology of the word ‘sycophant’.
episode 108: Common Juniper and Black Pepper
The guest on this episode of rootbound is Maria Wesserle of Four Season Foraging. First, Steve ponders spice. Then Maria explores a flavorful evergreen and Steve discusses a spice that changed the world. Finally, the etymology of Juniper.
episode 107: Winter Dormancy 1.2
Part 2 of 2 of Steve’s winter dormancy. Don’t worry, there are still some fun facts and dazzling details, this time (eventually) about snow!
episode 106: Winter Dormancy 1.1
On this episode Steve takes a little break but don’t fret! There are still some fun facts an dazzling details! Let’s talk about fat!
episode 105: Chili Pepper and Onion
The guest on this episode is Karla Arias. First, Karla gives Steve a quiz to prove his plant knowledge. Then, Karla tells us about a spicy little plant that’s for the birds. Steve talks about onions, onions, onions, onions, onions. Finally, some more chilli pepper names and some satirical headlines
episode 104: Winter In Mexico City
It’s winter and Steve is in a tour bus in Mexico City with a bunch of his family. Discussions encompass the Mexican solstice celebration, Christmas trees and an ancient candy. The whole gang ends up on a boat.
episode 103: Avocado!
The guest on this episode of rootbound is Jane Lui! This episode we talk all about the avocado! Steve can’t help but be a total bummer while Jane explains dueling mites. Finally, Steve asks a difficult musical question.
episode 102: Crane-fly Orchid and Spring Crocus
The guest on this episode of rootbound is Hunter from Green Canvas Farms. First, Steve delivers a corm-related apology. Then Hunter shares about a very clever plant they hijacks moth’s eyeballs among other things. Steve share about a little white flower plus H.R. Giger. Finally, Steve shares some new vocabulary.
episode 101: Spider Plant and Rattlesnake Plant
The guest on this episode of rootbound is Enoch Graham, The Urban Gardener. First, we learn what that little stem on a leaf is called. Then, Enoch talks about a familial connection to a plant named after a spider. Steve shares about a plant named Tabitha that is named after a snake. Finally, Enoch fills us in on 3 other meaningful plants.
episode 100: Mixed Greens no. 5
One hundred episodes! Thanks to all the rootbound listeners! Steve announces a custom tote bag embroidered by his grandma. Then a popping sound, battles with trees, trees that glow, and a recipe for chocolate that is not chocolate. Did you guess the popping sound?
episode 099: Linden and Live Oak
The guest on this episode of rootbound is Sea Matias. First, questioning trees and a bit of insular woodiness. Then Sea explains their favorite tree, bast, cambium and the definition of obliquely cordate. Steve follows up with some big tree talk and a club that wouldn’t have him as a member. Finally, top ten live oak names and a poem by Walt Whitman.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?