episode 120: Ghost Pipe and Eleven O’Clock Lady
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 120: Ghost Pipe and Eleven O’Clock Lady

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Hannah Vega! First, Steve discusses the concept of medicine (again). Then Hannah explains a ghostly plant that loves mushrooms. Steve talks about avian excrement, the bible and yet another weed in his lawn. Finally, we speculate about the meaning of biblical text in a non-religious way.

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episode 119: Mixed Greens no. 6
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 119: Mixed Greens no. 6

This special Mixed Greens episode of rootbound is kind of all over the place. Steve eats cactus, learns about a gruesome tomato commercial, learns about the nuts history of his family and does a deep dive on fake music with Party Nails.

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episode 117: Spring Break 1.1
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 117: Spring Break 1.1

Steve is on spring break this week but don’t worry, there are still some plant-based fun facts and dazzling details, this time about D.C.’s famed cherry blossoms.

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episode 116: Black Walnut!
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 116: Black Walnut!

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Ashlyn Morgan of Green Canvas Farms. It’s a special episode where we talk everything about the black walnut including wood, nuts, syrup, hair die and industrial grinding. We close with a song named after the tree by Maya Elise and the Good Dream.

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episode 115: Diatoms and European Spruce
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 115: Diatoms and European Spruce

The guest on this episode rootbound is Tanya Sabrina. First, Steve confronts the problem we all have with ALAN. Then Tanya surprises Steve by talking about Diatoms and later some spiders. Steve shares about an evergreen tree that is an unlikely source of vanilla. Finally, Steve shares how to combat ALAN by avoiding ROY.

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episode 114: Baby’s Breath and Common Vetch
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 114: Baby’s Breath and Common Vetch

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Honeycrush. First, a quote from Rachel Carson. Then Honeycrush talks about noticing plants for the first time, sharp grass, local monsters and how flowers are pretty. Steve tries to make vetch happen by discussing Vicia sativa. Finally, a little music and a discussion of Steve’s misunderstandings of a couple metaphors.

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episode 113: Monstera Adansonii and Romeritos
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 113: Monstera Adansonii and Romeritos

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Pam Covarrubias. First, Steve dishes on some perfect flowers. Then Pam shares about a warrior named Lisa and Steve shares about a plant that is the perfect ingredient to go along with molé or glassmaking. Finally, Steve ponders plants and queerness.

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episode 112: Eastern Red Cedar and Spanish Cedar
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 112: Eastern Red Cedar and Spanish Cedar

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Sebi Medina-Tayac of Red Cedar Farms. Sebi and Steve both share cedars which aren’t really cedar (but who is to say?) The cedar Sebi shares is connected to his culture as a member of the Piscataway Indian Nation. The cedar Steve shares is connected to an experience he had in Peru. Finally, we learn a bit more about the symbolic position of a sacred tree in Piscataway Park.

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episode 111: Paper Mulberry and Daffodil
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

episode 111: Paper Mulberry and Daffodil

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Jessika Raisor. First, Steve talks cellulose. Then Jessika shares her passion for producing paper and a tree that started it all. Steve talks a quintessential spring flower. Finally, a poem by Wordsworth.

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episode 110: Daylily and Dayflower
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

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.

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episode 109: Buckeye and Cat’s Ear
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

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’.

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episode 108: Common Juniper and Black Pepper
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

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.

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episode 107: Winter Dormancy 1.2
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

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!

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episode 106: Winter Dormancy 1.1
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

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!

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episode 105: Chili Pepper and Onion
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

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

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episode 104: Winter In Mexico City
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

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.

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episode 103: Avocado!
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

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.

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episode 102: Crane-fly Orchid and Spring Crocus
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

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.

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episode 101: Spider Plant and Rattlesnake Plant
Steve Ellington Steve Ellington

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.

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