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botany

Public warned about 'false dandelion' linked to neurological condition in horses

MONTANA – The Montana Weed Control Association (MWCA) warned the public on May 14 about “false dandelions,” also known as spotted catsear, which is a plant that people often mistake for a common dandelion that can reportedly cause a neurological condition in horses. The condition, Australian stringhalt, causes horses to excessively

Fort Missoula garden volunteers help native plants thrive

MISSOULA, Mont. — Volunteers head to the Fort Missoula Native Plant Garden most Sundays during the summer to help care for the space and spend time outdoors. Elena Ulev manages the garden for the Montana Natural History Center. She said the work also gives people a chance to learn more about

Gravel gardens are the low-water trend reshaping American yards in 2026

Gravel gardens dominate front yards this spring, giving grass some real competition. The method spreads across the United States in 2026 as public garden displays and new guidance show homeowners what it looks like in real yards. Built with mineral mulch and drought-tolerant perennials suited to fast-draining soils,

Forest Service reorganization sparks confusion and concern

Forest Service reorganization sparks confusion and concern

“Caring for the land and serving people.” Since the mid 1980s, these words have been the motto of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). In a National Public Radio 1A podcast episode on April 15, current USFS Chief Tom Schultz said that message still stands, even amid recent reorganization plans.

MIT study finds plants can hear rain, and it makes them grow faster

MIT study finds plants can hear rain, and it makes them grow faster

By Stephen Beech Plants can sense the sound of rain, suggests a new study. Rice seeds sprouted faster to the sound of rainfall in a series of experiments by American scientists. They found that the sound of falling droplets effectively shook the seeds out of a dormant state, stimulating them

Nine million colorful tulips in full bloom

Nine million colorful tulips in full bloom

By Faye Mayern More than nine million tulips have returned to bloom, stretching across 20 acres - just five minutes from the King's Estate. The striking flowers are the equivalent of 15 football pitches - to create an amazing sea of red, yellow and purple. Some 31,000 people are

Want to become a Master Gardener? MSU program offers statewide training and certification

Want to become a Master Gardener? MSU program offers statewide training and certification

BOZEMAN, Mont. — As the temperatures warm and the flowers bloom, Montana State University is gearing up its Master Gardener Program to help connect communities with research-based gardening information through trained volunteers. The program serves as both an education effort and a volunteer service group, focusing on consumer horticulture and