Rooted: A Plant Podcast

This week we're focusing on fungus, but continuing our deadly poisons series with Death Cap Mushrooms. These absolutely lethal little guys are killers in disguise, making them one of the most lethal poisons out there. Tune in to learn what makes them so dangerous and how they were used in a Beef Wellington that would send Gordon Ramsay to the grave. Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanita_phalloideshttps://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/fungi-and-lichens/deathcap/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26375431/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691515300594?via%3Dihubhttps://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/death-cap-mushroomshttps://www.npr.org/2025/05/02/nx-s1-5383874/erin-patterson-murder-trial-poison-mushroom-australiahttps://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/08/erin-patterson-sentence-australia-mushroom-murder-ntwnfbLooking for more Rooted Content? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our corner of the internet⁠⁠⁠⁠! You'll find our transcripts, show notes, and so much more.*Disclaimer- This content is for entertainment purposes only. I am just a lady who likes plants, which in no way qualifies me to give you advice on well...anything, really. As always, please consult with your medical care team before making any changes to your diet or medications. *

As a special bonus episode in the Deadly Poisons series we've lovingly remastered an old favorite! This week we’re digging into cosmetic turned conspirator- Belladonna. If empowered ladies, wacky medical history, ancient makeup, or valkyries are your vibe, you won't want to miss this one. Sources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atropa_belladonnahttps://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/3133https://www.thecottagemystic.com/belladonna.htmlhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/ethnobotany/Mind_and_Spirit/belladonna.shtmlhttps://www.rcpe.ac.uk/heritage/deadly-nightshade-botanical-biographyhttps://eldrum.co.uk/2016/01/20/hecates-herbs-part-one/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Odin-Norse-deityhttps://www.lifeinnorway.net/valkyries/https://www.jstor.org/stable/4253115https://www.rcpe.ac.uk/heritage/deadly-nightshade-botanical-biography#:~:text=Belladonna%20means%20%27beautiful%20woman%27%20in,to%20name%20just%20a%20few.https://www.ambius.com/resources/blog/plant-profile/history-of-the-deadly-nightshade-plant#:~:text=During%20the%20Middle%20Ages%2C%20a,that%20was%20seen%20as%20fashionable.https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/atropa-belladonnahttps://imss.org/2020/05/01/a-note-from-the-collections-from-assassinations-to-witches-brews-the-troubled-history-of-the-belladonna-plant/ by BackgroundMusicLab from Pixabayby freesound_community from PixabayLooking for more Rooted Content? ⁠⁠⁠Check out our corner of the internet⁠⁠⁠! You'll find our transcripts, show notes, and so much more.*Disclaimer- This content is for entertainment purposes only. I am just a lady who likes plants, which in no way qualifies me to give you advice on well...anything, really. As always, please consult with your medical care team before making any changes to your diet or medications. *

For part 3 in the deadly poisons series we're taking a closer look at cyanide. Whether you realize it or not, you interact with cyanide a lot more than you probably think, and while this one is a bit less focused on a specific plant, we still cover a LOT of ground, including why plants develop poisonous compounds, cures, and cults. Sources:https://wwwn.cdc.gov/tsp/substances/ToxSubstance.aspx?toxid=19https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/thiosulfatehttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507796/#:~:text=Cyanide%20toxicity%20is%20a%20rare,individual%20murders%2C%20and%20chemical%20warfare.https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6813a3.htmhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanide_poisoninghttps://centerforhealthsecurity.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/cyanide.pdfhttps://www.basf.com/global/en/who-we-are/history/chronology/1925-1944/1933-1945/kampfstoffe-und-zyklon-bhttps://en.https://vault.fbi.gov/jonestownwikipedia.org/wiki/JonestownLooking for more Rooted Content? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our corner of the internet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! You'll find our transcripts, show notes, and so much more.*Disclaimer- This content is for entertainment purposes only. I am just a lady who likes plants, which in no way qualifies me to give you advice on well...anything, really. As always, please consult with your medical care team before making any changes to your diet or medications. *

This week we're discussing a poison that LITERALLY grows on trees for part 2 of our deadly poisons series. This infamous plant gives us an episode filled with twists, turns, and one SUPER messed up marathon. If you like true crime, fun facts, and weird history- you'll love this episode. Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/chemical-emergencies/chemical-fact-sheets/strychnine.htmlhttps://archive.org/details/poisonousplantso0000arno/page/20/mode/2uphttps://crimereads.com/strychnine-poison-christie-conan-doyle/https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/strychninehttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459306/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-the-1904-marathon-became-one-of-the-weirdest-olympic-events-of-all-time-14910747/​​​​https://marathonhandbook.com/what-is-a-good-marathon-time/#:~:text=According%20to%20Run%20Repeat's%20investigation%2C%20the%20overall,run%20a%20marathon%20for%20women%20is%204:48:45.https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/st-louis-1904/results/athletics/marathon-menhttps://www.journalmc.org/index.php/jmc/article/view/1189/688Looking for more Rooted Content? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our corner of the internet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! You'll find our transcripts, show notes, and so much more.*Disclaimer- This content is for entertainment purposes only. I am just a lady who likes plants, which in no way qualifies me to give you advice on well...anything, really. As always, please consult with your medical care team before making any changes to your diet or medications. *

This week we're embracing spooky season by kicking off a new Series- Deadly Poisons. Our first entry? Castor - the plant ancient Egyptians and cleantok girlies alike adore. If you're into beauty hacks, botanical oddities, and the wild weapons of the cold war, this one is for you. Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/chemical-emergencies/chemical-fact-sheets/strychnine.htmlhttps://archive.org/details/poisonousplantso0000arno/page/20/mode/2uphttps://crimereads.com/strychnine-poison-christie-conan-doyle/https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/strychninehttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459306/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-the-1904-marathon-became-one-of-the-weirdest-olympic-events-of-all-time-14910747/​​​​https://marathonhandbook.com/what-is-a-good-marathon-time/#:~:text=According%20to%20Run%20Repeat's%20investigation%2C%20the%20overall,run%20a%20marathon%20for%20women%20is%204:48:45.https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/st-louis-1904/results/athletics/marathon-menhttps://www.journalmc.org/index.php/jmc/article/view/1189/688Looking for more Rooted Content? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our corner of the internet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! You'll find our transcripts, show notes, and so much more.*Disclaimer- This content is for entertainment purposes only. I am just a lady who likes plants, which in no way qualifies me to give you advice on well...anything, really. As always, please consult with your medical care team before making any changes to your diet or medications. **Note: The edit *IS* a little wonky this week- be gentle with me, I am relearning.

This is a quick update on where I've been, what I've been up to, and what comes next for this podcast! Thank you all so much for continuing to listen and support me while I was away. We'll be back with a brand new episode tomorrow. See you then!

okay- we are back with a Drunk History style episode, this time brought to you by night time cold and flu medicine. I do actually believe getting to yap about victorian ladies and the history of the modern house plant industry DID heal me, so in some ways this episode might be medicinal... either way, if you like unhinged recaps of history, ferns, and victorian madness, you'll dig what we have going on here. Sources are quoted, but the bulk of this episode is from by brain to your ears.

Hello friends, and welcome back for a special (kind of chatty) episode of Rooted! We're talking about 2 infamous plant pranks, media literacy, my weird obsession with making hyper-specific power points as a child, and so much more. This one was recorded while I was still very much recovering from covid, so please be gentle with me! I am happy to report I am feeling much better now and will be easing back in to making episodes and content over the next few weeks. Thanks so much for sticking around and supporting the show. Spaghetti Tree: Watch the video Starting point to learn moreTree Octopus See the blogStarting point to learn more

This week we're digging into the magic of community by taking a quick peak into the Lagoon Fairy Tree (or Bush depending on who you ask) in Ireland. After being really sick for 2 weeks (and candidly really sad about what's happening with our Parks and Public Lands here in the US) this was a good reminder of what we can do when we work together. No action is too silly or too small when it comes to protecting our community. Thank you for being a part of mine. Support our public lands: https://www.nwf.org/Our-Work/Our-Lands/Public-LandsYour gentle reminder that the best action happens in our local community! Now is the time to volunteer in your local parks, use your library card, and care for your community through action. I have been using my library card to do research for the show, and it's been amazing!

In celebration of my birthday and the almost end of super dark days, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite pods and people- so I put together a playlist with most of them! Playlist Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ZmoRRmjYE8njWal53on7Y?si=9hzYCUXTS_W-XubZF4IZWg&nd=1&dlsi=af2759387a494b6b Looking for more Rooted Content? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our corner of the internet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! You'll find our transcripts, show notes, and so much more. *Disclaimer- This content is for entertainment purposes only. I am just a lady who likes plants, which in no way qualifies me to give you advice on well...anything, really. As always, please consult with your medical care team before making any changes to your diet or medications. *

This week we're straying a bit from our typical content and following a few rabbit holes from across old episodes with some new friends- Dave and Julie of Grim Grotto! If you like folk magic, or just thinks on the darker side of history, you'll really like this one! Plus, if you stay to the end you'll get some bonus animal facts you didn't know you needed! HUGE thank you to Dave and Julie for lending their experiences and expertise to this episode! Be sure to follow them: Spotify Apple Instagram

In honor of attending PlantCon this weekend we're asking some BIG questions, like whhen did we start bringing plants inside? And why can't we all just be victorian women shuttered in our observatories slowly losing it? Find out how we came to be such good friends with ferns, and how the industry has changed over time in this week's episode!And, if you haven't already, be sure to check outPlantCon!Looking for more Rooted Content? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our corner of the internet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! You'll find our transcripts, show notes, and so much more.*Disclaimer- This content is for entertainment purposes only. I am just a lady who likes plants, which in no way qualifies me to give you advice on well...anything, really. As always, please consult with your medical care team before making any changes to your diet or medications. *

This week we're talking about the FREAKS of the Oak family, Cork oak! These bald beauties pop up in everything from high class wineries to old school science labs, and we couldn't be more perplexed by them. If you're into niche farming, weird growth habits, or just a big fan of oaks, you'll really dig this one!Sources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quercus_suberhttps://www.howcork.com/blogs/news/ten-things-you-didnt-know-about-cork?srsltid=AfmBOooijUSIa_o-0tlOpN6ar2OC192_-s2Pqa_5gBFfug2BeW1GlAOvhttps://www.mtdemocrat.com/prospecting/grow-for-it-cork-oak-tree/article_f89b70eb-fe17-5457-850f-90b4f844341b.htmlhttps://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c943https://annforsci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1007/s13595-012-0197-0Looking for more Rooted Content? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our corner of the internet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! You'll find our transcripts, show notes, and so much more.*Disclaimer- This content is for entertainment purposes only. I am just a lady who likes plants, which in no way qualifies me to give you advice on well...anything, really. As always, please consult with your medical care team before making any changes to your diet or medications. *

This week we're digging in to a sappy favorite- Maple! With history, folklore, and a dash of sweetness, this is one episode you wont want to miss! Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple https://mapleandmoon.com/blogs/news/the-magic-of-the-maple https://www.maplelaboratory.com/culture.html https://www.curiousordinary.com/2021/08/momiji.html#:~:text=In%20Japanese%20folklore%20there%20is,and%20killing%20oni%20(demons). https://yokai.com/momiji/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10469071/ https://maplesyruphistory.com/2018/01/01/whats-in-a-name/ https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/main-entry/zhiiwaagamizigan-ni https://grasac.artsci.utoronto.ca/?p=136#:~:text=Also%20mentioned%20is%20that%20the,open%20and%20get%20their%20fill. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21MJnTCgMUc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVuyoDmFFGM https://shop.arborday.org/maple-trees?srsltid=AfmBOoonUinlejYOPIb89JRom6f_8mAn-xIYT43Ej_AAD6RTaomO_vWk https://sakura.co/blog/momiji-manju-japans-amazing-maple-leaf-sweets?srsltid=AfmBOoq3ycraJdysWC8zTnexLmprzsL1JmPrt9KLlXTQOizwwaZKTuqI https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/pch/documents/services/unofficial-symbols-canada/Timeline_MapleLeaf_EN.pdf https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/introductions/mesa-glow-maple/ https://bfppl.com/the-rich-history-of-maple-wood-and-its-cultural-significance/ Looking for more Rooted Content? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our corner of the internet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! You'll find our transcripts, show notes, and so much more. *Disclaimer- This content is for entertainment purposes only. I am just a lady who likes plants, which in no way qualifies me to give you advice on well...anything, really. As always, please consult with your medical care team before making any changes to your diet or medications. *

To get us all in the swing of Valentines Day, I thought it wasa good time to review florigraphy! This way we can all carefully decode our bouquets and find out if they're from a secret admirer or a petty betty.

This week we're literally spicing it up by digging into clove! This one is heavy on history and science, so if you like those episodes you'll want to tune in! Looking for more Rooted Content? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our corner of the internet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! You'll find our transcripts, show notes, and so much more. Sources:  https://www.solidagoherbschool.com/blog/2020/12/4/pzlyjvnquk2dpmjstxeg5mr7g98mr8 https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2019/12/magical-uses-of-cloves.html https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/251.html#:~:text=Its%20dried%20flower%20buds%20are,decrease%20pain%20and%20fight%20infections. https://unitproj.library.ucla.edu/biomed/spice/index.cfm?displayID=7 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3819475/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrtaceae https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clove https://www.thespruce.com/growing-clove-trees-5089231#:~:text=The%20clove%20tree%20trunk%20is,a%20variety%20of%20other%20products. https://www.solidagoherbschool.com/blog/2020/12/4/pzlyjvnquk2dpmjstxeg5mr7g98mr8#:~:text=Clove%20is%20thought%20to%20be,vibrations%2C%20and%20purify%20an%20area. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/ancient-origins-of-catholic-exorcism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%C5%A1ipu https://search.worldcat.org/title/70876264 https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/eugenol#:~:text=Eugenol%20is%20a%20volatile%2C%20colorless,Myrtaceae). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7072209/#:~:text=Clove%20exerted%20anti%2Dinflammatory%20and,to%20the%20active%20compound%2C%20eugenol. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7227856/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/lipopolysaccharide#:~:text=Lipopolysaccharide%20(LPS)%20is%20a%20component,pain%20behaviors%20and%20circulatory%20dysfunction. *Disclaimer- This content is for entertainment purposes only. I am just a lady who likes plants, which in no way qualifies me to give you advice on well...anything, really. As always, please consult with your medical care team before making any changes to your diet or medications. *

This week we're back with another episode on a favorite in-season fruit- Oranges! If you want to learn more about how we cracked scurvy, color theory, or the botanist who liked oranges so much he turned he took a bunch of trees on a high sea adventure, we've got you covered. Sources:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_(fruit) https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/magazine/the-age-of-scurvy/#:~:text=These%20days%20we%20associate%20vitamin,limey%E2%80%9D%20for%20British%20sailors). https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/we-finally-know-where-oranges-and-lemons-come-from/ https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/resources/nutrition-education-materials/seasonal-produce-guide/oranges https://www.pages.fr/en/content/41-orange-tree https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1a88363072674762b95e1ab4e7431fd0 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11533373/ https://health.mil/News/Articles/2022/01/10/The-British-Limeys-Were-Right-A-Short-History-of-Scurvy#:~:text=British%20'Limeys'%20and%20the%20Cure%20for%20Scurvy&text=The%20British%20began%20storing%20citrus,believe%20in%20the%20preventative%20treatment. https://www.alcademics.com/2018/11/historical-info-about-scurvy-and-the-confusion-between-lemons-and-limes.html https://lithub.com/how-trying-to-find-a-cure-for-scurvy-led-to-the-gimlet/ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/we-finally-know-where-oranges-and-lemons-come-from/ https://lithub.com/how-trying-to-find-a-cure-for-scurvy-led-to-the-gimlet/ https://www.alcademics.com/2018/11/historical-info-about-scurvy-and-the-confusion-between-lemons-and-limes.html https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scurvy/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-c/art-20363932#:~:text=Vitamin%20C%20(ascorbic%20acid)%20is,to%20your%20body's%20healing%20process. httpshttps://tastecooking.com/the-secret-society-of-marmalade-makers/ ://www.healthline.com/nutrition/oranges https://www.houseofannie.com/easy-chicken-terrine-recipe/ https://mbsbham.wordpress.com/2015/11/23/amateur-gentlemen-everest-and-the-science-of-foie-gras/ https://theculinarycellar.com/pillsbury-bake-off-1950/ https://wildenherbals.com/en/orange-uses-benefits-history/ https://thenewgastronome.com/oranges/ https://www.dunnedwards.com/pros/blog/the-color-orange-essential-color-theory-symbolism-and-design-application/#:~:text=The%20psychology%20of%20orange%20in,arrogance%2C%20pride%2C%20and%20impatience. https://www.winsornewton.com/blogs/articles/orange?srsltid=AfmBOopppIcG8Jho9nE1A8RUVV2bdO2LIcB-yTA5O_BJfI3TseFAEnW9 https://marblecrowblog.com/2023/12/13/orange-folklore-magical-properties/ https://kinan-art.jp/en/info/6987/ Looking for more Rooted Content? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our corner of the internet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! You'll find our transcripts, show notes, and so much more. *Disclaimer- This content is for entertainment purposes only. I am just a lady who likes plants, which in no way qualifies me to give you advice on well...anything, really. As always, please consult with your medical care team before making any changes to your diet or medications. *

To celebrate the start of 2025 and two years of Rooted, we put together a playlist of all of our...less structured.. moments. Here's to another year of research rabbit holes, weird questions, and lots of laughs! Playlist link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/61OAKvIi4gNj8IOkAGcHGR?si=jue7BbPkS9OIFDrE_4htJQ&nd=1&dlsi=618f940d37f8464bLooking for more Rooted Content? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our corner of the internet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! You'll find our transcripts, show notes, and so much more.*Disclaimer- This content is for entertainment purposes only. I am just a lady who likes plants, which in no way qualifies me to give you advice on well...anything, really. As always, please consult with your medical care team before making any changes to your diet or medications. *

Starting off your New Year with a review of a few of the plants we discovered in the last 365 days. We're looking forward to another year of science and shenanigans in 2025! Looking for more Rooted Content? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our corner of the internet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! You'll find our transcripts, show notes, and so much more. *Disclaimer- This content is for entertainment purposes only. I am just a lady who likes plants, which in no way qualifies me to give you advice on well...anything, really. As always, please consult with your medical care team before making any changes to your diet or medications. *

We're off this week. As a holiday gift to you, we've rounded up episodes on our favorite family- nightshade! Scandal and secrets await, but don't worry- we'll be back next week to meet some new planty friends! Playlist link- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0jzTiccF9vWxFumSoIJZ2W?si=82fO6Y_oSWu8uP00fzD8OA&nd=1&dlsi=542414269aaf48baLooking for more Rooted Content? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our corner of the internet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! You'll find our transcripts, show notes, and so much more.*Disclaimer- This content is for entertainment purposes only. I am just a lady who likes plants, which in no way qualifies me to give you advice on well...anything, really. As always, please consult with your medical care team before making any changes to your diet or medications. *