U.S. Botanic Garden

06/23/2026

A new publication sheds light on the infamous U.S.-native Venus flytrap movement process

It’s a mystery that stumped Darwin and many researchers since: what exactly drives the snap shut of a Venus flytrap?

Now, researchers in Science have the answer: a rapid, one-second softening of the cell walls on the outer epidermis of the trap.

Learn more in a new Science Perspective: https://scim.ag/4xxNQm0

06/21/2026

Happy first day of summer! The torch lilies (Kniphofia sp.) are mimicking the summer sunshine throughout the Garden! What summer flowers are you enjoying today?

06/18/2026

Did you know our “Fountain of Light and Water” was made by the sculpture of the Statue of Liberty for America’s 100th anniversary expo?

06/18/2026

We love when PBS stops by to talk plants! In this video, we share about our medicinal plant collection!

06/18/2026

Tonight's our first Summer Extended Evening Hours - we'll be open until 8 pm! The weather forecast looks like sun will emerge late this afternoon and we might have a nice golden hour to enjoy the Garden, live music, drinks and frozen treats!

Beginning at 5 p.m., enjoy live music by Fuzzy Goldmine as you explore the Conservatory. A DMV local funk band with elements of jazz, soul, rock, and a whole lot of flair, this performance will feature storytelling, funky outfits, comedic relief, and music made to move to.

In partnership with the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden, local vendors Vintage Views Bar will have lemonade, botanical non-alcoholic mocktails, and snacks available for purchase. Additionally, local frozen treat vendor Here's The Scoop of DC will have gourmet ice cream and non-dairy sorbet available for purchase. Plus, our gift shop with REWILD will stay open, too.

On the third Thursday of each month – June 18, July 16, August 20, and September 17, 2026 – the Conservatory will stay open until 8 p.m. for visitors to explore the USBG plant collection while enjoying live music and refreshments at our four extended evening hour events.

06/17/2026

Spotlight on “America’s State Flowers!” NEW MEXICO’s state flower is the yucca (Yucca spp.)! A popular, long-lived landscape plant in the southwestern United States, it has a symbiotic relationship with its only pollinator. Adult female yucca moths are uniquely adapted to pollinate yucca flowers, ensuring the flowers make seeds upon which the moth larvae feed.

Bloom time: May-June

Swipe to see the full plant plus a custom creation of the flower made for us by artist Emily Paluska !

Find all of the state flowers in our exhibit “America’s State Flowers” in display through Oct. 12, 2026. See the full list of state flowers and a map of their locations in the Garden: www.USBG.gov/AmericasStateFlowers

06/15/2026

Millions of people around the world enjoy a daily ritual of coffee, but do you know what it takes to get from the plant to your cup? The United States Botanic Garden recently completed this process by harvesting and processing fruits from coffee trees in our collection in collaboration with Juan Luis Salazar of La Coop Coffee. Together with Juan Luis, we will share various techniques for processing coffee. Join us for this demonstration and story-sharing will give you a new appreciation for a beloved beverage!

"From Branch to Brew: Processing Coffee at the United States Botanic Garden (On-site Drop-in Demonstration)"

Thursday, June 25, 2026
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Eastern
Location: Conservatory Garden Court
FREE: This is a drop-in program. No registration needed.

Please note: This is a drop-in experience and will be repeated several times over the course of the designated program time.

06/09/2026

Spotlight on “America’s State Flowers!” ALASKA’s state flower is the forget-me-not (Myosotis asiatica). The flower's vibrant blue color and status as a native plant was cited as inspiration for the blue of Alaska's flag by the 13-year-old who won the competition for its design.

Bloom time: June-September

Swipe to see the full plant plus a custom creation of the flower made for us by artist Emily Paluska !

Find all of the state flowers in our exhibit “America’s State Flowers” in display through Oct. 12, 2026. See the full list of state flowers and a map of their locations in the Garden: www.USBG.gov/AmericasStateFlowers

06/09/2026

Spotlight on “America’s State Flowers!” ALASKA’s state flower is the forget-me-not (Myosotis asiatica). The flower's vibrant blue color and status as a native plant was cited as inspiration for the blue of Alaska's flag by the 13-year-old who won the competition for its design.

Bloom time: June-September

Swipe to see the full plant plus a custom creation of the flower made for us by artist Emily Paluska !

Find all of the state flowers in our exhibit “America’s State Flowers” in display through Oct. 12, 2026. See the full list of state flowers and a map of their locations in the Garden: www.USBG.gov/AmericasStateFlowers

06/08/2026

Spotlight on “America’s State Flowers!” NEW YORK’s state flower is the rose (Rosa spp.) Selected by a poll of schoolchildren in 1891, New York law recognizes the state flower as the rose "in any color or combination of colors common to it." Find many roses in bloom in our Rose Garden!

Bloom time: Late April-October

Swipe to see the full plant plus a custom creation of the flower made for us by artist Emily Paluska !

Find all of the state flowers in our exhibit “America’s State Flowers” in display through Oct. 12, 2026. See the full list of state flowers and a map of their locations in the Garden: www.USBG.gov/AmericasStateFlowers