What is the United States Botanic Garden (USBG)?

The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is a botanical garden located on the grounds of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., situated near the James A. Garfield Monument. Botanical gardens are institutions that maintain collections of living plants for scientific research, conservation, display, and education.

Where is the United States Botanic Garden located?

The United States Botanic Garden is located in Washington, D.C., specifically on the grounds of the United States Capitol, near the James A. Garfield Monument. Its current building is bordered by Maryland Avenue to the north, First Street to the east, Independence Avenue to the south, and Third Street to the west.

Who supervises the United States Botanic Garden?

The United States Botanic Garden is supervised by the United States Congress through the Architect of the Capitol, an agency responsible for the maintenance and operation of the Capitol grounds and buildings.

What are the operating hours of the USBG?

The USBG is open to the public every day of the year, including federal holidays, allowing for consistent access to its plant collections and exhibits.

What is a notable historical distinction of the United States Botanic Garden?

The United States Botanic Garden holds the distinction of being the oldest continually-operating botanic garden in the United States, reflecting its long history of plant cultivation and public engagement.

When was the United States Botanic Garden created?

The United States Botanic Garden was created in 1820, following an act of Congress that granted land for its establishment.

How did the Botanic Garden initially acquire its land?

The Botanic Garden initially acquired its land in 1820 through an act of Congress, which designated a parcel located west of the Capitol, extending from First Street to Third Street between Pennsylvania and Maryland Avenues.

Why did the original Botanic Garden cease operation in 1837?

The original Botanic Garden ceased to operate in 1837 because the Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences, the society that had suggested its creation and was involved in its early operation, stopped holding meetings.

What event led to the re-institution of the Botanic Garden in 1842?

The Botanic Garden was re-instituted in 1842 when the Wilkes Expedition, a significant scientific exploration of the South Seas, returned with a vast collection of plants, necessitating a facility to house them.

Who was Charles Wilkes, and what was the significance of his expedition to the Botanic Garden?

Charles Wilkes was the leader of the United States Exploring Expedition, commissioned by Congress in 1838 to circumnavigate the globe and explore the Pacific Ocean. His return in 1842 with a massive collection of live and dried plant specimens, many previously unknown in the United States, was instrumental in the re-establishment of the Botanic Garden.

What were 'wardian cases' and how were they used during the Wilkes Expedition?

Wardian cases were essentially sealed glass containers used to transport live plants over long distances, creating a miniature greenhouse environment. Charles Wilkes was one of the first to utilize these cases to successfully maintain live plants during the extensive voyages of his expedition.

What became of the dried plant specimens collected during the Wilkes Expedition?

The dried plant specimens collected during the Wilkes Expedition formed the core of what is now known as the National Herbarium, which is an extensive collection of preserved plant samples curated by the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History.

Where were the live plant specimens and seeds from the Wilkes Expedition initially housed?

The live plant specimens and seeds brought back from the Wilkes Expedition were initially housed and cared for in the Old Patent Office greenhouse until 1850.

When and where was a dedicated botanic garden built to house the Wilkes collection?

A dedicated botanic garden was built in 1850 to house the Wilkes collection. This garden was located in front of the Capitol, in the area where the Capitol reflecting pool is situated today.

Who was Photius Fisk, and what was his contribution to the United States Botanic Garden?

Photius Fisk was an abolitionist and a U.S. Navy chaplain who conducted scientific exploration of minerals and plants. While serving on the Frigate Raritan in South America and the Pacific, he collected seeds and rare plants for the United States Botanic Garden, meticulously documenting his observations before delivering them to the superintendent in 1853.

What specific plant species did Photius Fisk collect for the USBG?

Photius Fisk collected various plant species for the USBG, including the vanilla plant, dendrobium, cattleya, epidendrum, stanhopea, and several other named and unnamed species, primarily from Brazil. He also obtained the rare butterfly flower, Oncidium Papilio, from Saint Thomas.

When was the United States Botanic Garden moved to its current location?

The United States Botanic Garden building was moved to its present location in 1933, which is just to the southwest of the Capitol.

What were the dates of the major renovation of the USBG building, and when did it reopen?

The USBG building was closed for renovations on September 1, 1997, and subsequently reopened to the public on December 11, 2001.

What happened to the plants in the collection during the 1997 renovation?

During the 1997 renovation, plants from the collection were either placed in storage at the USBG Production Facility, retired to greenhouses in Florida, or composted, depending on their suitability and condition.

What are the three main locations that comprise the USBG?

The United States Botanic Garden proper consists of three distinct locations: the Conservatory, Bartholdi Park, and the Production Facility, each serving different functions for the garden's mission.

Describe the Conservatory building.

The Conservatory is a large greenhouse structure, built by Lord & Burnham, which is internally divided into multiple separate rooms. Each room is designed to simulate a different natural habitat, allowing for the cultivation and display of diverse plant species.

What are some of the distinct habitat rooms found within the Conservatory?

Within the Conservatory, visitors can explore various habitat rooms, including the Garden Court, Rare and Endangered Plants, Plant Exploration, Orchid House, Medicinal Plants, Desert, Hawaii, Garden Primeval, Plant Adaptation, Jungle, Children's Garden, and Southern Exposure.

Which room in the Conservatory is the largest and features a catwalk?

The Jungle room is the largest of the Conservatory's rooms and includes a second-story catwalk, which allows visitors to observe the jungle canopy from both below and above, providing a comprehensive view of the ecosystem.

How is the environment within each Conservatory room regulated?

The environment within each Conservatory room is closely monitored by computer-operated sensors that regulate humidity, sunlight, and temperature. This is achieved through a misting system, retractable shades, and levered windows, ensuring optimal conditions for the plants.

Which parts of the Conservatory have air conditioning?

Only specific areas of the Conservatory are equipped with air conditioning, namely the Hawaiian house, the galleries, and the south lobby, while the majority of the facility relies on natural and controlled ventilation.

How often are the plants in the Conservatory watered?

All plants within the Conservatory are watered daily by hand, ensuring that each plant receives the specific amount of hydration it requires.

When was the National Garden completed, and what are its key features?

The 3-acre (12,000 m²) National Garden, located on the Botanic Garden's west border, was completed in October 2006. Its key features include a regional garden showcasing plants native to the Atlantic Coastal Plain and Piedmont, a rose garden, a butterfly garden, and the First Ladies Water Garden, which serves as a memorial to the First Ladies of the United States.

How was the construction of the National Garden funded?

The construction of the National Garden was funded by the National Fund for the U.S. Botanic Garden, which now operates as a 'friends group' supporting the garden's initiatives.

What is Bartholdi Park, and who is it named after?

Bartholdi Park is a section of the USBG located just south of the Conservatory, across Independence Avenue. It is named after the Bartholdi Fountain, which is situated at the center of the park and was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty.

What is the primary goal of Bartholdi Park?

The primary goal of Bartholdi Park is to provide inspiration and practical ideas for home gardeners who visit, showcasing various small structured and non-structured gardens that infuse color, shape, and planting themes.

What kind of certification does a section of Bartholdi Park hold?

One section of Bartholdi Park is certified as a National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat, indicating its role in providing essential elements like food, water, cover, and places to raise young for local wildlife.

What other function does Bartholdi Park serve besides displaying gardens?

In addition to displaying gardens, Bartholdi Park also houses the administrative building for the United States Botanic Garden, serving as a central point for its operational management.

What is the purpose of the Production Facility?

The Production Facility, located in southwest D.C., is utilized for growing and storing plants. This includes plants for propagation, for ongoing collection maintenance, and for display in upcoming annual shows and exhibits.

In what international agreement does the USBG participate, and what does it entail?

The USBG participates in CITES, which stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. This participation means that the garden cares for plants that have been seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, often due to illegal trade.

What types of plants does the USBG specialize in?

The United States Botanic Garden specializes in orchids and succulents, showcasing a wide variety of these unique and often delicate plant groups.

How many plants in the garden are believed to be directly related to the original Wilkes Expedition?

There are four plants in the United States Botanic Garden that are believed to be directly related to the original Wilkes Expedition, representing a living link to that historic scientific journey.

Which plant in the Conservatory's Jungle is considered a direct progeny of a Wilkes Expedition specimen?

The Vessel Fern, *Angiopteris evecta*, located in the Jungle room of the Conservatory, is believed to be the direct progeny of the Vessel Fern brought back on Wilkes' ship, and is thought to be genetically identical to the original.

What is known about the Ferocious Blue Cycad's connection to the Wilkes Expedition?

The Ferocious Blue Cycad, *Encephalartos horridus*, is questionably one of the original Wilkes plants. While some believe it may have returned with the expedition in 1842 due to its size and potential age, early records are incomplete and inaccurate, leaving its direct connection to speculation.

Which specific cycad species from the Wilkes Expedition are housed in the Garden Court?

The Queen Sagos, *Cycas circinalis*, which are a type of cycad, are housed in the Garden Court. The Botanic Garden cares for both a male and a female of this species, and both were brought back with the Wilkes Expedition.

What does the 1867 stereogram of the United States Botanic Garden depict?

The source material includes a stereogram, which is a pair of images that, when viewed with a stereoscope, create a three-dimensional effect, depicting the United States Botanic Garden in 1867.

What does the image from the 1880s show regarding the Botanic Garden?

An image from the 1880s shows the exterior of the Botanic Garden, providing a historical glimpse of its appearance during that period.

What is depicted in the image titled 'Conservatory'?

An image displays the Conservatory building, which is a prominent structure within the United States Botanic Garden.

What is visible in the image featuring Bartholdi Park?

An image shows Bartholdi Park, with the Conservatory building visible in the background on the far left, illustrating the proximity of these two USBG facilities.

What is the function of the Production Facility as illustrated in one of the images?

The source material notes that many plants intended for exhibits and events are cultivated at the offsite Production Facility before being transferred to the main garden for display, as illustrated in one of the images.

What does the aerial view of Washington, D.C. highlight concerning the gardens?

An aerial view of the Washington, D.C. area is provided, with the United States Botanic Garden visible in the bottom right corner, showing its location within the city landscape.

What is shown in the image of the greenhouse lobby?

An image shows the interior of the greenhouse lobby, offering a view of the entrance area within the Conservatory.

What does the image of the primary greenhouse walkway illustrate?

The primary greenhouse is depicted in an image, featuring a tropical walkway within, showcasing the lush environment for visitors.

What feature of the primary greenhouse is shown in an image?

An image focuses on the roof of the primary greenhouse, highlighting its architectural design and structure.

What does one of the gallery images show about the maintenance of the plants?

One of the gallery images shows a gardener maintaining the plants at the United States Botanic Garden, emphasizing the dedicated care provided to the collection.

What exhibit is featured in one of the gallery images?

An image captures the 'Orchid Symphony' exhibit, showcasing a specific display of orchids within the garden.

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Introduction

A National Botanical Treasure

The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) stands as a distinguished botanical garden nestled within the expansive grounds of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Positioned near the historic James A. Garfield Monument, it represents a significant national institution dedicated to plant science and public education.

Enduring Congressional Oversight

Operating under the direct supervision of the U.S. Congress, through the Architect of the Capitol, the USBG is tasked with the meticulous maintenance of the Capitol's botanical landscapes. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating botanic garden in the United States, welcoming visitors every day of the year, including federal holidays.

Strategic Location

Strategically situated in the heart of the nation's capital, the garden's central location makes it an accessible hub for botanical study and appreciation. Its coordinates are approximately 38.888°N latitude and 77.013°W longitude, easily reachable via public transit, specifically the Federal Center SW station.

Historical Foundations

Genesis and Early Development

The concept for a national botanical garden was first articulated in 1816 by the Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences in Washington, D.C.^[2] Congressional action in 1820 granted land for its establishment, situated west of the Capitol between First and Third Streets, bordered by Pennsylvania and Maryland Avenues. Although operations temporarily ceased in 1837, the garden was revitalized in 1842, spurred by the return of the monumental Wilkes Expedition.

The Wilkes Expedition's Profound Impact

In 1838, Charles Wilkes embarked on the United States Exploring Expedition, a congressional mandate to circumnavigate the globe and explore the Pacific Ocean. This historic voyage yielded an immense collection of plant specimens, both live and dried, many previously unknown in the United States.^[3] Wilkes pioneered the use of Wardian cases to preserve live plants during extended sea journeys. The dried specimens formed the bedrock of the National Herbarium, now curated by the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, while the live plants were initially housed in the Old Patent Office greenhouse before a dedicated botanic garden was constructed in front of the Capitol in 1850.

The expedition's success in bringing back such a diverse array of flora was pivotal in establishing the USBG as a significant scientific and public resource. The use of Wardian cases, essentially miniature greenhouses, demonstrated an early understanding of plant preservation during long-distance transport, a critical innovation for botanical exploration.

Notable Collections and Relocation

Abolitionist and U.S. Navy chaplain Photius Fisk also made significant contributions, collecting rare seeds and plants, including various orchid species like vanilla, dendrobium, cattleya, epidendrum, stanhopea, and the butterfly flower Oncidium Papilio, primarily from South America and Saint Thomas. These were meticulously documented and delivered to the USBG superintendent in 1853.^[4]^[5] The garden's main building was relocated to its current site southwest of the Capitol in 1933. Following extensive renovations from 1997 to 2001, which involved careful storage, relocation to Florida greenhouses, or composting of plants, the garden reopened to the public, continuing its legacy of botanical excellence.

Garden Facilities

The Three Pillars of USBG

The United States Botanic Garden encompasses three distinct yet interconnected locations, each serving a unique purpose in its mission:

The Conservatory: The iconic glasshouse showcasing diverse plant habitats.
Bartholdi Park: An outdoor garden designed for inspiration and demonstration.
The Production Facility: An offsite greenhouse complex vital for plant cultivation and collection management.

The Conservatory: A World of Biomes

The Conservatory, a magnificent Lord & Burnham greenhouse, is meticulously divided into various rooms, each simulating a distinct habitat to nurture a wide array of plant species. These include the Garden Court, dedicated sections for Rare and Endangered Plants, a display on Plant Exploration, the vibrant Orchid House, a collection of Medicinal Plants, and specialized environments for Desert and Hawaii flora. The Garden Primeval offers a glimpse into ancient plant life, while Plant Adaptation highlights evolutionary strategies. The largest section, the Jungle, features a second-story catwalk for observing the canopy from multiple perspectives. Additionally, the Children's Garden and the Southern Exposure courtyard provide engaging and warm microclimates for temperate annuals and plants from the Southeastern and Southwestern U.S., respectively. Environmental conditions within each room—humidity, sunlight, and temperature—are precisely regulated by computer-operated sensors, misting systems, retractable shades, and levered windows, ensuring optimal growth conditions. All plants receive daily hand-watering.

The Conservatory's design allows for an immersive educational experience, demonstrating the incredible diversity of plant life across the globe. The careful control of microclimates is a testament to advanced horticultural science, enabling the cultivation of species that would otherwise not thrive in Washington D.C.'s climate.

Garden Court: A central, welcoming space.
Rare and Endangered Plants: Showcasing species facing extinction.
Plant Exploration: Highlighting the history and ongoing efforts to discover new plants.
Orchid House: A vibrant display of diverse orchid species.
Medicinal Plants: Featuring plants with historical and contemporary medicinal uses.
Desert: Adapting to arid conditions.
Hawaii: Representing the unique flora of the Hawaiian islands.
Garden Primeval: Ancient plant forms.
Plant Adaptation: Demonstrating how plants evolve to their environments.
Jungle: A lush, humid environment with a canopy walkway.
Children's Garden: Engaging young visitors with interactive plant displays.
Southern Exposure: A warm, glass-enclosed courtyard for specific regional plants.

National Garden and Bartholdi Park

Completed in October 2006, the 3-acre National Garden, situated on the Botanic Garden's western border, features a regional garden dedicated to plants native to the Atlantic Coastal Plain and Piedmont, a classic rose garden, a vibrant butterfly garden, and the First Ladies Water Garden, a serene tribute to the First Ladies of the United States. Funding for the National Garden's construction was provided by the National Fund for the U.S. Botanic Garden, which now functions as a 'friends group' supporting the institution. Just south of the Conservatory, across Independence Avenue, lies Bartholdi Park, named after the iconic Bartholdi Fountain at its center, designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. This park serves as a living catalog of design ideas for home gardeners, showcasing a variety of structured and non-structured gardens that integrate color, shape, and thematic plantings. A portion of Bartholdi Park is certified as a National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat, emphasizing its role in supporting local ecosystems.

Production and Conservation

The Production Facility, located in southwest D.C., is an essential operational hub where plants are grown and stored for propagation, collection maintenance, and preparation for upcoming annual exhibits. Beyond its display and educational roles, the USBG is actively involved in global plant conservation through its participation in CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). This commitment means the garden often cares for plants seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, playing a critical role in protecting biodiversity. The USBG maintains particular specializations in the cultivation and study of orchids and succulents, contributing significantly to the understanding and preservation of these diverse plant groups.

Wilkes Expedition Legacies

Living Relics of Exploration

Among the vast collections of the United States Botanic Garden, four particular plants are believed to have a direct lineage to the original specimens brought back by the historic Wilkes Expedition of 1838-1842. These living specimens offer a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in American botanical exploration and the garden's foundational collection.

Enduring Botanical Specimens

The Vessel Fern (Angiopteris evecta), housed within the Conservatory's Jungle exhibit, is considered a direct progeny of the fern originally collected during Wilkes' voyage. While the current plant is unlikely to be the exact individual from 1842 due to the species' lifespan, it is believed to be a genetically identical descendant, preserving the expedition's botanical heritage.
The Ferocious Blue Cycad (Encephalartos horridus) is another specimen whose origins are debated. Its impressive size and potential age lead some to speculate it could be one of the original Wilkes plants. However, early records are incomplete, leaving its direct connection to the expedition as a subject of ongoing scientific inquiry.
The Queen Sagos (Cycas circinalis), a pair of cycads (male and female) residing in the Garden Court, are confidently identified as having been brought back with the Wilkes Expedition. These specimens represent a direct, verifiable link to the expedition's botanical discoveries and continue to thrive as living historical artifacts within the garden.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the United States Botanic Garden Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional botanical or horticultural advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official botanical garden documentation, academic research, or seeking advice from qualified botanists, horticulturists, or environmental scientists. Always refer to authoritative sources and consult with experts for specific plant care, conservation strategies, or historical research needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Verdant Legacy: The United States Botanic Garden

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

🏛️ A National Botanical Treasure

📜 Enduring Congressional Oversight

📍 Strategic Location

Historical Foundations ⏳

🌱 Genesis and Early Development

🚢 The Wilkes Expedition's Profound Impact

🌿 Notable Collections and Relocation

Garden Facilities 🏡

🗺️ The Three Pillars of USBG

🌳 The Conservatory: A World of Biomes

💧 National Garden and Bartholdi Park

🌍 Production and Conservation

Wilkes Expedition Legacies 🌳

🕰️ Living Relics of Exploration

🔍 Enduring Botanical Specimens

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

A National Botanical Treasure

Enduring Congressional Oversight

Strategic Location

Historical Foundations

Genesis and Early Development

The Wilkes Expedition's Profound Impact

Notable Collections and Relocation

Garden Facilities

The Three Pillars of USBG

The Conservatory: A World of Biomes

National Garden and Bartholdi Park

Production and Conservation

Wilkes Expedition Legacies

Living Relics of Exploration

Enduring Botanical Specimens

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice