Wicked Plants
About
Delight in the interactive displays tucked into a warren of creepy rooms in a derelict Victorian manor. Dig into deadly nightshade and other villains, then continue into a room teeming with 10 of the world’s most nefarious invasive plants.
Inspired by author Amy Stewart's best-selling book, Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln's Mother and other Botanical Atrocities, this family-friendly exhibit showcases plants at the root of a myriad of conditions, including pain, addiction, obesity, allergies, cognitive impairment and even death!
Exclusive Features
The Bell will include some exclusive add-ons, showcasing wicked and not-so-wicked plants:
The history behind the Bell's plant collections in the U of M Herbarium with a display of specimens, botanical illustrations and antique tools.
A hands-on botanical collage station and a wicked plants photo op.
Excerpts from the College of Biological Sciences Conservatory exhibit Roots to Healing, which provides a brief survey of plant-based remedies from around the globe that matter in Minnesota, from the tropical bitter melon to the native showy lady's slipper.
Selections of of rare books and artifacts from the U's Wagensteen Historical Library and Andersen Horticultural Library at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Giant palm, fern, and lily pad leaves displayed as oversized work of art, provided by the City of St. Paul's Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
More about the exhibit and special events at www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/wicked-plants
Daytime exhibit hours: 10 am to 5 pm, Tues-Sunday and select late Weds. Exhibit is free with admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors (65+), $9 youth (3–21), FREE UMN students & Bell members.