Museum and Sea Center open daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Botany

We field occasional botany questions, particularly where related to Chumash ethnobotany. Please direct pure botany questions to the expertise of our neighbors at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

“Hi, I'm a long time fan of Margaret Ely Webb, illustrator and resident of Santa Barbara. Apparently a collection of her watercolour work of wildflowers was gifted to the SBMNH and was just wonde...”
Jessica, Sydney, Australia - October 2, 2022

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“I was fortunate to finally pass this bush while it was in bloom. For several years I have passed it and always admired the color of the leaves which are a light combination of gray, blue, and gr...”
Hans, Newbury Park, Ca - June 25, 2022

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“Hello. I know this is a common tree in Santa Barbara, but I can't find the i.d.  It grows near Atascadero Creek and I watched Lesser Goldfinches harvesting seeds/nectar? off the bloo...”
MiTmite9, Goleta, CA - February 22, 2022

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“This small tree just suddenly popped up in our backyard. Can you help us identify what it is?”
Lauren, Santa Barbara, near the SB Natural History Museum - April 11, 2020

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“Can you explain why these plants grow in a donut shape or circle?”
Bob McMahan, Ojai - March 22, 2019

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