During the Apollo 14 mission, astronaut Stuart Roosa carried hundreds of tree seeds into lunar orbit in his personal kit while his crewmates visited the surface.
After returning to Earth, many seeds were germinated and planted in various locations. These became known as “Moon Trees.” They are Earth trees grown from seeds that journeyed through space, not plants grown on the Moon.
Some Moon Trees and their descendants are still commemorated today. They make a wonderful intersection of botany, exploration and local history.
Quick curiosities
- The seeds orbited the Moon during Apollo 14.
- They were planted on Earth afterward.
- The trees are not genetically “alien.”
Keep wondering
- Where can I find a Moon Tree?
- What plants have gone to space?
- What happened on Apollo 14?