College of Biological Sciences

Roots to Healing opens March 9 at Northrop Gallery in Northrop Auditorium.

We depend on plants for our wellbeing. Our story is inextricably linked to theirs through the food, fiber, medicine and other benefits they provide. Roots to Healing: A brief survey of the past, present and future of plant-based remedies in Minnesota, an exhibition organized by the College of Biological Sciences Conservatory, invites you to consider the historical, cultural, scientific and economic value of a handful of plants from around the globe that have taken root in Minnesota from the commonplace plantain to the rare Lady’s Slipper orchid or the controversial Cannabis.

Exhibition Highlights

• Plant connections with cultural groups within Minnesota including Hmong, Indian, Chinese, Russian, Native American, Hawaiian and Mexican.
• Two triptychs (six prints) by international artist Andrea Carlson, which draw on her own connection to Minnesota and her Ojibwe heritage.
• A Medicine Wheel created by Native American Medicine Garden coordinator Cante Suta-Francis Bettelyoun.
• Herbarium specimens from the University of Minnesota Herbarium and Historical Artist Renderings of Plants from the Wangensteen Historical Library.

Roots to Healing Opening Reception

March 9 from 6-8 p.m.

Join us for an opening reception featuring original compositions inspired by the exhibition by musician LOTT!  Program begins at 6 p.m. in Best Buy Theater A reception in Northrop Gallery follows the program.

Open to the public. Free. RSVP at z.umn.edu/rootstohealing

The College of Biological Sciences Conservatory houses the region’s most diverse collection of plants from around the world organized by biome or environment. The collections are a critical teaching tool vividly demonstrating plant evolution.