'Wicked Plants' returns to Arboretum this fall

This fall, visitors to The North Carolina Arboretum will be entertained, alarmed and enlightened as they walk through the halls of a ramshackle manor and experience the dangerous world of "Wicked Plants: The Exhibit."

After five years travelling the country, "Wicked Plants," a one-of-a-kind exhibit designed and created by the Arboretum, will return to the Arboretum’s Baker Exhibit Center on Saturday, Sept. 16 and will be on display daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Jan. 7.

Inspired by author Amy Stewart’s best-selling book, “Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln’s Mother and other Botanical Atrocities,” "Wicked Plants" offers a fun, safe and educational way to explore some of nature’s most toxic flora. Two- and three-dimensional interactives fill a Victorian-era home, where visitors travel from room to room and learn about various poisonous plants that may be lurking in their homes and backyards.

From a crime scene investigation in the potions laboratory, to sniffing stations in the bathroom, to a simulated graveyard featuring 24 of the most common deadly and toxic plants, Wicked Plants provides a comprehensive overview of an often unknown side of the natural world.

“Wicked Plants is a highly interactive exhibit that integrates natural history, science and storytelling to create an educational experience where visitors can learn about botany, health care and wellness in a fun, unique way,” said George Briggs, executive director of The North Carolina Arboretum. “Since the exhibit first opened at the Arboretum in 2012, it has traveled to museums and science centers all across the country, including the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Springs Preserve Museum in Las Vegas."

On Thursday, Sept. 21, the Arboretum will host a special reading and book signing by Amy Stewart from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Arboretum’s Education Center. Tickets are $10 for Arboretum members and $12 for non-members and must be purchased in advance at ncarboretum.org. Parking is included in the ticket price.

Beyond its standard daytime exhibit hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wicked Plants will offer special extended hours during the Arboretum’s fourth annual Winter Lights nightly holiday light show (Nov. 17–Dec. 31) for Winter Lights ticket holders.

For more, visit ncarboretum.org. Exhibit admission to Wicked Plants is free; standard Arboretum parking fees still apply.