From Space to Statehouse: Indiana Moon Trees

Kelly Rogers | Posted on February 7, 2020

A souvenir from the moon is hiding in plain sight on the front-lawn arboretum of the Indiana Statehouse. The bicentennial moon tree, as it’s commemorated on an adjacent historical plaque, is a tall sycamore that was planted in 1976. This ordinary-looking tree was actually grown from a seed that was taken to the moon and back by astronaut Stuart A. Roosa during the Apollo 14 mission. There are four of these trees in Indiana, with the others located in Lincoln City, Cannelton and Tell City. Scientists have studied them, but so far no major differences have been documented. Still, it’s pretty amazing to think that this tree is the result of a space journey that most human beings won’t ever get to experience.

See more: Moon Gardening Guide