Moon Trees: Seeds from Lunar Orbit That Rooted on Earth
When tree seeds orbited the Moon aboard Apollo 14, they began a unique legacy that lives on in forests, parks, and communities worldwide.

Moon Trees: Seeds That Journeyed Beyond Earth
In the annals of space exploration, some experiments may seem small but leave a lasting impression on Earth. Such is the tale of Moon Trees: trees grown from seeds that orbited the Moon aboard NASA’s Apollo 14 mission. Today, these trees stand rooted across the world as enduring symbols of scientific curiosity and human exploration.
The Seed of an Idea: Origins of the Moon Tree Project
In 1971, as NASA prepared to launch Apollo 14 towards the Moon, a novel scientific experiment took shape: what would happen if seeds from select tree species experienced the harsh environments of space and lunar orbit? Edward P. Cliff, then Chief of the United States Forest Service, envisioned an experiment to test whether deep-space travel affected seed growth. Stuart Roosa, the mission’s Command Module Pilot and a former Forest Service smokejumper, agreed to carry a canister of seeds into space, thus sparking the birth of Moon Trees.
- Apollo 14 carried a small canister with about 500 seeds.
- Five species were selected for the experiment:
- Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)
- Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
- Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
- Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)
- Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
- The seeds orbited the Moon 34 times inside Roosa’s personal kit aboard Kitty Hawk.
Spaceflight and Return: Scientific Experiment Meets Publicity
As Commander Alan Shepard and Lunar Module Pilot Edgar Mitchell walked the lunar surface, Roosa orbited above, his seeds awaiting their unique fate. The experiment was partly scientific—would cosmic radiation or weightlessness affect the seeds?—and partly a gesture to honor smokejumpers through Roosa’s connection to the Forest Service.
Upon return to Earth, the canister ruptured during decontamination; seeds mixed together, and scientists feared damage or loss of viability. However, hope persisted as the seeds were sent to Forest Service stations in Mississippi and California to test for germination.
- Nearly all seeds germinated successfully despite initial concerns.
- Within a few years, about 420 to 450 seedlings were grown from the space-traveled seeds.
- Seedlings were compared with earth-bound controls to determine any differences after space travel.
The Growth of Moon Trees: Distribution and Planting
As Moon Tree saplings matured, excitement grew within NASA and the Forest Service. These seedlings were planted as emblems of exploration and unity, with many gifted to institutions during the U.S. bicentennial celebration in 1976.
- Trees were planted at:
- Schools, universities, parks, and government offices in the U.S.
- International locations including Brazil, Switzerland, and Japan.
- Notable sites such as the White House garden, and in states whose climate suited the species.
- President Gerald Ford, in a bicentennial telegram, called Moon Trees “a living symbol of our spectacular human and scientific achievements.”
Moon Trees Across America and Beyond
Many Moon Trees thrive today, though their whereabouts remain partly shrouded in mystery. Over decades, some trees were lost due to storms, development, or insufficient record-keeping, but others are well-documented.
- A loblolly pine in Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana, remains a living legacy after 50 years.
- Trees are found in both southern and western U.S. regions, matching the original seed species’ native ranges.
- Moon Trees also grow outside the U.S., with documented plantings in Brazil and Japan.
Tracking the Moon Trees: A Modern Quest
In the decades following their planting, the locations of many Moon Trees slipped into obscurity. In a pivotal moment in 1996, a third-grade teacher named Joan Goble and her students discovered a plaque identifying a local ‘Moon Tree’. Their query to NASA reached employee Dave Williams, who began investigating and eventually created an online database of known Moon Trees.
- Williams’ NASA webpage invites the public to report Moon Trees, aiming to locate missing trees and expand the database.
- Efforts continue globally to identify and locate surviving Moon Trees, including appeals from agencies in the UK seeking help in 2021.
Scientific Legacy: What Did We Learn?
Was there any difference between Moon Trees and their Earth-bound counterparts? After decades, scientists observed no discernible genetic or physiological differences. Moon Trees grew strong, flowered, and produced seeds, just as native trees do.
Tree Species | Moon-Travelled Seeds | Earth Controls | Observed Differences |
---|---|---|---|
Loblolly Pine | Thrived; no unusual traits | Thrived; matched Moon Trees | None reported |
Sycamore | Matured normally | Matured normally | None reported |
Sweetgum | Produced seeds | Produced seeds | None reported |
Redwood | Grew vigorously | Grew vigorously | None reported |
Douglas Fir | Healthy maturation | Healthy maturation | None reported |
Despite initial concerns about space’s impact, most seeds proved resilient.
Why Moon Trees Matter
- Symbolism: They represent the fusion of Earth’s natural legacy and the human quest for exploration.
- Education: Schools and universities use Moon Trees to teach about botany, spaceflight, and history.
- Public Engagement: The ongoing search and documentation efforts have galvanized citizen scientists, classrooms, and NASA itself.
The Artemis Revival: Continuing the Moon Tree Tradition
In 2022, NASA announced the revival of the Moon Tree program, sending 1,000 seeds aboard Artemis I. Selected by the U.S. Forest Service, these seeds represent five tree species—loblolly pine, sweetgum, giant sequoia, Douglas fir, and sycamore—continuing the original legacy.
This new wave of lunar-traveled seeds will be planted in schools, museums, and science centers, offering another generation tangible links to space history and raising awareness about forestry and conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Moon Trees?
Moon Trees are trees grown from seeds that orbited the Moon aboard NASA’s Apollo 14 in 1971 and Artemis I in 2022.
Who proposed the Moon Tree experiment?
Edward P. Cliff, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, suggested sending seeds to lunar orbit to observe their growth compared with controls on Earth.
Did Moon Trees show any unusual characteristics after space travel?
Extensive comparisons showed no significant differences between Moon Trees and Earth-grown controls.
Where can Moon Trees be found today?
Moon Trees can be found in parks, schools, universities, government offices, and a few international sites. Ongoing efforts aim to locate planted trees and update records.
Why are Moon Trees significant?
They are living symbols of scientific curiosity, international unity, and the tangible connection between Earth’s natural heritage and space exploration.
Conclusion: Living Testaments to Exploration
Moon Trees remind us that the spirit of discovery reaches across boundaries—from the lunar surface to communities on Earth. Through their silent growth, they commemorate the boldness of Apollo 14, the ingenuity of scientists, and the resilience of living things. Whether you encounter a Moon Tree in a park, a campus, or a forest, you’re witnessing a living chapter in humanity’s journey to the stars.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_tree
- https://www.nasa.gov/history/moon-trees-stand-as-living-testaments-to-first-voyages-to-moon/
- https://now.humboldt.edu/news/unravling-the-moon-tree-mystery
- https://heartoflouisiana.com/moon-tree/
- https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-stem-artemis-moon-trees/
- https://arboretum.arizona.edu/moon-trees
Read full bio of Sneha Tete