Throughout history, women have been paving the way in botany, horticulture, landscape architecture, and plant science—often without the recognition they deserved. These early plant pioneers weren’t just tending gardens; they were breaking barriers, rewriting scientific knowledge, and proving that green thumbs can also shatter glass ceilings.
This Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the trailblazing women who grew change—from botanists who classified new species to landscape architects who reimagined outdoor spaces. Their contributions continue to inspire plant lovers, scientists, and gardeners alike, proving that long before “plant moms” were a trend, these women were running the plant world like true girlbosses.
1. Ellen Biddle Shipman (1869-1950): The Trailblazing Landscape Architect
Image: Duke Gardens - Duke University
One of the first women in landscape architecture, Ellen Biddle Shipman was known for her lush, plant-rich garden designs that emphasized natural beauty and structure. In a male-dominated profession, she stood out—not just for her artistry, but for her commitment to supporting women in the field. Shipman exclusively hired and mentored female designers, earning her the title “Dean of Women Landscape Architects.” Her work can still be seen today in Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University, Longue Vue House and Gardens in New Orleans, and the Ladies’ Border at the New York Botanical Garden.
2. Dr. Marie Clark Taylor (1911-1990): The Pioneer of Plant Science Education
Image: The Fordham Observer
In 1941, Marie became the first Black woman to earn a doctorate in botany in the U.S. and the first woman of any race to receive a Ph.D. in science from Fordham University. Her groundbreaking research on light’s effect on plant growth revolutionized plant science education—basically, she was working on grow lights before they were cool! If she were around today, we’d definitely want her on the Soltech R&D team.
Her innovations led her to introduce microscopes and live plant materials into high school classrooms, transforming how biology was taught. Recognizing her impact, President Lyndon B. Johnson enlisted her in the 1960s to expand these teaching methods nationwide. Taylor later served as chair of Howard University’s Botany Department for nearly 30 years, mentoring future scientists and leaving a legacy that continues to shape plant research today.
3. Jane Colden (1724-1766): America’s First Female Botanist
Image: Scenic Hudson
Often recognized as America’s first woman botanist, Jane Colden documented over 300 plant species from the Hudson Highlands of New York, carefully categorizing them using Linnaeus’s botanical classification system. She was also a skilled illustrator, producing detailed ink drawings and leaf impressions, often including medicinal folklore. Colden’s meticulous work helped lay the foundation for botanical research in North America, and her manuscript on New York’s flora is now preserved in the British Museum.
4. Anne Spencer (1882-1975): The Poet and Garden Advocate
Image: Lynchburg History
A poet of the Harlem Renaissance, Anne Spencer found inspiration for her writing in her lush home garden. Her poetry often reflected themes of nature, mythology, and social justice, blending her passion for plants with her work as a civil rights activist. Spencer was also a librarian and teacher, but writing remained her true calling. Her garden was not only her personal retreat but also a meeting place for Black intellectuals of her time. One of her most famous nature poems, “Earth, I Thank You,” captures her deep reverence for the natural world, making her a timeless voice in both literature and environmental appreciation.
5. Mattie Edwards Hewitt (1869-1956): The Visionary Garden Photographer
Image: Library of Congress
One of the first American women to specialize in garden photography, Mattie Edwards Hewitt captured breathtaking images of elaborate landscapes and private estates, helping to popularize garden design through her work in magazines and publications. At a time when home gardening was gaining popularity, Hewitt’s photographs inspired homeowners to create their own beautiful outdoor spaces. Her influence in documenting American gardens can still be seen today in the Smithsonian archives, preserving a visual history of early landscape design.
6. Wangari Muta Maathai (1940-2011): The Environmental Activist & Tree Planter
Image: Santa Clara University
A pioneer in environmental conservation, Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, which mobilized women in Kenya to plant over 30 million trees, promoting reforestation and sustainable development. Her approach to grassroots activism empowered women to take control of their environments, showing that local actions can lead to global change. In 2004, Maathai became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, with the Nobel Committee praising her for “thinking globally and acting locally.” Her work remains a powerful example of how plants, sustainability, and social justice are deeply connected.
7. Rachel Carson (1907-1964): Environmentalist & Science Writer
Image: The New York Times
Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking book, Silent Spring (1962), exposed the harmful effects of pesticides, transforming how Americans gardened and viewed environmental responsibility. Her research led to greater awareness of chemical dangers, influencing the U.S. ban on DDT in 1972 and sparking the modern environmental movement. Carson’s work continues to shape sustainable gardening and conservation efforts today.
8. Dr. Ynés Mexía (1870-1938): Trailblazing Botanist & Plant Collector
Image: Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine
Starting her botanical career at age 51, Ynés Mexía became one of the most prolific plant collectors of her time, identifying over 500 new plant species and discovering 50 previously unknown to science. She traveled extensively across Mexico, South America, and Alaska, often working alone in rugged terrains. Her contributions significantly enriched herbariums worldwide, leaving an enduring impact on botanical research.
9. Dr. Katherine Esau (1898-1997): Plant Anatomist & Nobel Medalist
Image: The Davis Enterprise
A leading botanist and plant anatomist, Dr. Katherine Esau made groundbreaking discoveries in plant structure and development. Her research on phloem (the tissue that transports nutrients in plants) helped shape modern plant biology. In 1989, she was awarded the National Medal of Science, the highest scientific honor in the U.S., for her contributions to botany and agriculture.
10. Lady Bird Johnson (1912-2007): Wildflower Conservation Advocate
Image: White House Historical Association
As First Lady of the United States, Lady Bird Johnson spearheaded initiatives to beautify America’s highways and public spaces with native plants and wildflowers. She co-founded the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, which remains a leader in native plant research and conservation. Her advocacy changed how the U.S. approached landscaping and ecological preservation, encouraging sustainable, nature-based solutions.
11. Jeanne Baret (1740-1807): The First Woman to Circumnavigate the Globe as a Botanist
Image: New York Botanical Garden
Disguised as a man, Jeanne Baret joined an 18th-century botanical expedition, becoming the first woman to sail around the world while collecting thousands of plant specimens along the way. Her work contributed to the classification of many plants previously unknown to European science, including the Bougainvillea—though the credit was given to the ship’s captain instead of her. Despite being overlooked in her time, Baret’s remarkable contributions to botany are now receiving the long-overdue recognition they deserve.
Honoring Women Who Shaped the Future of Plants
These women paved the way for modern horticulture, botany, and landscape design, shaping the way we study, grow, and appreciate plants today. Whether through scientific discovery, activism, or artistic expression, their contributions have left a lasting impact on both plant science and environmental stewardship.
This Women’s History Month, we celebrate their legacy and the many women continuing to grow change in the fields of horticulture, botany, and conservation.
