I’ve always thought seeds can uniquely capture the interest of children. Seeds start as one thing and become another—in short, they transform. As a child, I wasn’t fascinated with pea seeds when I planted rows by hand. But certain seeds always enticed me to handle and examine them and to daydream of what they’d ultimately produce.
The following plants have intriguing seeds, create harvestable products, or fill important ecosystem roles. Add the anatomical features I’ve highlighted, and these plants and their seeds are well-suited for providing children’s first lessons in botany.
Cornflower
Also known as “bachelor’s button,” cornflowers () are beautiful whether fresh-cut or dried. They also attract native pollinators in abundance. The seeds of this annual have a striking appearance, like the heads of little paint
