The idea of a prehistoric garden, inspired by the lush landscapes of the Jurassic Park films, connects modern horticulture with deep geological time. This fascination is rooted in the survival of ancient plant lineages that coexisted with dinosaurs during the Mesozoic Era. Creating such a garden involves cultivating “living fossils”—plants that have changed little over millions of years—to evoke a sense of deep time in your own backyard. This focuses on species that dominated the planet long before modern flowering plants became widespread. By understanding the specific needs of these resilient species, you can bring a piece of Earth’s ancient history into your contemporary landscape.
Defining Prehistoric Flora
The Mesozoic Era (Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods) was dominated by plant groups far different from the flowering species common today. This ancient flora consisted primarily of gymnosperms, which are seed-bearing plants that do not produce flowers or true fruits. Prominent among these were conifers, which included massive evergreen trees that formed the dinosaur-age forests. The Jurassic period is sometimes referred to as the “Age of Cycads,” reflecting the abundance of these palm-like plants.
Ancient groups of spore-bearing vascular plants, known as pteridophytes, also thrived, forming the understory of Mesozoic forests. This group includes ferns and horsetails, which reproduce through microscopic spores rather than seeds. Many modern species within these groups are considered “living fossils” because their forms have remained largely unchanged for hundreds of millions of years. Early flowering plants, or angiosperms, began appearing late in the Mesozoic, but they did not become the dominant plant life until after the extinction event that ended the era.
Iconic Plant Life of the Films
The cinematic landscapes of the Jurassic Park franchise are intentionally filled with plants meant to evoke the Mesozoic Era. One frequently visible group is the Cycads, whose stiff, evergreen, palm-like fronds and stout trunks lend a distinctly tropical and ancient appearance. The Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) is often the first plant people associate with the dinosaur age, despite the species not being a true palm.
Another recognizable feature is the towering Tree Ferns, often shown creating a lush, humid understory. These seedless vascular species have existed on Earth for hundreds of millions of years, predating the dinosaurs. The films also feature real-world “living fossils” like the Ginkgo biloba. The Ginkgo, with its unique fan-shaped leaves, is the sole remaining species of a once-diverse group.
Practical Guide to Growing a Prehistoric Garden
Creating a prehistoric garden involves selecting modern descendants of ancient groups and providing them with specific cultivation conditions that mimic their natural environments.
Cycads (Sago Palm)
Cycads, such as the common Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta), demand bright, direct sunlight or bright, indirect light to maintain their compact form. They require well-draining soil, often a sandy or loamy mix, as they are susceptible to root rot from overwatering. During the spring and summer growing season, they benefit from a balanced fertilizer application. Watering should be reduced significantly during their winter dormancy period.
Tree Ferns
Tree Ferns, such as the Soft Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica), thrive in sheltered, humid conditions with dappled shade, reflecting their preference for a forest understory. Consistent moisture is important; the trunk, which is a vertical rhizome, must be kept damp through regular watering or misting, especially during dry weather. They prefer a humus-rich, neutral to slightly acidic soil. Many species can only tolerate mild frosts, requiring winter protection for the crown in colder climates.
Dawn Redwood
The deciduous conifer known as the Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) is a fast-growing living fossil that requires a spacious planting location due to its potential height. It prefers full sun and consistently moist, well-drained soil, though it tolerates a wide range of soil types. Unlike many evergreens, this tree sheds its feathery foliage in the fall, which turns a vibrant orange-brown color before dropping.
Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo)
The Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba) is resilient and thrives in full sun to partial shade, adapting to many soil types as long as they are well-drained. When planting, select a male cultivar, such as ‘Autumn Gold’ or ‘Princeton Sentry’, which are guaranteed not to produce seeds. Female Ginkgo trees produce seeds with a fleshy outer layer that emits an unpleasant odor when they fall and decay, making them undesirable for ornamental use.
Horsetails
Horsetails (Equisetum species) are non-flowering plants that have been on Earth for over 400 million years, growing rapidly in marshy areas. They reproduce via spores and underground stems called rhizomes, which can cause them to become invasive in a typical garden bed. When incorporating them, plant them in a container without drainage holes or in a designated wet area to prevent their vigorous spread.
Toxicity and Ethical Sourcing
When cultivating prehistoric flora, the toxicity of certain species, particularly Cycads, demands careful consideration for the safety of pets and humans. The Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) contains the toxins cycasin and B-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in all its parts, with the seeds being the most concentrated source. Ingestion of even a small amount can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues, liver failure, and death in dogs. Households with pets or young children should exercise caution or choose non-toxic alternatives.
The popularity and ancient lineage of Cycads have made many species endangered in the wild, leading to illegal poaching and trade. Since many species are slow-growing, wild specimens can be hundreds of years old, fetching high prices on the black market. Gardeners should only purchase plants propagated in a nursery and avoid any supplier who cannot confirm the ethical, legal source of their stock. Supporting certified growers helps protect remaining wild populations from exploitation.