sports

Masters in Bloom: The Flora of Augusta National

While azaleas and dogwoods are iconic, Augusta National actually features over 80,000 flowering plants that predate the golf course itself.

The course was originally Fruitland Nurseries before Bobby Jones acquired the land. It is believed to contain roughly 80,000 flowering plants and trees, with each hole named after a specific shrub or tree native to the area.

Beyond the famous azaleas, features like the "Golden Bell" and "Pampas" grass add to the landscape. Players like Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson have noted the intricate botanical details, though some specific blooms like the Golden Bell are easily missed during the tournament.