Department
Sciences & Mathematics
Format of Presentation
Poster
Research Category
STEM
Description
Zinnia elegans is a flowering species in the Asteraceae family that originated in Mexico and eventually spread to Europe (Burlec et al., 2019). This species' vast array of colors, drought resistance, and other agricultural benefits make this plant highly sought after in gardens worldwide (Burlec et al., 2019). However, following the methodology of a preliminary research literature review, recent scientific research suggests that Z. elegans may possess significance beyond its aesthetic appeal. This literature review aimed to examine recent scientific findings regarding zinnias and their potential agricultural, medicinal, and genetic applications. To explore these possibilities, recent scientific studies were examined to identify findings related to the plant’s agricultural significance, medicinal applications, and breeding advancements. Some studies have determined that Z. elegans aids in crop growth and adapts to withstand specific environmental stressors. In addition, other studies have found that zinnias contain important bioactive compounds and potential antiviral properties. While these findings suggest that Zinnia elegans has more to offer than its inherent beauty, gaps in the literature remain such as a lack of in-vivo studies and long-term field studies. As a result, more long-term and in-vivo studies are necessary to better understand the plant’s abilities in the scientific community. This study produced a preliminary literature review and a short summary of historical uses with an educational sign for transmitting this knowledge to the general public in an edible plant garden. Future research includes identifying the most likely scientific applications and designing experiments that can be verified through experimental studies.
Recommended Citation
Klark, Katelyn G., "From Garden to Laboratory: The Scientific Significance of Zinnia elegans" (2026). Undergraduate Research Conference. 1.
https://athenacommons.muw.edu/urc/2026/stem-poster-session/1
Included in
From Garden to Laboratory: The Scientific Significance of Zinnia elegans
Zinnia elegans is a flowering species in the Asteraceae family that originated in Mexico and eventually spread to Europe (Burlec et al., 2019). This species' vast array of colors, drought resistance, and other agricultural benefits make this plant highly sought after in gardens worldwide (Burlec et al., 2019). However, following the methodology of a preliminary research literature review, recent scientific research suggests that Z. elegans may possess significance beyond its aesthetic appeal. This literature review aimed to examine recent scientific findings regarding zinnias and their potential agricultural, medicinal, and genetic applications. To explore these possibilities, recent scientific studies were examined to identify findings related to the plant’s agricultural significance, medicinal applications, and breeding advancements. Some studies have determined that Z. elegans aids in crop growth and adapts to withstand specific environmental stressors. In addition, other studies have found that zinnias contain important bioactive compounds and potential antiviral properties. While these findings suggest that Zinnia elegans has more to offer than its inherent beauty, gaps in the literature remain such as a lack of in-vivo studies and long-term field studies. As a result, more long-term and in-vivo studies are necessary to better understand the plant’s abilities in the scientific community. This study produced a preliminary literature review and a short summary of historical uses with an educational sign for transmitting this knowledge to the general public in an edible plant garden. Future research includes identifying the most likely scientific applications and designing experiments that can be verified through experimental studies.