In 1202, Italian mathematician Leonardo of Pisa (known as Fibonacci) published a simple number sequence that appears everywhere in nature, art, and computer science.

The Sequence Rule

Start with 0 and 1. To get the next number, simply add the previous two numbers together:

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144...
  • 0 + 1 = 1
  • 1 + 1 = 2
  • 1 + 2 = 3
  • 2 + 3 = 5
  • 3 + 5 = 8

Where to Find Fibonacci in Nature

  • Flower Petals: Most flowers have Fibonacci petal counts (Lilies have 3, buttercups have 5, chicory has 21, daisies often have 34 or 55).
  • Pinecones: The spiral rows of scales on a pinecone count out to Fibonacci numbers in opposing directions (often 8 in one direction and 13 in the other).
  • Sunflowers: The seed heads of sunflowers pack the maximum number of seeds without crowding by growing in Fibonacci spirals (typically 34, 55, or 89 spirals).