Herbarium

Featured Moss Specimen MICH houses 2100 specimens of the widespread moss genus Brachythecium Schimp., which is named for its relatively short and thick capsules. In Michigan, Brachythecium is represented by ca. 15 species, which are documented at MICH by 307 collections.

Featured Algae Specimen The type specimen of Pseudogrinnellia barrattiae M.J. Wynne (phylum Rhodophyta), described from Wadi Forh, Sultanate of Oman, northern Arabian Sea (Wynne 1999). This specimen has sori of sporangia scattered over the blade surface. This alga is one of approximately 106,000 specimens of algae in MICH.

Featured Vascular Plant Specimen Marsh thistle (Cirsium muticum) is a native thistle that grows in moist to wet areas throughout Michigan. The deep rose-purple flowers and the weak spines make this species one of the most attractive thistles occurring in the state. Specimens of this species are included in the 1.1 million vascular plant collections in MICH.

Featured Fungus Specimen A cluster of "ghostly" golden chanterelles, Cantharellus phasmatis M.J. Foltz & T.J. Volk. Part of a cryptic species complex, this species was originally described from the driftless region of western Wisconsin. Foltz has recently confirmed using molecular techniques that populations exist here in Michigan, including the Washtenaw county specimens pictured here. Golden chanterelles are highly sought-after for their culinary value. The University of Michigan Herbarium holds over 1500 collections of Cantharellus as part of a fungal collection estimated to contain at least 285,000 specimens. Photo: M.J. Foltz

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Recent News

Michigan News Spotlight: U-M museums’ insect, plant collections on display at Toledo Museum of Art

The Museum of Zoology and Herbarium contributed specimens to the Toledo Museum of Art for the Rachel Ruysch exhibit.

Expert Insights: Ben Hess on Importing Biological Materials

Ben Hess, Senior Registrar for the EEB Museums, recently shared his expertise on how the EEB Museums review regulations and coordinate with federal agencies to ensure compliance prior to importing biological materials.

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The University of Michigan Herbarium is home to some of the finest botanical collections in the world. The 1.7 million specimens of vascular plants, algae, bryophytes, fungi, and lichens combined with the expertise of the faculty-curators, students, and staff provide a world-class facility for teaching and research in systematic biology and biodiversity studies.

Michigan Flora June Featured Plant

Photo Credit: R.W. Smith

Viburnum rafinesqueanum - The specfies name is sometimes spelled Viburnum rafinesquianum. Learn More

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Michigan Flora Online

The Michigan Flora Website presents information about all vascular plants known to occur outside of cultivation. Information includes distribution maps, identification keys, discussions of species occurrence, and specimens documented.

Michigan Flora Website

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