Herbarium | U-M LSA University of Michigan Herbarium

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 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 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

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.

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Recent News

Expanding fungal diversity, one cell at a time

More than a million species of fungi are estimated to live on this planet, but most of that diversity remains unknown because the fungi have avoided detection and have not been cultured for study in laboratories.

Citizen science: Research Museums Center prairie restoration project begins

“The goal of the prairie restoration project is to restore part of the RMC grounds to a pollinator friendly prairie with Michigan native plants.” ~ Dr. Erika Tucker, Insect Division collection manager, U-M Museum of Zoology

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Welcome to the Herbarium

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 December Featured Plant

Crocanthemum canadense - Late in the fall, our Frostweeds produce "frost flowers;" ice crystals formed into intricate patterns along the stems just above ground level. These are visible in the morning after hard night frosts. Learn More

Giving to the Herbarium

RMC Shuttle Service Information - Campus Transportation to the Herbarium

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

Events

Dec

Dissertation defense: Integrated analysis of the gut microbiota and their fermentation products in mice treated with the longevity enhancing drug acarbose

Byron Smith, EEB Ph.D. Student

9:00 AM
1010 Biological Sciences Building

Dec

Dissertation defense: Integrated analysis of the gut microbiota and their fermentation products in mice treated with the longevity enhancing drug acarbose

Byron Smith, EEB Ph.D. Student

9:00 AM
Earl Lewis Room Rackham Graduate School (Horace H.)

Dec

EEB student evaluation seminar: Tracking the viral predators of microcystis in Lake Erie

Anthony Wing, EEB Graduate Student

10:00 AM
5150 Biological Sciences Building

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Be a Victor

We strive to support the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts on the front lines of learning and research; to steward our planet, our community, our campus. To do this, the Herbarium needs you—because the world needs Victors.