CMC Herbarium

A student holding a bunch of plants, trying to setup the green house.

What is a herbarium?

A herbarium is a scientific collection of preserved plant specimens used for research, education, and reference. Each specimen is carefully dried, pressed, and labeled with key information such as species, collection location, habitat, and date. Herbaria are essential tools for studying plant biodiversity, ecology, taxonomy, conservation, and environmental science.

Explore plant biodiversity at the CMC Herbarium

The CMC Herbarium, located in Brooks Hall, houses over 26,000 preserved plant specimens, making it a rich resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in plant science. The collection has a strong focus on wetland species, the unique flora of the Beaver Island Archipelago, and plants native to the Great Lakes region. An extension of the collection at CMU’s Biological Station on Beaver Island expands opportunities for fieldwork and study.

Hands-on research and academic opportunities

The CMC Herbarium is equipped with modern tools to support student research and learning, including dissecting scopes with digital imaging, drying ovens, plant presses, and freezers. A specialized library of books and periodicals is available to aid in plant identification and research projects. Students can prepare, analyze, and preserve specimens while gaining real-world research experience.

Herbarium history and growth

Established in the 1930s by biology professor Faith Johnston, the CMU Herbarium began as a single cabinet of mounted plants when the university was known as Central Michigan College, hence the CMC acronym still in use. Over the decades, directors including Dr. Matthew Hohn, Dr. Daniel Wujek, and Dr. Anna Monfils have expanded the collection, added cabinets and compactors, and integrated student-collected specimens from courses in aquatic plants, field botany, and dendrology. Today, the herbarium continues to grow through faculty and student research, contributing valuable data to global plant databases.

Whether you’re studying plant taxonomy, preparing for a career in environmental science, or participating in fieldwork, the herbarium provides the space, tools, and support to grow as a scientist. Students gain hands-on experience, deepen their understanding of local and regional flora, and contribute to meaningful research that extends far beyond campus.

Visit the CMU Herbarium in 103 Brooks Hall to explore the collection, get involved in research, or learn more about opportunities in plant science.