Plant Collection

How to register a collection

1. What is considered a Collection? A group of herbs* related in some significant way. For example: 

• One genus (Rosmarinus, Lavandula, Salvia, etc.)
• Plants of the Bible
• Useful plants of a specific region (ex: indigenous medicinal plants of the Southern Appalachians, or plants
  used by the American Indians in a specific region).
• Dye plants
• Plants with a common scent (ex: lemon-scented, oregano-scented)

      Come up with an idea!

         * Remember that an herb is a useful plant, presently or historically.

2. What information should be included?

• Genus*
• Specific epithet*
• Cultivar Name*
• Acquired As (name under which it was acquired, correct or no)
• Source
• Date of acquisition
• Zone*
• Herbarium / Slide / Photo / Other visual

*The only absolute requirements are: Genus, Specific Epithet, Cultivar Name and Zone. The rest of the information is very helpful, if you have it. However, you should keep records on future acquisitions. Herbarium specimens are encouraged for verification of each plant's identification. (Make specimens of the plant in flower.) Other information you may want to keep track of is flowering times, flower color, size of plant, and its growth habit.

3. Who can register a collection? Anyone who is a member of the Herb Society of America; either units, members at large, or individuals.

Send the information to the Plant Collections Chairman, either by e-mail or USPS. The list of collections will be published in a booklet available to the membership, and the lists are on the society website, members only section.

Anne Abbott
2342 Camp Street
New Orleans, LA 70130 
anneabbott@att.net
504-289-3319