Can the PSU Herbarium Help Your Project?
Start Date
3-16-2026 3:30 PM
End Date
3-16-2026 3:39 PM
Abstract
Founded in 1959, the Portland State University Herbarium (HPSU) is an archival repository of about 30,000 specimens of dried vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens. Collections are stored under climate-controlled and bug-proof conditions, ensuring protection and access as a public resource. Users include PSU faculty, students, agency personnel, consultants, community scientists, gardeners, and multiple other plant enthusiasts. The Herbarium provides technical services to properly identify, document, curate, and preserve plant materials. Specimens in the collection (vouchers) provide proof of occurrence and are available for future study if questions arise. Databasing and imaging of the collections provide free and open access through regional and international data portals, making information readily available to researchers, natural resource communities, and the public. The Herbarium is focused on the changing flora of the rapidly urbanizing Portland-Vancouver metro area, the Columbia River Gorge, and the lower Columbia River region. It consists of a core of 3,600 specimens collected between 1836 and 1920, with the remainder collected since 1959. Correct identification and preservation of critical specimens of both native and exotic species is an essential component of any conservation, restoration, or mitigation project. Our collections document changes to plant communities over time, and provide historical baseline data for planning purposes. The Herbarium is open to all on an appointment basis, and we can help you with your projects.
Subjects
Conservation biology, Habitat assessment, Habitat restoration
Creative Commons License
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Can the PSU Herbarium Help Your Project?
Founded in 1959, the Portland State University Herbarium (HPSU) is an archival repository of about 30,000 specimens of dried vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens. Collections are stored under climate-controlled and bug-proof conditions, ensuring protection and access as a public resource. Users include PSU faculty, students, agency personnel, consultants, community scientists, gardeners, and multiple other plant enthusiasts. The Herbarium provides technical services to properly identify, document, curate, and preserve plant materials. Specimens in the collection (vouchers) provide proof of occurrence and are available for future study if questions arise. Databasing and imaging of the collections provide free and open access through regional and international data portals, making information readily available to researchers, natural resource communities, and the public. The Herbarium is focused on the changing flora of the rapidly urbanizing Portland-Vancouver metro area, the Columbia River Gorge, and the lower Columbia River region. It consists of a core of 3,600 specimens collected between 1836 and 1920, with the remainder collected since 1959. Correct identification and preservation of critical specimens of both native and exotic species is an essential component of any conservation, restoration, or mitigation project. Our collections document changes to plant communities over time, and provide historical baseline data for planning purposes. The Herbarium is open to all on an appointment basis, and we can help you with your projects.