The Bryophyte Herbarium of the New York State Museum includes mosses, liverworts, and hornworts and it serves to document these plant groups as they are represented in the New York flora. While most of the bryophyte collection is from New York, also included are significant holdings from other parts of the United States and from other countries. The total number of accessioned specimens exceeds 50,000.
The Bryophyte Herbarium has had a long history, and accordingly it houses numerous collections dating from the 1800s. Important historical collections include specimens from Coe Finch Austin, Elizabeth G. Britton, George W. Clinton, Roy Latham, John M. Macoun, and W. H. Wiegmann. An important nineteen volume bound set of bryophytes prepared by Lewis Caleb Beck includes collections that likely predate 1829. Other major collections are the results of research and studies by former state botanists and curators, Charles H. Peck, Stanley J. Smith, and Norton G. Miller.
For information about requesting Specimen Loans, please see the Loan Policy.
