Mason Heberling

Collected on April 28, 1845, this specimen was found in Mercersburg, PA (Franklin County) by Thomas Conrad Porter.  Porter (1822-1901) was a botanist associated with the herbarium at what is now the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia.
 
This puny plant might not seem like anything to write home about, but is well known by most scientists.  Arabidopsis thaliana (mouse-ear cress) has played and continues to play a huge role in plant biology research.  This weed in the mustard family (Brassicaceae) is native to Europe and Asia and widely introduced to the US.  Because of its small genome (fully sequenced 16 years ago), rapid life cycle (germination to reproducing adult takes only 6 weeks!), mutant genotypes, and a long history of genetic research, this species has become an important model organism for cellular, molecular, evolutionary, agricultural and even ecological studies. It is the international “lab rat” for plant science.  It was discovered in Germany in the 1500s, but did not really become famous as a model organism for research until 1943 – nearly 100 years after this specimen was collected!  

Collected on April 21, 1945, this specimen was found in by Leroy Henry at Second Hollow Woods, near 7th Street Extension, New Kensington, PA.  As curator, Leroy Henry was an influential figure in botany at the museum. He collected over 36,000 specimens, or nearly 7% of the herbarium!  
 
Perhaps best recognized by its memorable dissected leaves and light purple flowers, Geranium maculatum, known as wild geranium, is native to woodlands across the eastern United States.  The “geraniums” commonly planted in gardens are in the same plant family, but different genus.

Collected on April 12, 1919, this specimen was found by Otto Jennings “North of Saunders” in Allegheny County, PA. Jennings was an extremely influential botanist, focusing on nearly all aspects of plants in our region.  He made many contributions throughout his career, serving as the Curator of Botany, Director of Education, and eventually Director of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.  He also was Professor of Head of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, having advised many students.  His legacy remains to this day for his influence on the museum, botany, conservation, and environmental education.
 
Skunk cabbage grows in wet forested areas across the Eastern US.  Although easily overlooked, it is one of the earliest plants to flower in our region. Fun fact: its flowers produce heat that melt the snow around it.  The flowers smell like rotting meat, which attract the flies that pollinate it, and as the name suggests, the leaves smell like skunk when crushed. 

Collected on April 7, 1945, this specimen was found by Otto Jennings near route 910, Bakerstown (Richland Township), PA. Jennings was an extremely influential botanist, focusing on nearly all aspects of plants in our region.  He made many contributions to the museum, serving as the Curator of Botany, Director of Education, and eventually Director of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.  He also was Professor of Head of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, having advised many students.  His legacy remains to this day for his well-known influence on the museum, botany, conservation, and environmental education.
 
Allium tricoccum, also known as wild leeks or “ramps,” is spring ephemeral species found in rich forests across eastern North America.  Known for its pungent garlic/onion flavor, people throughout Appalachia have long eaten this plant to welcome the arrival of spring.  Ramps were traditionally dug up for food by Appalachian peoples during the Zodiac sign Aries (March-April), symbolized by a ram.  The plant was therefore called “ram’s son,” which through time has been shortened to simply “ramps.”
 
Ramps festivals exist to this day and are increasingly popular at upscale restaurants.  However, over-collecting can lead to devastating population declines of the species, and digging up this plant is banned or restricted in some areas.

Ramps and other forest understory wildflowers abound in early spring, central New York.