March 18, 1898: 120 years ago today

​Spring wildflower season will be here very soon.  Known as “harbinger-of-spring” (Erigenia bulbosa), this little plant in the carrot family (Apiaceae) is among the first to flower in our region.  It emerges and flowers before many other species, often in March. Although faced with cold temperatures in the early spring, the species is able to take advantage of the high light before the overstory trees leaf out in late spring. Harbinger-of-spring can be found in forests throughout the midatlantic and great lakes states.  It is uncommon, however, and listed as a rare species of “special concern” in Pennsylvania.
 
In addition to its scientific importance, this particular specimen has special cultural significance.  It is one of the earliest specimens collected by Otto Jennings, one of the first botany curators at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and an influential botanist, conservationist, and educator.  Jennings (1877-1964) was born on a farm in Olena, Ohio.  He collected this species in Olena when he was 21 years old, the year he started as a student at the Ohio State University.  Jennings started his 60-year tenure at the Carnegie Museum six years later, in 1904. 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.
 

Above: Jennings in the field in 1958.