Botany

Why This Work Matters 

Some of our plant specimens date back to the 1880s. They show what BC’s plant life looked like in the past and how it has changed over time. Our collection also includes around 70 “type specimens”—the first samples used to describe new species.

Scientists, students, and other experts use these plants to study where different species live, how their habitats change, and which plants need protection. 

Helping Science and Conservation 

Our team takes care of the collection, making sure each plant is correctly labelled and stored. We share specimens with scientists around the world who use them to study plant structure and DNA. Every year, we go on trips—especially to hard-to-reach areas like northern mountains and remote coastal spots—to collect more plants. Since 2002, we’ve added more than 11,000 new specimens to the provincial collection. 

Growing the Collection 

In the past, most of our specimens came from southern BC, Vancouver Island, and provincial parks. Now, we’re focusing on places that haven’t been as well-studied, like alpine regions, northern coasts, and smaller islands. We add about 1,000 new specimens every year and accept new specimens from scientists, consultants, and the public—especially rare plants, invasive species, or ones growing in new places.  

Research and Community 

Our collection helps with many kinds of research, including: 

• Studying where plants grow and how they spread 
• Tracking the effects of climate change 
• Naming and identifying new plant species in BC 

If you are a researcher, contact us for ways we can help your work.