UTK Herbarium - TENN

Now Flowering: Striped Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata)

One of the many ways herbarium collections support research is by documenting when plants flower. By comparing specimens collected over decades—or even centuries—researchers can study changes in flowering times and better understand how species respond to environmental change.

If you're exploring shady woodlands around East Tennessee this summer, keep an eye out for striped wintergreen, an evergreen member of the heath family (Ericaceae) recognized by its distinctive white-striped leaves and nodding white flowers.

Have you spotted this species in bloom this year?

Behind every specimen in the herbarium is the careful work of collections staff and technicians
This summer, our Curatorial Technicians have been busy processing newly acquired bryophyte specimens. From assigning barcodes and imaging specimens to entering collection data and filing specimens in the collection, each step helps ensure these records remain accessible for future research.
The UT Herbarium houses more than 183,000 bryophyte specimens, representing approximately 80–90% of the world's bryophyte genera. These collections help researchers study biodiversity, species distributions, conservation, and changes in ecosystems through time.
Most of these specimens have also been digitized and are freely available to researchers, educators, and the public through the Consortium of Bryophyte Herbaria: bryophyteportal.org

Supporting the future of forest conservation through student research

With support from the Breedlove, Dennis Fund, UT graduate student Ella Segal collected tree seeds, soils, and mycorrhizal fungi from forests across the eastern United States as part of her research on plant-fungal relationships and climate change. Her work investigated how beneficial soil fungi may influence the ability of trees to establish in new areas as species ranges shift in response to changing environmental conditions.

The project included fieldwork across multiple states and the establishment of common garden experiments in Tennessee and Michigan. By studying how tree populations respond when paired with fungal communities from different regions, her research contributes to our understanding of forest resilience and may help guide future conservation and restoration efforts.

Swipe to see some of the fieldwork that made this research possible:

🌱 Ella collecting American beech (Fagus grandifolia) seeds at Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia.

🌱 Soil collection at the University of Michigan Biological Station, one of the sites used for the common garden experiments.

🌱 Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) seeds collected from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, representing one of many populations included in the study.

The UT Herbarium (TENN) is proud to support student research through opportunities like the Breedlove, Dennis Fund. Projects like this provide valuable field experience for students while advancing our understanding of plant ecology, forest health, and conservation.

Calling all young plant explorers!

Have you ever wondered how scientists study plants, identify species, and preserve specimens for future generations? In Flora Quest: Exploring Plant Diversity, campers will get hands-on experience visiting the UTK greenhouses, exploring the University of Tennessee Herbarium, creating their own mini plant collection, and learning about the incredible diversity of plants that surround us every day.

Even better, a limited number of scholarships are available, which makes it possible to attend a full week of camp for just $49.

Students entering grades 7–8 are encouraged to apply, but don't wait -scholarship opportunities and camp spaces are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

July 6–10, 2026
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Scholarship deadline: June 26

See the flyer for details on registration and scholarship information.

Plants are foundational to healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, and endangered species recovery — yet they have often been overlooked in federal conservation investment and policy discussions. We are encouraged to see growing national attention focused on the importance of plant conservation and recovery efforts.

We are proud to support this collaborative effort to elevate the role of plants in conservation policy and investment. Thank you to the many institutions, researchers, conservationists, and partners working together to ensure that plant biodiversity has a stronger voice in shaping the future of conservation.

Read the op-ed here: https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24748-opinion-to-recover-endangered-species-invest-in-plants

Opinion: To recover endangered species, invest in plants Leaders from the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Property Environmental Research Center argue that prioritizing plant species recovery would drive record gains for other wildlife at lower cost and with less conflict.

American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is one of the most recognizable native shrubs of the southeastern US, especially in fall when its bright purple berries stand out along forest edges and woodland trails. Beyond its striking appearance, this species has a long history of traditional uses and even natural mosquito-repelling compounds in its leaves!

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is well known for its distinctive fragrance, produced by aromatic oils in its leaves. Native to the Mediterranean region, this evergreen shrub has long been valued in cooking, gardening, and traditional medicine. You can spot it near the Volunteer Blvd pedestrian walkway!

The genus Rhododendron includes more than 1,000 species and ranges from tiny alpine shrubs to large tree-like forms. Their colorful flowers attract a variety of pollinators, and many species are prized ornamentals. In the southeastern United States, native rhododendrons are among the most recognizable flowering shrubs of mountain forests.

Did you know there’s a plant whose colorful bracts resemble tiny shrimp?
The Shrimp Plant (Justicia brandegeeana) is native to Mexico and is a favorite in gardens for its unusual, long-lasting flowers that attract hummingbirds and insect pollinators.