Chicago Botanic Garden

Your Garden — Plant Information Service

Preparing Specimens for Identification

Select a generous and fresh sample if possible. In the case of trees, collect twigs or branches that will show the leaf and bud arrangement, 6 to 12 inches when possible; leaves are not always enough. If the plant is in flower or fruit, please provide these items, since all plants are categorized botanically by their flowers and fruits.

Samples may be prepared in two ways:

FRESH — A fresh sample can be brought into the Plant Information office for examination in a plastic bag. Plants that wilt quickly should also be wrapped in a paper towel or put in a small container of water. If you are unable to bring or mail your sample immediately after collecting, place specimens in the refrigerator until you are able to submit.

Fresh samples can be sent to the office by mail as well. Place the sample in a perforated plastic bag. Do not add water, as moisture in the sample is adequate to keep the specimen fresh. Place the bag between two thin sheets of cardboard, then in a padded envelope or box.

DRY — Place sample between six to 12 sheets of newspaper. Place under several large books for four to five days. When the sample is dry, slip it between a folded sheet of newspaper and cover with two sheets of thin cardboard.

When collecting samples:

  • Collect a substantial amount of plant material, including flowers, buds, and fruit if available. Plant identification criteria are often located further down on a stem, not just at the tip.
  • If mailing your sample (especially for insect diagnosis), please ship it in crush-proof container.

When sending samples in the mail, mark the envelope
"HAND CANCEL, SPECIMEN ENCLOSED"

If you have a more urgent question or other needs, please feel free to contact the Plant Information Hotline during business hours at (847) 835-0972.