Sample Collection Log Page
Your collection log should include all the information you observe
about your plant while you are in the field, as well as your
final identification and any notes you make about the plant.
It isn't necessary that your collection log be neat, just
complete. It's a good idea to use waterproof ink or pencil.
What information to include?
Date
Location
Habitat--include at least four things
sun/shade
moisture
land use
soil type (sand, silt, clay, etc.)
other plants present
Growth form--tree, shrub, herb, or vine
Height (metric or English; include units!)
Flower or fruit color (record what you see, not information
from a book)
Collector's name (that's You!)
Your collection number--Start at 1 and go up. Don't reuse numbers and
don't forget to write it on the paper you press your plants in!
If you make these notes while in the field, then all you will
have to do later is copy the information to your labels.
Click to see a sample collection log page. Note
that the collector, Joe Cool, has saved himself a lot of trouble by
writing out the location and habitat description once for each
of his collecting sites. He has also made himself a lot of notes about
which plants to use, where to start keying, what he thinks the plants might
be, and so on.
Return to the Plant Collection Guidelines
Look at some Sample Labels
Return to the Table of Contents for the Lab