CEFNS Biological Sciences
Virtual Visit Request info Apply
MENUMENU
  • Degrees & programs
    • Undergraduate »
      • Biology, Bachelor of Science
      • Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Science
      • Secondary Education - Biology, Bachelor of Science in Education
      • Exercise Physiology, Bachelor of Science
      • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Bachelor of Science
      • Microbiology, Bachelor of Science
      • Brewing and Fermentation Science, Undergraduate Certificate
      • Wildlife Ecology and Management, Undergraduate Certificate
      • Biology, Minor
    • Graduate »
      • Biology, Master of Science
      • Biology, Doctor of Philosophy
  • People
    • Faculty & staff
      • Directory
      • Emeritus and adjunct faculty
    • Student groups
      • Alumni Association
      • Associated Students of Northern Arizona University
      • Biology Graduate Student Government Association
      • Graduate Student Government
      • Student clubs and organizations
  • Research
    • Centers
      • Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes
      • Center for Ecosystem Science and Society
      • Pathogen and Microbiome Institute
    • Labs and Facilities
      • Collections
      • Facilities
      • Faculty Labs
  • Resources
    • Undergraduate student resources
    • Graduate student resources
    • Department seminar series
  • Give
    • Benefits of giving
    • Partner with us
    • Give now
  • About
    • Mission & goals
    • News
    • Events
    • Contact us
  • NAU
  • CEFNS
  • Biological Sciences
  • Deaver Herbarium
Tiny plants are growing in small pots Staff Learn more about the folks at the Deaver Herbarium
Student recording data in the field. Research Support students and researchers by providing historical and contemporary specimens for study student looking through the lens of a microscope Education Support courses taught in Biological Sciences and create opportunities for graduate and undergraduate research and student curatorships cactus spines on a white card Services Resource for students, professional botanists, private consultants, and the Flagstaff community

Deaver Herbarium

Learn about the Deaver Herbarium on campus at NAU in Flagstaff

Deaver Herbarium, Northern Arizona University

The Deaver Herbarium (ASC) is home to more than 120,000 dried museum specimens of ferns, conifers, and flowering plants collected primarily in northern Arizona and the adjacent deserts. As a permanent scientific repository, the Deaver Herbarium was assigned a permanent acronym, ASC, when NAU was called Arizona State College. The herbarium is a public facility that supports a wide array of research projects and educational programs.

Our collection

More than three-quarters of the herbarium’s specimens were collected in Arizona, with most coming from the northern half of the state. In addition to northern Arizona, the collection emphasizes plants from the southern Colorado Plateau and adjacent deserts.

Each specimen documents the existence of an individual plant species at a particular place and time. Collections of specimens allow researchers to identify unknown plants, investigate how plants are related to each other, and how plants respond to environmental and biological changes over time. This information is critical in the study of biological diversity and in understanding how climate change, invasive species, and other challenges will affect biodiversity.

In addition to its collections, the Deaver Herbarium offers a small library and helpful staff. “If anyone is interested in plants and studying diversity, this is the place to do it,” says Tina Ayers, NAU Professor and Deaver Herbarium Curator. “Anybody can walk in here and ask, ‘what’s this?’ and we will help them.” Research staff members also collect plants in northern Arizona, the Colorado Plateau states, and the mountains of the southwestern United States, western Mexico, and South America.

Historical notes

Started in 1930, the herbarium is named for its first curator, Chester “Danny” Deaver.

Each permanent scientific repository is assigned a unique identifier, which takes the form of an acronym. The Deaver Herbarium’s permanent acronym, ASC, was assigned when NAU was called Arizona State College.

Map and directions

On the campus of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, the Deaver Herbarium is housed in the Biological Sciences building (Bldg. #21) at 617 S. Beaver St. This Google map image shows the exact location.

As you approach Flagstaff from I-17, take S. Milton Rd. north for about 1.3 miles to Butler Ave. Turn right on Butler Ave. Take the second right onto S. Beaver St. The Biological Sciences building will be on your right near the corner of S. Beaver St. and E. Franklin Ave.

The Deaver Herbarium is on the third floor of the building and can be easily located by entering the building at its southern entrance, which can be found just south of  a covered bus stop on S. Beaver St. If you enter the building through the southern entrance, take the stairwell to the third floor, and the herbarium will be just across the hall in room 314.

Biological Sciences
Location
Room 227 Building 21
Biological Sciences
617 S Beaver
Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
Mailing Address
PO Box 5640
Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
Contact Form
Email
biology@nau.edu
Phone
928-523-2381
Social Media
Facebook