Fungi illustration
Founded in 1980, The Friends of the Farlow is an international group of amateurs and professionals interested in cryptogamic botany and in seeing the Farlow Reference Library and Herbarium of Cryptogamic Botany at Harvard University flourish.

The Friends support maintenance of the excellence of the Farlow's collections, fulfillment of its research and educational objectives, and promulgation of and access to its resources.

About the Farlow Reference Library and Herbarium of Cryptogamic Botany

William G. Farlow (1844-1919) was a Professor of Cryptogamic Botany at Harvard University. Farlow amassed collections of all cryptogams and books referring to them. The books and specimens were given to Harvard through the Farlow Bequest in 1919. These are the foundations of the Farlow Reference Library and Herbarium. 

To date, the Farlow Herbarium houses nearly 1,400,000 specimens of lichenized and non-lichenized fungi, bryophytes, and algae. The collections are world-wide in scope; particular strengths are in bound, indexed exsiccatae, bryophytes and fungi from Asia, entomogenous fungi, Antarctic lichens, and special "authors" herbaria which contain many type specimens. The Herbarium also has an associated library, The Farlow Reference Library, including the Archives of the Farlow Herbarium of Cryptogamic Botany. Currently, the New England Botanical Club cryptogamic collection is also housed in the Farlow Herbarium.

FoF 2023

Friends of the Farlow Lecture and Open House, December 9, 2023

November 28, 2023

Please join us for an open house and special lecture sponsored by the Friends of the Farlow on December 9, 2023. Rachel Swenie, Harvard Herbaria Fellow, will present a special lecture, entitled Diversity and evolution of chanterelles and allies. The event will take place at the Harvard University Herbaria, 22 Divinity Ave Cambridge MA 02138. Parking available at the Oxford Street Garage, 52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA (mention "Friends of the Farlow" as you go in.) Schedule...

Read more about Friends of the Farlow Lecture and Open House, December 9, 2023
fungus day

World Fungus Day

October 7, 2023

October 7th is world fungus day. This was instigated in the UK and is coming to be recognized across the globe. This day provides a special opportunity to consider the importance of fungi in ecosystems, crop and human health. Harvard houses a large and important collection of fungi in the fungarium at the Farlow Library and Herbarium. This collection is worldwide in scope and supports research on fungi both locally and internationally. Over several years the the Farlow has sponsored lectures and activities. In recognition of the day, we have made these lectures available...

Read more about World Fungus Day
More