Edward G. Voss

Edward G. Voss, 1950

B.A., Denison University
M.a., University of Michigan
Ph.D., University of Michigan




Citation awarded on Saturday, June 7, 1975

A recognized authority in Michigan plant life, Dr. Edward Voss is curator in vascular plants at the University of Michigan Herbarium and professor of botany at the University of Michigan. Dr. Voss is also editor of The Michigan Botanist and serves as secretary of the editorial committee for the International Code of Botanical Nomeclature. He has been an active member of the Michigan Natural Areas Council, helping to locate, study, and dedicate natural areas in the state; and is also a member of the Sierra Club, Wilderness Society, Nature Conservancy, and other conservation organizations.

In 1972, the state of Michigan passed a resolution honoring Dr. Voss upon the publication of his book, Michigan Flora, the first of three volumes which is the only complete guide to the conifers and flowering plants of the state. The work is the culmination of over 16 years of research in examining nearly 80,000 specimens in herbarium collections made available by 40 institutions and individuals. The Senate resolution recognizes “the enormous expenditure of personal effort which has nurtured this undertaking to fruition” resulting in a beautifully illustrated, clear, workable guide for use by ecologists, botanists, and naturalists in studying Michigan’s natural heritage.