Pehr Kalm in North America

From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally a Swedish settlement, Pehr Kalm began his survey of North American plants. He notes in his journal meeting Mr. Benjamin Franklin, who introduced Kalm to many of his friends, and provided significant introductions. One introduction was to Mr. John Bartram, an important plants man and botanist of the day (he grew plants native to the eastern seaboard, and distributed them to Britain and Europe, and to colonists, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson). In his journal, Kalm reports that wherever he goes, he “finds plants he has never seen before,” and stops people to learn their names.

Kalm’s journal reveals his intellect and curiosity. It is filled with observations about plants, soil, and animals, as well as economic potential for plants (for example, he considered the Mulberry—Morus rubra—to start a silk trade in Sweden). He reports how the American Indians and colonists use plants for commerce, food, and medicine. He also reports on customs, churches, manners, history, and local lore. He frequently visits “Old Swedes” to gather information on plants, and about the old New Sweden. All the old Swedes report that fish, fowl, and game were more plentiful in their youth (even in the mid-1770s the impact of a growing population was being felt). He also notes that some colonists express they were becoming economically strong enough to no longer need ties with Britain.

Kalmia latifolia (photo by Arx Fortis)

Kalm collected seeds and specimens, and sent them, with his observations, to Dr. Linnaeus at the University of Uppsala, whenever he had an opportunity. In a journal entry on October 25, 1748, he reports packing up seeds to send on a ship bound for Europe. In appreciation, Linnaeus named an entire genus after him – Kalmia in the Ericaceae family, with about eight species of evergreen shrubs. In a journal entry on November 20, 1748, Kalm notes that Dr. Linnaeus had named several laurels after him, including Kalmia latifolia.