Flora Parisiensis, ou Descriptions et Figures des Plantes qui Croissent aux Environs de Paris is a seminal botanical work by Pierre Bulliard, published between 1776 and 1783. This six-volume set offers a comprehensive catalog of plants native to the Île-de-France region, meticulously arranged according to Carl Linnaeus’s sexual system of classification. The first volume, released in 1776, serves as an introduction to this ambitious project, setting the stage for the detailed botanical exploration that follows.​

Bulliard’s approach was both artistic and scientific. He personally designed and engraved over 600 hand-colored plates, capturing the plants with remarkable precision and naturalism. These illustrations not only depict the plants’ external features but also highlight their medicinal properties, virtues, and recommended dosages, providing invaluable insights for contemporary herbalists and physicians. The work is notable for its integration of botanical art with practical medical applications, reflecting the Enlightenment era’s emphasis on empirical observation and utility.​

The first volume of Flora Parisiensis includes an introduction that outlines the Linnaean classification system, offering readers a framework for understanding plant taxonomy. This foundational text was often omitted in later editions, making complete copies particularly rare and valuable. The volume sets a precedent for the subsequent detailed descriptions and illustrations in the following volumes, each dedicated to specific plant families and genera.​

Beyond its botanical significance, Flora Parisiensis stands as a testament to the intersection of art and science. Bulliard’s dual expertise in medicine and illustration allowed him to produce a work that is both scientifically rigorous and artistically exceptional. The first volume, with its detailed engravings and thoughtful organization, not only serves as a botanical reference but also as a visual celebration of the natural world surrounding Paris. Today, it remains a cherished resource for botanists, historians, and art enthusiasts alike.