John Carey (1797 – 26 March 1880) was a British botanist who studied in North America between 1830 and 1852.

[2] Carey was a "frequent guest and invaluable companion" to Asa Gray.

[1] Carey revised Gray's proofs of the first edition of the Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States, also contributing articles on Salix (willows), Populus (poplars), and Carex (sedges).

[2] In his obituary, Gray described Carey as "a near and faithful friend, an accomplished botanist, a genial and warm-hearted and truly good man.

[3] Several species are named in his honor, including Carex careyana and Persicaria careyi.