The Native Plants of North American Database is a free and searchable database with a wealth of information on 13,345 native plants. According to their website, it is the most comprehensive guide to North American native plants, and it includes over 50,000 searchable images, lists of recommended species by state or by special interest, and answers to plant and gardening questions. The database is hosted and maintained by The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The Center’s mission is to inspire the conservation of native plants.

“Wildflowers” by tejvanphotos is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The site provides valuable information for scientists, landscape architects, and other professionals, but it is also easy for amateur gardeners or students to navigate. You can search by scientific name, common name, or browse by family. Additionally, you can run a combination search that allows limiting by state, habit, lifespan, light requirement, soil moisture, bloom time/color, and leaf and/or size characteristics. There are also lists of recommended species by state that can be further limited by the previously mentioned characteristics. There seems to be a search option for everyone! They also include important lists like bee-friendly plants.

The results include a vast amount of information. Included are scientific and common names and synonyms, USDA symbol and native status, a brief description and images when available, plant characteristics, bloom information, distribution, growing conditions, benefits, propagation information, and a bibliography with additional resources.

Example search

The Wildflower Center site also maintains and links to three other searchable databases for those interested in native plants. First, they provide a National Suppliers Directory, searchable by location or name, that includes businesses that sell native plants or provide landscape or consulting services. Second, they have a National Organizations Directory, searchable by name, location, or category, that provides a list of plant-related organizations. Third, their entire image gallery is searchable by name, family, photographer, or collection. Note that the images are copyrighted, though educational and personal use is permitted.

Melissa Gold, Science Librarian, Millersville University

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