The USDA Plant Database is a comprehensive online resource provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that offers a wide range of information on plants found in the United States and its territories. This database is a vital tool for botanists, researchers, conservationists, and anyone interested in plant biology and ecology. The database contains detailed information on over 70,000 plant species, including their classification, distribution, habitat, and uses.
Overview of the USDA Plant Database
The USDA Plant Database is part of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and is designed to provide accurate and up-to-date information on plants. The database includes information on plant species, their growth habits, flowering periods, and fruiting characteristics. It also provides data on plant distribution, including state and county-level maps, and information on plant communities and ecosystems. The database is regularly updated to reflect new research findings and changes in plant classification.
Key Features of the USDA Plant Database
The USDA Plant Database has several key features that make it a valuable resource for plant enthusiasts and researchers. Some of the key features include:
- Plant Species Profiles: The database provides detailed profiles of over 70,000 plant species, including their classification, distribution, habitat, and uses.
- Plant Distribution Maps: The database includes state and county-level maps showing the distribution of plant species, allowing users to track the range of specific plants.
- Plant Community Information: The database provides information on plant communities and ecosystems, including the types of plants that are typically found together and the environmental conditions that support them.
- Plant Characteristics: The database includes information on plant growth habits, flowering periods, and fruiting characteristics, making it a valuable resource for gardeners and landscapers.
| Plant Category | Number of Species |
|---|---|
| Flowering Plants | 35,000 |
| Grasses | 10,000 |
| Tree Species | 5,000 |
| Shrubs | 8,000 |
Applications of the USDA Plant Database
The USDA Plant Database has a wide range of applications, from conservation and research to gardening and landscaping. Some of the key applications of the database include:
Conservation Efforts: The database provides valuable information on plant species that are rare or endangered, allowing conservationists to track their distribution and develop effective conservation strategies.
Research and Development: The database is a valuable resource for researchers, providing detailed information on plant species and their characteristics, and allowing them to track changes in plant distribution and abundance over time.
Gardening and Landscaping: The database provides information on plant growth habits, flowering periods, and fruiting characteristics, making it a valuable resource for gardeners and landscapers looking to select plants that are well-suited to their local climate and soil conditions.
Accessing the USDA Plant Database
The USDA Plant Database is available online and can be accessed through the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) website. The database is free to use and does not require a subscription or login. Users can search the database by plant name, location, or characteristics, and can also browse through the database by plant category or family.
What is the USDA Plant Database?
+The USDA Plant Database is a comprehensive online resource provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that offers a wide range of information on plants found in the United States and its territories.
How can I access the USDA Plant Database?
+The USDA Plant Database is available online and can be accessed through the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) website. The database is free to use and does not require a subscription or login.
What kind of information is available in the USDA Plant Database?
+The database provides detailed information on over 70,000 plant species, including their classification, distribution, habitat, and uses. It also includes information on plant growth habits, flowering periods, and fruiting characteristics.
