Regional Resources
Regional herbaria and botanists are building an ever-growing number of online and digital resources for the flora of the Pacific Northwest. The Consortium of PNW Herbaria maintains a list of these resources to facilitate access to information for our region's flora.
Checklists
Flora Projects
Image Collections
Atlases
Collection Databases
Checklists
British Columbia plant species codes and selected attributes
Data files containing the presently accepted scientific and common names for vascular plants, mosses and lichens of British Columbia. The liverworts and hornworts included in the lists are from the North American lists as a B.C. list does not exist. All species include a 7 or 8 character code for use in database applications. In addition, commonly used species synonyms are included to assist in determining the presently accepted name. Species attributes include lifeform, toxicity, weed status, wetland indicator value, rare (red or blue list) ranking, and whether native or exotic.
Data files containing the presently accepted scientific and common names for vascular plants, mosses and lichens of British Columbia. The liverworts and hornworts included in the lists are from the North American lists as a B.C. list does not exist. All species include a 7 or 8 character code for use in database applications. In addition, commonly used species synonyms are included to assist in determining the presently accepted name. Species attributes include lifeform, toxicity, weed status, wetland indicator value, rare (red or blue list) ranking, and whether native or exotic.
Oregon Vascular Plant Checklist (Oregon Flora Project)
The Oregon Vascular Plant Checklist serves as the foundation of the Oregon Flora Project by providing a nomenclatural framework for use in the atlas, photo gallery, and flora. When completed, the checklist will include all native and exotic species, subspecies, and varieties (tax) confirmed to grow in Oregon without cultivation, either currently or historically. The checklist also gives synonyms, or alternate scientific names. The Checklist will be much more than just a list of names. It will be a tool that will help people make better use of existing floras and guide them to additional information in the literature, and it is an important step toward the eventual publication of a new Flora of Oregon.
The Oregon Vascular Plant Checklist serves as the foundation of the Oregon Flora Project by providing a nomenclatural framework for use in the atlas, photo gallery, and flora. When completed, the checklist will include all native and exotic species, subspecies, and varieties (tax) confirmed to grow in Oregon without cultivation, either currently or historically. The checklist also gives synonyms, or alternate scientific names. The Checklist will be much more than just a list of names. It will be a tool that will help people make better use of existing floras and guide them to additional information in the literature, and it is an important step toward the eventual publication of a new Flora of Oregon.
Washington Flora Checklist
A comprehensive and authoritative synonymized checklist of the vascular plants of Washington State. Taxa included in the checklist: native taxa whether extant, extirpated, or extinct; exotic taxa that are naturalized, escaped from cultivation, or persisting wild; waifs (e.g., ballast plants) and other rarely collected exotics; interspecific hybrids that are frequent or self-maintaining; and unnamed taxa in the process of being described. The checklist is expected to provide an essential basis for an eventual updated taxonomic treatment of the flora of Washington.
A comprehensive and authoritative synonymized checklist of the vascular plants of Washington State. Taxa included in the checklist: native taxa whether extant, extirpated, or extinct; exotic taxa that are naturalized, escaped from cultivation, or persisting wild; waifs (e.g., ballast plants) and other rarely collected exotics; interspecific hybrids that are frequent or self-maintaining; and unnamed taxa in the process of being described. The checklist is expected to provide an essential basis for an eventual updated taxonomic treatment of the flora of Washington.
Flora Projects
E-Flora B.C.
E-Flora BC is a GIS-based biogeographic atlas of the plants of British Columbia that represents new frontiers in information gathering, compiling, visualization and presentation. In taking advantage of the power of the internet and combining it with GIS and statistical analyses, E-Flora BC provides critical information on BC plant species and their ecology. As a "living" atlas of BC plants, E-Flora can be updated on an on-going open-ended basis, keeping key botanical information at our fingertips for use in conservation planning, conservation biology research, and education. The botanical information provided in E-Flora has been compiled from all major botanical sources in the province, representing the work of numerous experts and researchers in the BC flora, in plant taxonomy, in plant ecology and in biogeography.
E-Flora BC is a GIS-based biogeographic atlas of the plants of British Columbia that represents new frontiers in information gathering, compiling, visualization and presentation. In taking advantage of the power of the internet and combining it with GIS and statistical analyses, E-Flora BC provides critical information on BC plant species and their ecology. As a "living" atlas of BC plants, E-Flora can be updated on an on-going open-ended basis, keeping key botanical information at our fingertips for use in conservation planning, conservation biology research, and education. The botanical information provided in E-Flora has been compiled from all major botanical sources in the province, representing the work of numerous experts and researchers in the BC flora, in plant taxonomy, in plant ecology and in biogeography.
Oregon Flora Project
Since 1994, the Oregon Flora Project has been creating a comprehensive resource on the vascular plants of Oregon that grow without cultivation. Founded by the late Scott Sundberg and housed at Oregon State University, the project addresses the 4,516 species, subspecies, and varieties of ferns, trees, grasses, and flowering plants that inhabit Oregon’s diverse landscapes. The Oregon Flora Project uses images, interactive mapping, and descriptive text to convey scientific data to a degree of detail that matches the needs of the user—novice, informed amateur, or professional.Through its collaborative and grassroots nature, the Oregon Flora Project is applying its expertise to complete, curate, and unify botanical information into a resource of great depth and breadth that is valuable to all users.
Since 1994, the Oregon Flora Project has been creating a comprehensive resource on the vascular plants of Oregon that grow without cultivation. Founded by the late Scott Sundberg and housed at Oregon State University, the project addresses the 4,516 species, subspecies, and varieties of ferns, trees, grasses, and flowering plants that inhabit Oregon’s diverse landscapes. The Oregon Flora Project uses images, interactive mapping, and descriptive text to convey scientific data to a degree of detail that matches the needs of the user—novice, informed amateur, or professional.Through its collaborative and grassroots nature, the Oregon Flora Project is applying its expertise to complete, curate, and unify botanical information into a resource of great depth and breadth that is valuable to all users.
Image Collections
Central Washington Native Plants
Over 300 of the more common plants of Central Washington are featured here as well as some of the more unusual and rare species. This photographic collection includes descriptions of the species, distribution, habitat, morphology, and ethnobotanical uses. Also includes Southern Idaho Native Plants, Okanogan Native Plants, and Inland Northwest Lichens.
Over 300 of the more common plants of Central Washington are featured here as well as some of the more unusual and rare species. This photographic collection includes descriptions of the species, distribution, habitat, morphology, and ethnobotanical uses. Also includes Southern Idaho Native Plants, Okanogan Native Plants, and Inland Northwest Lichens.
E-Flora B.C. Photo Gallery
A part of the larger E-Flora B.C. web site, the photo gallery contains nearly 10,000 photographs of British Columbia's vascular plants, fungi, mosses, liverworts and lichens. These photos enhance the utility of the species descriptions and atlas pages, and assist with identifying plants you may find in B.C. The photo gallery is continuously growing due to contributions from numerous individuals.
A part of the larger E-Flora B.C. web site, the photo gallery contains nearly 10,000 photographs of British Columbia's vascular plants, fungi, mosses, liverworts and lichens. These photos enhance the utility of the species descriptions and atlas pages, and assist with identifying plants you may find in B.C. The photo gallery is continuously growing due to contributions from numerous individuals.
Montana Plant Life
This web site presents a wide variety of Montana wildflowers and other plants growing in the wilds of Montana. Each presented species has its own page with pictures, a full description and, if applicable, information about edibility, medicinal and poisonous properties. Each presented plant family has its own page with a description of its unique characteristics plus a plant identification online guide with pictures, short descriptions and links to the species that belong to it. The site includes edible plants, medicinal plants as well as poisonous plants.
This web site presents a wide variety of Montana wildflowers and other plants growing in the wilds of Montana. Each presented species has its own page with pictures, a full description and, if applicable, information about edibility, medicinal and poisonous properties. Each presented plant family has its own page with a description of its unique characteristics plus a plant identification online guide with pictures, short descriptions and links to the species that belong to it. The site includes edible plants, medicinal plants as well as poisonous plants.
Oregon Flora Photo Gallery (Oregon Flora Project)
The Oregon Flora Photo Gallery is an online resource provided by the Oregon Flora Project. The Photo Gallery will ultimately feature multiple images of each species, subspecies, and variety of vascular plants that grow in Oregon without cultivation. Images will include photographs depicting the plant’s habitat, its general habit, flowers, details of important characters, a representative herbarium specimen, and as available, technical illustrations. As with the other online features, the Photo Gallery will be searchable and available to the public.
The Oregon Flora Photo Gallery is an online resource provided by the Oregon Flora Project. The Photo Gallery will ultimately feature multiple images of each species, subspecies, and variety of vascular plants that grow in Oregon without cultivation. Images will include photographs depicting the plant’s habitat, its general habit, flowers, details of important characters, a representative herbarium specimen, and as available, technical illustrations. As with the other online features, the Photo Gallery will be searchable and available to the public.
Turner Photographics: Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest
Contains over 7,000 stunning wildflower photographs by Mark Turner. The photos were created throughout the Pacific Northwest and in other parts of the United States and Canada. Most are from locations in Washington or Oregon. Every plant pictured is identified by Latin and common name. Powerful search tools make it easy to find just the photograph or species you want, whether it's a native plant or an introduced weed.
Contains over 7,000 stunning wildflower photographs by Mark Turner. The photos were created throughout the Pacific Northwest and in other parts of the United States and Canada. Most are from locations in Washington or Oregon. Every plant pictured is identified by Latin and common name. Powerful search tools make it easy to find just the photograph or species you want, whether it's a native plant or an introduced weed.
WTU Image Collection: Plants & Lichens of Washington
The WTU Image Collection provides online access to over 27,000 photographs, with associated information, for many of the plants and lichens of Washington. Developed and maintained by the University of Washington Herbarium (WTU), this site brings together photographs from numerous photographers and botanists from around the state. Photographs are accompanied by distribution maps, descriptions, synonymy, and additional resources. Use the site to learn about the plants and lichens found across Washington State's diverse array of landscapes.
The WTU Image Collection provides online access to over 27,000 photographs, with associated information, for many of the plants and lichens of Washington. Developed and maintained by the University of Washington Herbarium (WTU), this site brings together photographs from numerous photographers and botanists from around the state. Photographs are accompanied by distribution maps, descriptions, synonymy, and additional resources. Use the site to learn about the plants and lichens found across Washington State's diverse array of landscapes.
Atlases
E-Flora B.C. Atlas
The E-Flora B.C. atlas pages contain information on each species in British Columbia, including distribution, taxonomy, ecology, conservation status, poison status, and invasive status. Interactive maps include biogeographic data layers that can be customized to help uncover relationships between plants and their environment. Specimen dots can be clicked to bring up collection information. Animated maps show distributional changes for select species over time.
The E-Flora B.C. atlas pages contain information on each species in British Columbia, including distribution, taxonomy, ecology, conservation status, poison status, and invasive status. Interactive maps include biogeographic data layers that can be customized to help uncover relationships between plants and their environment. Specimen dots can be clicked to bring up collection information. Animated maps show distributional changes for select species over time.
Oregon Plant Atlas (Oregon Flora Project)
The online Oregon Vascular Plant Atlas features distribution maps for all of Oregon’s vascular plants. The maps provide information for each species showing where it has been collected or observed in Oregon. Maps can show up to six taxa, with one of four Oregon background maps. Herbarium specimens, species lists, and other observations provide information used to place each dot that is mapped. Clicking on a dot reveals the information associated with that record. Our database currently has approximately 385,000 records representing 96% of Oregon’s 4516 taxa.
The online Oregon Vascular Plant Atlas features distribution maps for all of Oregon’s vascular plants. The maps provide information for each species showing where it has been collected or observed in Oregon. Maps can show up to six taxa, with one of four Oregon background maps. Herbarium specimens, species lists, and other observations provide information used to place each dot that is mapped. Clicking on a dot reveals the information associated with that record. Our database currently has approximately 385,000 records representing 96% of Oregon’s 4516 taxa.
Washington Carex Atlas
The Washington Carex Atlas provides access to distribution maps for all Carex species known to occur in the state. Multiple species can be displayed together on the map and background map layers can be selected to help detect patterns in species distributions. Dots on the map can be clicked to bring up collection details.
The Washington Carex Atlas provides access to distribution maps for all Carex species known to occur in the state. Multiple species can be displayed together on the map and background map layers can be selected to help detect patterns in species distributions. Dots on the map can be clicked to bring up collection details.
Collection Databases
Marion Ownbey Herbarium Specimen Databases
The Marion Ownbey Herbarium at Washington State University provides online access to the type specimens and selected groups of taxa. The type specimen database contains 1,300 records. Databases for selected groups include bryophytes (10,000 records), lichens (2,100), Saxifragaceae (5,150), Loasaceae (750), Allium (4,000), Townsendia (300), Synthyris and Besseya (400), and Calochortus (1400).
The Marion Ownbey Herbarium at Washington State University provides online access to the type specimens and selected groups of taxa. The type specimen database contains 1,300 records. Databases for selected groups include bryophytes (10,000 records), lichens (2,100), Saxifragaceae (5,150), Loasaceae (750), Allium (4,000), Townsendia (300), Synthyris and Besseya (400), and Calochortus (1400).
OSU Herbarium Specimen Databases
The Oregon State University Herbarium databases provide access to specimen data exclusively for Oregon. Approximately 150,000 vascular plant records are available online, along with about 30,000 mycological specimens. OSU's type specimens (ca. 2,000) are available with high-resolution specimen images and protologues.
The Oregon State University Herbarium databases provide access to specimen data exclusively for Oregon. Approximately 150,000 vascular plant records are available online, along with about 30,000 mycological specimens. OSU's type specimens (ca. 2,000) are available with high-resolution specimen images and protologues.
University of Alaska, Museum of the North Specimen Database
The Arctos database contains the combined holdings of the Museum of the North's collections, including the ALA herbarium's specimens. Over 500,000 records are available form the combined collections. Coverage focuses on Alaska but includes many other areas. Specimen results can be mapped using Berkeley Mapper.
The Arctos database contains the combined holdings of the Museum of the North's collections, including the ALA herbarium's specimens. Over 500,000 records are available form the combined collections. Coverage focuses on Alaska but includes many other areas. Specimen results can be mapped using Berkeley Mapper.
UBC Herbarium Specimen Databases
Specimen data from the University of British Columbia Herbarium's specimen collections is available online. These databases provide access to 137,000 vascular plant records, 165,000 bryophyte records, 16,000 fungal records, 42,000 lichen record, and 70,000 algal records. The algal types are also available. Records are included for both within and outside of British Columbia.
Specimen data from the University of British Columbia Herbarium's specimen collections is available online. These databases provide access to 137,000 vascular plant records, 165,000 bryophyte records, 16,000 fungal records, 42,000 lichen record, and 70,000 algal records. The algal types are also available. Records are included for both within and outside of British Columbia.
WTU Herbarium Specimen Database
The University of Washington Herbarium (WTU) provides online access to over 160,000 vascular plant records primarily for Washington and the Pacific Northwest. Nearly 1,300 type specimens, representing most of the types, at WTU are available online and accompanied by photographs of the specimen sheets.
The University of Washington Herbarium (WTU) provides online access to over 160,000 vascular plant records primarily for Washington and the Pacific Northwest. Nearly 1,300 type specimens, representing most of the types, at WTU are available online and accompanied by photographs of the specimen sheets.
