Choose one of the categories above for a list of plant-related websites. Selected websites are all non-commercial, without advertisements, and free-access sites. The links provided have all been checked as of March 1, 2018; however, websites are occasionally moved or deleted without notice by the authors or sponsoring agency. If you do encounter a link that no longer works or a website that has changed location, please report the problematic link to the NOPD so that we can update the link.

Taxonomic Databases

The databases listed below were essential for checking and double-checking the nomenclatural information found in the Northern Ontario Plant Database. The most important websites for information on North American species are Canadensys (VASCAN), IPNI, TROPICOS, and GRIN. Note that even the best databases sometimes have conflicting information, so several sources should be consulted when verifying plant names or authorities.

Canadensys (VASCAN)

VASCAN is the Database of Vascular Plants of Canada, and is a comprehensive list of all vascular plants reported in Canada, Greenland, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Common names in English and French, major synonyms, and provincial ranges are provided.

The Euro+Med PlantBase – the information resource for Euro-Mediterranean plant diversity

A searchable database of plant species found in Europe, combining information from Flora Europaea, Med-Checklist, the Flora of Macaronesia, and other European floras and checklists; compiled by the Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum in Berlin, Germany. Note that the accepted names in this website do not always agree with those in North American databases, so for introduced species of European origin, we suggest you check this database for recent nomenclatural research.

GRIN (Germplasm Resources Information Network) – Taxonomy for Plants

A searchable database of primarily economic plant names (including introduced weed species), including world ranges and common names in several languages. An excellent resource for introduced plant species.

ICBN - Melbourne Code

The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (Melbourne Code) describes the rules concerning the naming of non-cultivated plants. Published by the International Association for Plant Taxonomy. The Melbourne, Australia, version of the code was adopted in July 2011.

ICNCP

The International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (Scripta Horticulturae Number 10) details the rules concerning the naming of cultivated plants. Published by the International Society for Horticultural Science.

Index of Botanists

This searchable database from the Harvard University Herbaria contains information on all authors of botanical names and many plant collectors. Included are basic biographical details, official abbreviations of author names, and lists of their major publications.

Index Herbariorum

A searchable database to the herbaria of the world. Search for information about a particular herbarium by its acronym (the official abbreviation assigned to each herbarium) or by the name of the institution.

Index Synonymique de la Flore de France

A searchable database of plant synonyms, with authorities and publication dates, of vascular plants found in France. Nomenclatural information on many of our Canadian weed species can also be found in this database.

IPNI – The International Plant Names Index

A searchable database of vascular plant names from the Royal Botanical Garden-Kew (UK), Harvard University Herbarium, and the Australian National Herbarium.

IPNI – Author Query

A searchable database of botanists who have named plants and have made major historical collections. This is the database to use if you are not sure how to cite the authorities of scientific names.

IPNI – Publications Query

A searchable database of historical and major recent botanical publications with authors, dates of publication, titles and abbreviations.

ITIS – Integrated Taxonomic Information System

Another nomenclature website, searchable by common or scientific name and similar to IPNI, but dealing with world plant, animal, fungi, and microbe specie. Includes information on the taxonomic hierarchy (classification) of each species.

Mansfeld's World Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops

A searchable database of crop plants, very useful for crop species and cultivar information, but the site does not always include the latest taxonomic information.

Tela Botanica – Le réseau de la botanique francophone

Enter a scientific name in the dialogue box labelled "Cherchez une plante de", then click on the magnifying glass symbol to view detailed taxonomic information, images, and distributions maps for plant species found in France. A very useful site when researching introduced weed species that are native to Europe.

Tropicos

A newly updated searchable database of flowering plant and bryophyte nomenclature, specimens, and images from the Missouri Botanical Garden. An indispensable website for botany students.

World Economic Plants in GRIN

A searchable database of economic plant names, which includes world ranges, common names in several languages, and information on economic importance. An excellent resource on cultivated plants.