Accurate plant taxonomy is key to understanding plant relatedness, geography, evolution and conservation. Knowledge of relatedness allows restoration practitioners to know what a species’ ancestors were, what soils foster successful growth, competition challenges (or advantages), water needs, and susceptibility to pests. Clear understanding of plant family relationships also helps land managers understand the dynamics of hybridization, which can be fundamental when working to sustain the genetic integrity of rare or endangered species. [2]

That being said, the natural world is not easily categorized into static definitions. 21^st century technological advancements have furthered genetics research and uprooted many long held understandings about the Plant Kingdom. Taxonomists have discovered and re-discovered new connections, diversions, lineages, and evolutionary patterns. These innovations come with name changes for plant families, species, genera, as well as shifts in how plants have been previously classified throughout the modern period.[3]

Popularly utilized field guides are now outdated in how families and species are categorized, as well numerous name changes. More so than a hardbound book, this online project can be readily edited as changes in taxonomy occur, utilizing reference tools from the Jepson e-Flora and Oregon Flora Project Plant Family Checklist. Like most regulations, the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature can be complex and confusing. However, for botanical science to maintain accuracy across borders, like mathematics, the language used among researchers across geographies and time must be universal.

• Monocots
  • Forbs
    • Alismataceae – Alisma
    • Amaryllidaceae – Amaryllis Family
    • Asparagaceae – Asparagus Family
    • Iridaceae – Iris Family
    • Melanthiaceae – Death Camas
    • Orchidaceae – Orchid Family
  • Graminoids
    • Cyperaceae – Sedges
    • Juncaceae – Rushes
    • Poaceae – Grasses
    • Typhaceae – Cattails
• Dicots
  • Herbaceous
    • Apicacea – Carrot Family
    • Apocynaceae – Dogbane Family
    • Asteraceae – Aster Family
    • Boraginaceae – Borage Family
    • Brassicaceae – Mustard Family
    • Campanulaceae – Harebell Family
    • Caryophyllaceae – Pink Family
    • Fabaceae – Legume Family
    • Geraniaceae – Geranium Family
    • Lamiaceae – Mint Family
    • Malvaceae – Mallow Family
    • Montiaceae – Montia Family
    • Onagraceae – Evening Primrose Family
    • Plantaginaceae – Speedwell Family
    • Polemoniaceae – Phlox Family
    • Polygonaceae – Buckwheat Family
    • Ranunculaceae – Buttercup Family
    • Rosaceae – Rose Family
    • Rubiaceae – Madder Family
    • Saxifragaceae – Saxifrag Family
    • Valerianaceae – Valerian Family
  • Woody
    • Oleaceae – Olive Family
    • Rosaceae – Rose Family
    • Salicaceae – Willow Family
• Other
  • Equisetaceae – Horsetail Family
  • Isoetaceae – Quillwort Family

 

[i] Flann C, McNeill J, Barrie FR, Nicolson DH, Hawksworth DL, Turland NJ, Monro AM (2015) Report on botanical nomenclature – Vienna 2005 XVII International Botanical Congress, Vienna: Nomenclature Section, 12–16 July 2005. PhytoKeys 45: 1-341. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.45.9138

[ii] David Magney. What Do Those Plant Names Keep Changing?. California Native Plance Society, Channel Islands Chapter. http://www.cnpsci.org/html/PlantInfo/WhyPlantNamesChange.htm 28 October 2011

[iii] Meyers, S., Jaster T., Mitchell, K., Hardison, L., (2015). Flora of Oregon. Volume 1: Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, and Monocots. Botanical Research Inst of Texas, Fort Worth, TX. Introduction, 2.

[1] Simpson, M. Plant Systematics 2^nd ed. Academic Press, Burlington, MA. 2010.

[2] Flann C, McNeill J, Barrie FR, Nicolson DH, Hawksworth DL, Turland NJ, Monro AM (2015) Report on botanical nomenclature – Vienna 2005 XVII International Botanical Congress, Vienna: Nomenclature Section, 12–16 July 2005. PhytoKeys 45: 1-341.

[3] Magney, D. 2011. What Do Those Plant Names Keep Changing? California Native Plant Society, Channel Islands Chapter. <www.cnpsci.org/html/PlantInfo/WhyPlantNamesChange.htm> 28 October 2011