Data & Attribution
SilvaGrid aggregates foundational datasets from the world’s leading botanical authorities. We algorithmically crosswalk and enrich this raw data to align with the practical design and planning workflows of landscape and horticultural professionals.
World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
The core taxonomic backbone, raw lifeform classifications, and baseline climate data are provided by the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).
Note on Modifications: SilvaGrid has modified the original WCVP dataset. We utilize custom algorithmic mapping to translate raw botanical data into our specific structural Plant Types and Landscape Roles, and to standardize climate descriptions into macro-categories.
- Source: WCVP Data Repository (Release: 2026-01-07)
- Citation: WCVP. World Checklist of Vascular Plants. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Copyright: © Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- License: Provided under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License.
GBIF Backbone Taxonomy
To supplement our database with standardized English common names and resolve complex taxonomic aliases, we integrate supplementary taxonomy data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
Note on Modifications: SilvaGrid has adapted the original GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. We algorithmically extract English vernacular names and synonyms, re-ranking and crosswalking them directly against our core WCVP taxonomic backbone.
- Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy
- Citation: GBIF Secretariat. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei accessed via GBIF.org on 2026-03-27.
- License: Provided under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License.
Native Range Distributions (WGSRPD & ISO)
All native range and geographical distribution filters on this platform are based on the World Geographical Scheme for Recording Plant Distributions (WGSRPD), established by the Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG), and translated where applicable to standard ISO country codes.
Note on Modifications: These geographic boundaries are mapped and integrated into SilvaGrid via the core WCVP distribution dataset. SilvaGrid algorithmically translates specific WGSRPD level-3 boundaries into their corresponding ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 country equivalents to enhance user searchability.