Plant Classification

Our Plant Classification Resource is an enriching guide that meticulously classifies plant species in the mostly adopted species organization. It offers an in-depth understanding of the diverse plant kingdom, covering everything from genera to species.

A valuable tool for both novice and experienced gardeners, as well as students and researchers, it enhances plant identification skills and offers insights into plant evolution. This resource is sure to broaden your botanical knowledge and appreciation.

Levels of Plant Classification

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Plant Kingdom

The plant kingdom is a vast and diverse group of living organisms that includes a wide variety of different species. It encompasses everything from small mosses and ferns to towering trees and flowering plants.

Plants are classified into more specific groupings until each plant is specifically named.

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by Plant Division (Phylum)

Plant division is determined by several key characteristics. These can include the type of tissue structure, reproductive systems, and growth habits. This classification level is equivalent to the ‘phylum’ rank in the animal kingdom.

This classification is crucial for understanding and studying evolutionary relationships among different plants.

Numbered List

Anthocerotophyta (hornworts)
Bryophyta (mosses)
Charophyta (charophytes)
Chlorophyta (chlorophytes)
Cycadophyta (cycads)
Ginkgophyta (ginkgo)
Gnetophyta (gnetophytes)
Lycopodiophyta, Lycophyta (club mosses, spike mosses, & scale trees)
Magnoliophyta (flowering plants, angiosperms)
Marchantiophyta, Hepatophyta (liverworts)
Polypodiophyta, Monilophyta (ferns)
Pinophyta, Coniferophyta (conifers)

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by Plant Class

Plant Class is determined based on specific group characteristics including types of seed production, the number of seed leaves, the branching pattern of the plant’s vascular system, and the manner in which the plant undergoes pollination and fertilization.

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by Plant Order

Plant Order is determined by more specific characteristics that plants within a class share. Different orders represent major groupings within the plant class and help categorize plants into more manageable groups.

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by Plant Family

Plants within the same family typically share similar structures in their flowers, fruits, and seeds. The family name is usually the first classification level discussed when referencing specific plants.

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by Plant Genus

Plants within the same family that share more characteristics with each other than with other family members are grouped into a genus. The genus name is the first part of a plant’s scientific or Latin name.

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Plant Species

A species is the specific name of a plant. It is named by combining the genus and the specific epithet.

The specific epithet is a name that more specifically describes a plant. Could be a unique plant characteristic, location of growth, or name of the person who discovered this plant.