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Dream, Research, Design, Plant, Grow, and Harvest with plants from the
Natural Capital Plant Database.

For 21 Years, The Natural Capital™ Plant Database
has been a repository of temperate climate plant information for ecological design. Our partner designers have combined the best sources of plant research and documentation in order to provide the highest integrity for a wide variety of users. Whether you are a first-time gardener or an experienced permaculture designer, we hope you find the information you need to take your knowledge of plants and ecological systems to the next level. We use citations from multiple sources and provide detail on plant characteristics, tolerances and behaviors, ecological functions, human uses, concerns, and plant associates.
Database Features
We provides a variety of design tools from searching for plants based on selected criteria to creating ecological analogs. Downloadable query spreadsheets are available with information needed for sorting and refining plant choices.
Watch a tour of our database
Keys to Ecological Design

The success of carefully designed plant systems is fairly predictable, but plants vary in size and growth rates based on numerous environmental factors. Check with local growers, nurseries, and institutions for the best species, cultivars, and management practices for your area. Source your plant materials locally or from growers at the same latitude, zone, and climate.

Natural Capital Design Services

With more than 31 years of experience in design and strategy, we have honed our ability to visually communicate complex ideas. These skills are integral to our work in transforming farms and ecological landscapes into edible forest gardens, sustainable farming systems, and restored ecosystems. Through detailed illustrations, we bring plant systems to life, making our designs both functional and visually compelling. This service is available for hire, allowing you to benefit from our expertise and elevate your project with professional, customized design solutions.

IMAGE: THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF A DESIGN SERVICES BY SOUTHWOOD FOREST GARDENS, United Designers International, AND Ecological Design.

In the city, what can you grow in small spaces?

Popular with urban farmers are the smaller urban cultivars. Many urban farmers grow smaller vegetable cultivars and use vertical beds to increase the variety and relay the harvests, so plants mature at different times. Any south facing wall can become a green wall of vegetables using planter trellises and hanging baskets. Look for smaller annuals and some that may be shade tolerant.

IMAGE: THIS MONTH DESIGNER FRANKO GOHSE IN ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA BUILT THESE POLYCULTURES FOR URBAN AGRICULTURE. FRUITING TREES ARE COMBINED WITH FODDER CROPS FOR LIVESTOCK.
Current Statistics of our Plant Database
(21 Years Running)

Subscribers

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PLANTS IN DATABASE

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Native Plant Communities

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plant communities

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plant concerns

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companion plants

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Ecological functions

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human uses

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Become a part of the
Natural Capital™ Plant Database Community.

7 Day Trial $10

  • See complete plant information from plant lists.
  • Search by plant common or scientific name.
  • Access to plant data sheets and polycultures. Great for classroom use and immediate plant research.
  • Does NOT include site condition search tools (soil, climate, growing zone) or  designer-level spreadsheet download.
  • Does NOT auto-renew.  Choose one of our other plans after the trial to continue using the database.

Individual $35/yr

  • Search the plant database by site conditions, ecological functions, human uses, and limiting factors.
  • See the plants that fit your space and ecological conditions.
  • Dig deep into what you can do with specific plant functions and services.

Designer $50/yr

  • Do customized searches of the over 2400 plant in the database based with your site conditions.
  • Download plant lists in (CSV) spreadsheet reports.
  • Comprehensive and used for designing plant landscapes.