Washington Rare Plants app for iPhone and iPad

Washington Rare Plants includes descriptions, photos, line drawings, and distribution maps for 320 of the rarest plants in Washington state. It was developed as a cooperative project between the Washington Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Program and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service so that information on rare plants is more readily available. It is based on an earlier print version, Field Guide to the Rare Plants of Washington.

For each plant species there is a technical description to aid in identification along with rank and status categories to indicate rarity. Typically there is a close-up photo, a habitat photo, a line drawing, and a distribution map for each species. The app also includes an extensive list of references and a glossary to explain terms that may be unfamiliar to the user. Information on additional rare species is included in tabular form.

This app does not include common plants. The species included are rare and typically occur in unique habitats and/or remnants of formerly more widespread habitats. The app was developed for individuals who already possess some skill at identifying native plants; it may not be suitable for a complete novice. If you are fortunate enough to find any of the species included in this app, we would certainly like to know about them.

Basic operation does not require an internet connection. When it is available, however, you can click on links to a variety of web sites to see additional descriptions, photos, and herbarium specimen information for each species. The app includes search capabilities so you can find terms anywhere within the descriptions.