Want to identify a plant? Find out where it grows? Determine what kind of growing conditions it needs?

This week's roundup may help. I'm covering the top 3 free plant databases.

1. USDA Plant Database
2. Plant Files Database
3. HortiPlex Plant Database

The USDA Plant Database tends to be a little more scientific, with less information about growing conditions but more accurate plant distribution information. It doesn't include imported gardening cultivars.

The Plant Files database is supported by the Dave's Garden user community. It tends to have the best basic growing information for a plant, including bloom color, soil requirements, and propagation information.

Plant entries often have user photos and comments. Entries sometimes have links to vendors and members interesting in trading the plant.

GardenWeb's HortiPlex Plant Database is also user-supported and also includes Plant entries often have user photos and comments.