﻿ Nontimber Forest Product Species Database Background
NTFP Info.us
Nontimber Forest Product Resources
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About This Website & FAQ NTFP Species Database NTFP Publications   Other NTFP Sites
A link to download the database is at the bottom of this page but please read this important information first.
This database is designed to show the many possible commercial nontimber forest product species that occur in each state, the various common names used to describe a species, and the different parts of a species that may be marketable. The database was created in 1999 and has been updated approximately every three years. If you find errors or have missing data you would like to be considered for inclusion in the database please email help@ntfpinfo.us. The database is free to download. For citations use this website, date accessed, and the editors: James Weigand, Eric T. Jones.
The database is not intended as a substitute for expert experience and professional guidebooks to understand if a species is safe for human handling, consumption, or application.  Always  positively identify any species and understand exactly what the safety requirements and sustainable harvesting practices are.
Product Use(s) Categories:
Species are classified by use.  Most species fall into more than one category.
  • Aromatic and Fragrance:  essential oil for scenting products
  • Decorative and Craft examples:  burls, figured wood, dyes, willow furniture, fossilized resin like amber
  • Food and Flavorings examples:  big leaf maple syrup, morel mushrooms, ramps, truffles
  • Landscaping and Restoration:  transplants, seed collection
  • Medicinal examples:  Oregon grape root, usnea
  • Other:  firewood, sealants such as naval stores, rubber, glues, animal bedding
Most of the species in the database are native, but some non-native species with commercial markets are also listed. Though there are thousands of species entered in the database yet there are many NTFP species not listed. Listings for subtropical and tropical regions, including Hawaii, Florida and the U.S. territories are the least complete. For the parts used category, the listing for commercial native seed is probably the least complete as nearly every native plant that seed can be collected from in the U.S. shows up in commercial catalogs or is bought by seed banks, researchers, farmers and home gardeners.

The state distribution for most species has been listed according to the USDA Native Plants Native Plant Disbtribution List.
This database is not an endorsement of harvesting any specific species in any particular area. Some species may be highly abundant in some localities (or being disturbed due to other activities like logging), but the same species in another locality may be scarce and/or culturally or ecologically more sensitive. Therefore, it's important to research the local context for each species of interest.
Many species share common names and that scientific names can change as the nomenclature is refined.
This database covers the entire U.S. as well as species from many of the U.S. territories. Keep in mind that some species listed are desirable native species in one area, but considered a weed in another. What the land is used for can be a significant factor in what is labeled a weed, invasive or a pest. Cross-referencing your findings with the can help you determine what is native to your county and state. A good overview article to read is Ecological Undertanding of Weeds by Mark Schonbeck
Download NTFP Species Spreadsheet