Explore the Classification
The USNVC Hierarchy Explorer, hosted by USGS, provides detailed descriptions of all vegetation types in the United States based on USNVC 3.0, released in October 2025.
NOTE: Due to the Federal Government shutdown, USNVC 3.0 is not yet available on this platform.
The USNVC 3.0 Catalog provides a filterable tabular summary of all vegetation types in the United States organized by the USNVC hierarchy. It allows users to readily scan through the entire classification either on the web or as a downloadable desktop version
The USNVC is incorporated in NatureServe Explorer, a product of NatureServe and its natural heritage member programs. NatureServe Explorer integrates the USNVC with the International Vegetation Classification (IVC) and thus provides an international perspective.
Guidance for using NatureServe Explorer for the U.S. can be found here:
NOTE: During the Federal Government shutdown, USNVC 3.0 is only available on this platform.
Explore the Scientific Foundation
USNVC 3.0 User Guide
USNVC 2.0 to 3.0 Lineage Tracking
USNVC 3.0: The Revisions Process
Macrogroup Factsheets
Macrogroup Key
General Citation for USNVC 3.0
USNVC (United States National Vegetation Classification) Database Version 3.0. 2025. USNVC Hierarchy Explorer, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS) Program, U.S. Geological Survey. (Federal Geographic Data Committee, Vegetation Subcommittee). Washington D.C. Date Month Year Accessed.
Photo credits: Bryce Maxell, Mike Leahy, Dan Wovcha, Jaime Ratchford, Karen Patterson, Grant Musgrave