C-value is a numbered scale which rates a plant’s ability to grow in degraded versus intact ecosystems. Said another way, it evaluates a plant’s behavior along a gradient from weedy or invasive to delicate, picky, or highly specialized. Virginia’s plants have been ranked on this scale, and published as a free public access pdf.
C-Value Scale
- -5 to -1 Invasive non-native
- 0 non-invasive non-native
- 1-3 weedy ruderal native
- 4-7 semi-flexible natives present in stable ecosystems but tolerant of some disturbance
- 8-10 highly specialized, rare natives requiring precise conditions to thrive
Read more
DeBerry, Douglas & Thompson, Joseph & Bradford, Zachary & Davis, David & Ludwig, J. & Simmons, Roderick & Wieboldt, Thomas. (2021). Coefficients of Conservatism (C-values) for the Flora of Virginia.
“Plant Conservatism & CC Values” at Missouri Prairie Foundation (June 26, 2020).
