A dataset on inventory and geographical distributions of vascular plants in Shanxi, China

Clarifying the diversity and distribution of wild vascular plants in Shanxi Province is crucial for effective plant diversity conservation efforts in the region. Flora of Shanxi, the most authoritative record of plant cataloging and distribution in Shanxi, has been available for over 20 years. During this period, the plant classification system has evolved significantly, and many new plant records have emerged in Shanxi Province. However, a comprehensive, accurate, and scientific catalog of wild vascular plants remains unavailable. Based on volumes 1–5 of the Flora of Shanxi. This study comprehensively collected relevant literature on vascular plant research in Shanxi since 1980. Using extensive field investigations and related research data collected by the authors in Shanxi Province, the wild plant list was reviewed and refined, including revisions to plant names, protection status, and distribution classifications down to the county level. This dataset presents the latest catalog of wild vascular plants in Shanxi, divided into confirmed and doubtful species lists. As of June 26, 2024, this dataset includes 2,438 species, 73 subspecies, 229 varieties, and 4 forms across 147 families and 763 genera. The dataset includes fern allies (117 species, 4 varieties in 15 families and 34 genera), gymnosperms (13 species, 4 varieties in 4 families and 8 genera), and angiosperms (2,308 species, 73 subspecies, 221 varieties, and 4 forms in 128 families and 721 genera). Additionally, 119 species, 1 subspecies, and 2 varieties are listed in The List of Key Protected Wild Plants in Shanxi Province (2023), and 36 species, 4 varieties in The List of Key Protected Wild Plants in China (2021). Further work should prioritize species with limited distribution data and species of concern to further enhance catalog plan in Shanxi Province. This research can provide fundamental data for updating the Flora of Shanxi and advancing plant diversity conservation strategies within Shanxi Province.