Chicago Mean C, Native Mean C & FQI Calculator
Mean C, Native Mean C and Floristic Quality Index
Calculate unweighted, presence/absence metrics for a Chicago-region plant list. Keep a proposed planting list separate from an observed field inventory.
Verified-input worksheet: this first version uses the Chicago-region C-values and native status you supply. It does not automatically identify species or retrieve C-values from a species name.
Your Chicago-region species table
Use a single regional dataset. Do not mix Chicago-region C-values with Illinois statewide or other regional ratings. Check the dataset and protocol specified by your reviewing agency.
CSV or tab-separated rows. Use Native or Introduced in the third column. Introduced taxa must have C = 0. Native taxa may also legitimately have C = 0. Reconcile synonyms before import.
Files are read locally in your browser, not uploaded. Maximum 2 MB and 10,000 rows.
Your list metrics
Proposed planting list—not a measured site FQI.
No list has been assessed.
Enter your verified species table to begin.
No cover or abundance weighting is applied. Each accepted taxon is counted once. Missing or invalid values block the final calculation rather than being silently treated as zero.
Discuss a site-specific assessment →| Row | Accepted name supplied | C | Chicago native status | Validation |
|---|
Methods and interpretation
Mean C: sum of C-values divided by total assessed, unique taxa. Introduced taxa are included with C = 0. Native Mean C: sum of native C-values divided by native taxa only.
Total FQI: Mean C × square root of total assessed richness. Native FQI: Native Mean C × square root of native richness. A native-only metric is not calculated when no native taxa are present.
Identical repeated names are counted once. Conflicting classifications for the same name block calculation. Different names that represent synonyms must be reconciled by the user before import. The tool checks input format, not botanical identification or the accuracy of the supplied C-values.
Regional dataset reference: Herman, Sliwinski and Whitaker (2017), Chicago Region FQA Calculator, as described in the USACE ERDC fqadata project. Unweighted metric methods: fqacalc documentation. This worksheet does not bundle an independently verified full regional lookup database.
For wetland and stormwater work
A proposed mix score is not an existing wetland assessment or a prediction of post-installation FQI. Field identification, inventory boundaries, sampling timing and the required regional dataset remain important outside this calculator.
This worksheet does not determine county stormwater-ordinance compliance, permit eligibility, wetland boundaries or restoration success. Confirm the required methods and reporting with the reviewing agency. For site-specific interpretation, use our ecological consultation service.
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