This column was formulated with the support of OpenAI’s ChatGPT model 4o. I instructed ChatGPT to create a formula (based upon online sources and the available information in the SQL database) to determine how well a species would be for thriving in the limited conditions of a container.
This information was not available in any of the three datasets this database is built upon and did not appear present in many other web-based plant databases. The ability for a plant to succeed in a container could be vital for many residents, particularly in urban areas, where space is often critically limited. I felt it appropriate to utilize ChatGPT in this context to combine the mathematics required to develop a successful formula and amend the database to display it. Much of the refinement time spent on this element was ensuring the formula would be balanced and considered numerous additional variables such as missing or incomplete data, entries labelled ‘Unknown’, ensuring ranges were appropriately analyzed and so on. The present variation uses a simple rating system and a confidence scale to assist users in interpreting results. I also generated a letter grade variation for simplicity.
The results should not be taken as more than a suggestion; I have not field tested any of the plants as container friendly myself, or verified their status. However, if I am able to find verifiable online sources, or have successful field tests, I will include the result in the “Container Friendly” column. The original formula will remain in the Container Friendly Estimate columns and only be updated as the formula itself is. The following is the current method:
Container Friendly Estimate (CFE) Formula
1. CFE Score Calculation
The CFE Score is calculated using weighted factors:
CFE_Score = [(PlantType × 5) + (Size × 4) + (RootSystem × 4) + (SoilMoisture × 3) +
(GrowthSpeed × 3) + (Tolerance × 3) + (OtherFactors × 2)]
÷ (Sum of Available Weights) × 25
Factor Breakdown
- Plant Type: Trees = 1, Large Shrubs = 1, Perennials/Grasses/Small Shrubs = 5, Others = 3
- Size (Height & Spread): Compact (≤3ft) = 5, Medium (≤6ft) = 3, Large (>6ft) = 1
- Root System:
- Shallow (≤12in) = 5 (Highly suitable)
- Moderate (12-24in) = 3 (Somewhat suitable)
- Deep (>24in) = 1 (Not suitable)
- Soil & Moisture Suitability: Well-drained/Dry = 5, Moderate = 3, Wet = 1
- Growth Speed: Slow/Medium = 5, Fast = 2
- Tolerance Factors: (Drought, Frost, Salinity, Pollution) Each adds up to a max of 5
- Other Factors: Default Neutral = 3
🔹 Note: Missing data does not penalize the plant. The score is normalized based on available factors.
2. CFE Letter Grade Conversion
If CFE_Score ≥ 97 → A+
If CFE_Score ≥ 93 → A
If CFE_Score ≥ 90 → A-
If CFE_Score ≥ 87 → B+
If CFE_Score ≥ 83 → B
If CFE_Score ≥ 80 → B-
If CFE_Score ≥ 75 → C+
If CFE_Score ≥ 70 → C
If CFE_Score ≥ 65 → C-
If CFE_Score ≥ 50 → D
If CFE_Score ≥ 30 → F
If CFE_Score < 30 → F
3. Confidence Score Calculation
Confidence = (Number of Data Factors Used ÷ Total Possible Factors) × 100
Confidence Levels
80-100% Confidence: Most data was available (high accuracy).
50-79% Confidence: Some missing traits (moderate accuracy).
Below 50% Confidence: Many missing values (lower accuracy).