Flora North America is described as a radical new approach to the organization and communication of floristic data, with the computer playing a central, fundamental, far-reaching role. The practical and philosophical considerations that have led to an information system concept of FNA are discussed, and the question, “What is a ‘Flora’?”, is examined against the background of systems concepts. Automation will free FNA from the limitations of the printed page, make possible the creation of a standard reference bank of data on all North American vascular plants, and provide much greater quality control, it is claimed. The general strategy for developing the FNA System is presented, and three pilot subsystems—Type Specimen Register, FNA Automated Bibliography, Computer-Assisted Identification-are explained briefly.