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We examined the correlation between seed size (mass) and spatial and temporal distribution and abundance of plants, using both published data from northern England and 18 years of census data from permanent quadrats in the Chihuahuan Desert, Arizona, USA. In both systems, there were many small-seeded species and few large-seeded ones. Spatial patterns of distribution and abundance were constrained by seed size within triangle envelopes, i.e., small-seeded species had a greater range of abundance and a greater number of sites occupied than did large-seeded species. Temporal patterns of abundance and distribution from the Chihuahuan Desert site were similarly correlated with seed size, i.e., small-seeded species were, in general more abundant and present in more than were large-seeded species. These patterns probably result because small-seeded species produce more seeds. are more vagile, and persist longer in seed banks than do large-seeded species. The results are consistent with recent findings from seed bank studies, suggesting the generality of the correlation between seed size and plant abundance and distribution.