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Native Plant Trust: Go Botany Discover thousands of New England plants

PlantShare

Sightings Locator

Show recent sightings for

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How to Use

Enter a plant name and we'll show where it's been seen recently.

You will see all recent sightings that others have marked for public view or for a PlantShare group that you belong to. Rare and endangered plants will not be displayed.

Ask the Botanist

Ace Acer

Our ace botanists are here to help you identify wild New England plants and to answer questions about their ecology and conservation. When posting a question, please provide the location, habitat (e.g. river, mountain, woodland), and photographs of the plant.

Everyone can read the answers, but only logged-in users can ask questions. Log in to ask a question.

Recently answered questions

  • Question
    Grows like a weed! Started out as a mat with tiny leaves, turns into stalks 10" high or more. Feels sticky to the touch, like it grips the hand —not like it's covered with sap.
    Answer
    Dear Madeleine89, good morning. You have photographed Galium aparine (scratch bedstraw). The "sticky" aspect you refer to is created by many, very small prickles that grip onto your hands or clothes. Best wishes. (Tuesday, 19 May 2026)
  • Question
    I found several trees growing along the east side of the South Street Cemetary in Portsmouth NH. I beleive they are Acer nigrum. They have gright red samaras that make them stand out in the woods amoung other trees. I've not seen these trees before so I am looking for conformation that is what they are. (I have been having problerms uploading photos so I am hoping I can get you an image to look at) David
    Answer
    David, feel free to send me an email directly (ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org) and we can try to figure out you mystery Acer (maple). (Friday, 15 May 2026)
  • Question
    East edge of South Street Cemetary, Portsmouth NH
    Answer
    Dear David, good morning. You have photographed a member of the genus Acer, but at this point I can't tell you with certainty which maple you have. I see there are fruits in the background. Can you get me an image of the fruits and a more expanded leaf? Feel free to email them to ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org and I will try to assist you. (Friday, 15 May 2026)

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