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Questions and Answers

2023

  • Question
    What is this? Southborough, Massachusetts. April 2023
    Answer
    Dear ejs50, good morning. At this point, I can't give you a confident answer. If I had images of the nodes (where the leaves attach to the stem) and closer images of the leaves to see the vein patterns, I might be able to give you an educated guess. Once it flowers, it will be much easier to identify. I'm sorry I can't assist you from the image you provided. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I think I found field Speedwell in the floodplain of a stream in Atlanta,GA. This website doesn't have any reports of it here so I wanted to make sure.
    Answer
    Dear Kipplandscape, good morning. There are no images associated with your question. Without them, I can't assist you. If you are having difficulty uploading images, please feel free to attach them to an email and send them to ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org. I will try to do my best, but you are out of my region of expertise. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Dear botanists, I have been able to consistently identify most of the plants I find with the dichotomous keys on this site, except for one group in which I am hopeless: grass. I believe the grass depicted in the attached photos is Anthoxanthum nitens, but I would appreciate if you could confirm. Location: Warren, RI. Habitat: Saltmarsh (most specimens growing directly out of the water, it seemed). Thanks in advance, Tyler
    Answer
    Dear Tyler, good morning. There are no images associated with your question. Without them, I can't assist you. If you are having difficulty uploading images, please feel free to attach them to an email and send them to ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org. Best wishes.
  • Question
    What is this?
    Answer
    Good afternoon. These look like the expanding leaves of a species of Juglans (walnut). I can't tell you more without knowing the location of this plant and learning if it is wild or cultivated. Best wishes.
  • Question
    are these fiddle heads?
    Answer
    Dear Delphinia, yes, they are. Be aware that essentially fern in the northeastern US has a fiddlehead stage where the leaves unfurl as they expand (the fiddlehead, or crozier, is the young stage of the leaf). So, even inedible or somewhat toxic ferns have fiddleheads. This one appears to be Matteuccia struthiopteris (ostrich fern), which is one that is prized for its edible fiddleheads.
  • Question
    If there are edible & medicinal plants on the side of the road. But are contaminated from exhaust, oil & fuel in the soil. Can planting 1 or more generations of it's seeds remove the contaminate? If so how many times? I'm interested in getting medicinal plants. Thank you,
    Answer
    Dear Neptune769, good morning. The question you have raised is a good one. The lead contamination in roadside plants is well-known and there is a gradient that exists--less lead with distance from road. I am guessing that a single generation of growing seeds away from this source of contamination (from when vehicles used leaded fuels) would do much (tremendously) to reduce any lead content of the overall plant and the parts you would consume for food or medicine. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Trillium ? Merrimack NH
    Answer
    Good morning Paul, Beautiful images. I am going to send some of the images you have emailed me to my friends in the southeastern United States (in the native range of the species I believe this to be) and get there opinion. Thank you again for all the work you have done. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I bought some May Apple in a yard sale last year and forgot about it. this year in my pile of soil I dump the previous year's pots into i noted some lovely May Apple growing. Can it be moved after blooming? Does it tolerate transplant well? Where should it be transferred to? I have some deciduous/pine woods where Jack in the pulpit and cultivated Trout Lily grows happily,,,will it go dormant right after flowering? I 'm thinking of moving my dirt pile so it can stay where it is.
    Answer
    Dear szalbrowska, good morning to you. Mayapples perennate by an underground stem called a rhizome. As a result, they generally transplant reasonably well if they are moved carefully. They are a species that like rich, moist soils (similar to trout-lily). Typically, these soils would be found under the canopy of deciduous trees like sugar maple, linden, and white ash (among others). The leaves will persist most of the year (they do not senesce early). Best wishes.
  • Question
    What is this in Merrimack NH
    Answer
    Dear PGB, I've sent you an email about your find (from ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org). I would like to learn more about what you have found. Best wishes.
  • Question
    What is this?Trillium? - Merrimack New Hampshire,woodland Thanks
    Answer
    Dear PGB, good morning. Yes, you have photographed a species of Trillium (wake-robin), but I can't tell you which species without more information (specifically, images of the flower). If you can carefully open the flower a bit and take photographs, I might be able to get an answer for you. By the way, this species of Trillium has not been recorded in New England before. Best wishes.
  • Question
    a young grass that I have yet to capture flowering but hopefully you can give me a taxonomic direction? This is a distinct clump of grass growing in a semi shady, well drained area of my backyard. It has a pretty blue-green color and flexible, soft leaves plus some light colored, somewhat curly last season leaves. zone 6b connecticut. is this hay grass or native species?
    Answer
    Dear thatonetreetho, good morning. I do have a guess of the plant species, but I need to ask a question to confirm the guess. I need to know if the leaf sheath wraps around the stem (but the edges of the sheath are not fused, merely overlapping) or if the edges are fused together into a closed tube. You would need to examine the side of the leaf sheath that is opposite the leaf blade (the front of the sheath). You can take pictures of the leaf sheath and post them here if you want or send them to ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org. With that information, I think I might be able to identify the grass. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Here are pictures of an unusual looking violet, found by a friend in the parking area of a trail off Mill Street, Westborough, MA. My guess would be that it's some kind of hybrid. Maybe between two common ones such as sweet white violet (Viola blanda) and woolly blue violet (Viola sororia)? We'd appreciate any light you can shed. Thanks!
    Answer
    Dear anneareid, there are no images associated with your question. Without them, I can't assist you. If you are having trouble uploading images, feel free to attach them to an email and send them to me. I can be reached at ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org.
  • Question
    I’m curious how to establish that a species variety exists in CT and NY that is listed as only growing in NH, VT, and MA.
    Answer
    Dear erin, good morning. To document that this variety occurs, you would need to get the identification confirmed. Photographs can be useful for some taxa, but a collection that becomes deposited in a regional herbarium (plant museum) is the preferred manner. If you have images, I can try to assist (send them to ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org). If not, I can supply an address where I could examine a specimen. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I was told that Tully Lake has pitcher plants. Can you tell me when they are in bloom? I'm planning a visit to Royalston. Thank you!
    Answer
    Dear lturowsky, Sarracenia purpurea (pitcher-plant) flowers in late June through mid-July in most of New England. That would be the best time for you to search for this species in flower. Good luck!
  • Question
    In wooded Wellfleet uplands just east of Herring River this little Vaccinium stood out somewhat luminously in the still mostly gray-brown understory on April 9. I'm trying to understand whether this might be angustifolium or pallidum. I've seen different clues on line about the whitish-spotted twig. Thank you!
    Answer
    Dear corylus, both Vaccinium angustifolium and V. pallidum have papillose branchlets, so that trait doesn't help us much to discriminate these two species. In fact, almost all species of blueberry in New England have them (save for V. stamineum, V. uliginosum, and V. cespitosum). One of the best clues for you to seek out would be the fallen leaves at the base of the plant. There, some of the details described in the keys might still be discernible, even on withered remains.
  • Question
    We found this tree in Western North Carolina (we know, not NE). The property owners, who are in the 80's/90's, claim that it is an American Chestnut that has been there as long as they can remember. The tree appears to have fallen many, many years ago and has lost all bark. The outside is gray and brittle but beneath that seems to be solid. Pictures are attached including one of a bowl started on a lathe using a piece of this tree. Is this an American Chestnut or some other species?
    Answer
    Dear Woody61, good morning. I would not be able to confirm this for you from the images supplied. In fact, it would be difficult to do from images (but you could at least identify if your fallen tree is consistent with American chestnut). There are some close-up images online showing the rings and "pits" that occur in adjacent rings to the growth rings, features that would be very telling for you as you can look at the end of the log close-up (with magnification if necessary). I suggest you examine some of those images and compare. Just search for images of American chestnut logs, growth rings, etc. Good luck.
  • Question
    My name is Sajid. I am a writer from India. I am writing a science fiction-horror story about a Tree with carnivorous properties. The tree is supposed to have camouflage properties as well. The following is a Fictional Scientific Name I have given to the tree: //CARNIVORA arbor-camouflagensis// Is it meaningful? Will it be correct if I use it. Any suggestions?
    Answer
    Dear deadmansfolly, to be brief but not judgmental, the scientific name you have chosen would not be believable to anyone with an understanding of scientific names. But, I do have one for you. Cryptodendra zoophagia. To breakdown its parts, Crypto-dendra is "hidden or conceal-tree" and zoophagia is "animal eating" (or animal-devouring). I hope this is helpful. Good luck with your writing.
  • Question
    Could you help me identify this sedge? It was found on 5/25/22 in a wet calcareous meadow in North Bennington, Vermont. It was growing in a clump. The staminate flowers are below the pistillate flowers, and the scales are longer than the perigynia. There are 2 stigmas and the perigynia are 1.5-2 mm long and narrow with a long beak and teeth along the margin. Thanks.
    Answer
    Dear doctornancy, good afternoon. Unfortunately, without images of the mature perigynia, I could only guess at the identity. Do you have the specimen? If so, I might be able to do more with it. If you could mail it to me, reach out at ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org and I will try to assist.
  • Question
    hi, i live in cape ann, massachusetts, this morning i see red maples are flowering, please explain how to locate historical flowering times for this region, thanks
    Answer
    Dear ananga, good morning. One of the easiest ways to identify historical flowering times would be to examine a large number of museum records (herbarium specimens) and find collections that were gathered during flowering and record the dates. There are many herbaria in the region that you could possibly visit or you could use online information (Consortium of Northeastern Herbaria). Best wishes.
  • Question
    What is the name of this wildflower?
    Answer
    Dear dxclland, good morning. Can you please provide some additional information? Where did you photograph this plant? Location is a very important part of identification because different species grow in different parts of the world and knowing the location eliminates many possibilities. What habitat was it growing in? And anything else that might be useful for identification. Best wishes.
  • Question
    This looks like Corylus Americana but the fruit is different. It is growing next to a stream in a wetland forest in my back yard in CT. I am including fall and spring photos to help identify. Thank you.
    Answer
    Dear greg414, good morning. There are no images associated with your question. Without them, I cannot help you. If you are having trouble uploading images, please feel free to attach them to an email (ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org) and send them to me. I will try to help you with your question.
  • Question
    I found this tiny plant (about 1 inch tall) in a cemetery on a gentle sandy slope, moist today, with few other plants and very little dormant grass nearby, in a part not close to graves. It was in bloom today 3/27/23. There were lots of the plants, appearing to grow from tiny rosettes. Hairy stem, leaves, and sepals. In Grafton, MA. Any help would be appreciated!
    Answer
    Good morning Anne. You have photographed Draba verna (spring whitlow-mustard). This early spring flowering mustard is native to Europe (but is not invasive here). It usually occurs on lawns and similar locations where there is no competition from taller plants.
  • Question
    Hello. I recently bought a property along a river in New Canaan , CT- that has some erosion issues. I would appreciate it very much if you can provide assistance on best plants for PT shade planting ideas. I have permission to remove invasive plants and would like to replace them with native plants that are wildlife friendly. Ground-cover, shrubs, trees, ferns. Area has a micro-climate 6B. Deer-resistant.
    Answer
    Dear wanda2528, good morning. Native Plant Trust has compiled lists of native species that can be used for different purposes, including erosion control. Please contact ulorimer@nativeplanttrust.org (Ulrich Lorimer), of the Horticulture Department, for assistance. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello. I read a lot of information about fig trees and there is confusion - conflicting information on each site. Tell me, is the statement true? "Fig trees are dioecious plants. Figs are formed on one tree, and caprifigs are formed on the other tree. Pollination occurs with the help of blastophage wasps. Figs do not develop on male trees". And one more thing: can female fig plants bear fruit without male ones? Sincerely
    Answer
    Dear Kampan, Many figs are dioecious, a word that comes from "two houses". Essentially, pollen-bearing flowers are borne on one tree and ovule-bearing flowers on another (so, there are different sexes of plants, like in willows). There are some figs that are monoecious (one house), so the pollen-bearing and ovule-bearing flowers are all separate, but borne on one tree (like oaks). In other words, the individual flowers of figs are unisexual, unlike many flowers where both types of parts are present (like lillies). Different types of fig trees are either monoecious or dioecious. Capifigs are the array of pollen-bearing flowers on trees where the species are dioecious. But (an important exception) some caprifigs due produce some ovule-bearing flowers so that they can produce some fruit. For dioecious species, it is my understanding that these plants are outcrossing, so they require pollination to set fruit (though there may be some exceptions to this somewhere that I have never read about). I hope this is helpful. If you still have questions, feel free to ask.
  • Question
    Hello, what is the reference for county native/non-native maps on GoBotany? I observed Yellow Nodding Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes ochroleuca) in Vershire, Orange County, VT. But the map on the species page does not show it present in Orange County: https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/spiranthes/ochroleuca/ Is there something useful like vouchering I can do to add it to the record? iNaturalist observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/137861713 Thank you
    Answer
    Dear ljcost, good morning. The maps you see displayed on Go Botany are based on herbarium specimens (primarily) and literature reports. I also store images that serve as virtual vouchers for plant occurrences in various counties in New England. The maps get updated as I find edits (which can be additions or exclusions). I'll update the map for this species based on your discovery. Thank you.
  • Question
    Good day everyone ,Can you kindly help with the identification of this plants.Thank you.
    Answer
    Dear onosigoitse, good morning. I do not recognize this woody plant. I do not know where the images were taken--is this a species that grows in North America or elsewhere? If you are living outside of northeastern North America, I may not be able to help. But, I can suggest some locations to get assistance if I knew where this plant was growing. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Still reviewing older photos, from the same site as the previous one in Shapleigh, Maine.. trying to decide, could this one be Botrychium minganeses? It isnt very good focus and apparently I only took the one photo and maybe dismissed it as something else at the time -2011.
    Answer
    Dear P.Smith-80, good morning. You have photographed Botrychium matricariifolium. This is a more common species of moonwort (though still often difficult to find) than members of the B. lunaria complex (to which B. minganense belongs). This species occurs in a variety of forested to open habitats. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Can you name these plants..it seen about 12000km high at Northern Pakistan
    Answer
    Dear RahimGilgity, these plants look like a member of the rose family (Rosaceae), but I can't go further than that. I encourage you to try the Index Herbariorum website and find botanists near you that can recognize these species. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Is this plant has any health benefits? Help me to identify the plant
    Answer
    Dear RahimGilgity, good morning. I'm sorry, I do not recognize this species. You will need local assistance by those with expertise in your region's flora. If you navigate to the Index Herbariorum website, and search on the country you found these plants in, you can locate a museum that may have botanists that can assist you with your identification questions. Good luck.
  • Question
    Can you help me to identify the plant? It's about 14600km high from seaside At Ghashuchi near thoi pass, Yasin Ghizer Gilgit Baltistan
    Answer
    Dear RahimGilgity, good morning. I can't help you with your question because the plants are too far away in the image (i.e., I would need close-up images to have a chance of knowing the plant). Baltistan is a long way from my region of expertise, but I might recognize the family or genus of plants so that I might be able to get you started. But, again, I would need closer images of the plant in question. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Came across some trees in Marlborough, MA that look like they've had a bad spray tan - I'd have thought a tree with orange bark would be easy to identify, but I'm not having much luck! Picture shows a common buckthorn on the right, Japanese knowledge in the middle, and a specimin of our mystery tree on the left, just for color comparison (it's not the lighting, it really is that stark a contrast!) Any ideas?
    Answer
    Dear Kamereone, good morning. There are no images associated with your question. Without them, I won't be able to assist you. If you are having trouble uploading images, please attach them to an email, send them to ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org, and I will try to help you. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Continued-Red pine?
    Answer
    Dear Nancy, it appears you are having difficulty uploading images. Feel free to attach them to an email and send them my way. My email is ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org. I will try to help you with your question.
  • Question
    Native or not? Bristol county, MA. Edge of woods, mostly full sun. Round bright red stems, upright and arching. Some sort of rubus? Can’t recall seeing berries/flowers during summer, but remember a “normal” type blackberry leaf. Area might’ve been cut last year, so these might be only 1 year of growth….about 2’-3’ long. Thorns are fairly straight. Thank you.
    Answer
    Dear elmorain, hello to you. It does appear you have photographed a species of Rubus in the subgenus Rubus (blackberries). Most of these species are native to New England and most are part of the early successional flora that grows in clearings, disturbed spaces, regenerating fields, forest edges, etc. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Spleenwort or other fern? Found among the rocks by the side of a stream, Woburn, MA Thanks!
    Answer
    Dear TomW, good morning. You have photographed a species of Cardamine (bitter-cress), members of the mustard family. From just the basal rosette I would not be able to tell you which species, but it looks most like plants of Cardamine impatiens (narrow-leaved bitter-cress) that I have seen (but it could be a related taxon). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello - This little plant (largest leaf 3.5 cm long) was found alongside a trail in the Bowman Conservation Area in Westboro, MA in Jan. 2023. Habitat is a mostly oak and white pine forest. Can you ID it for me? Thanks very much!
    Answer
    Dear EdC, there are no images associated with your question. Without them, I won't be able to help. If you are having trouble uploading images, feel free to attach them to an email, send them to ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org, and I will try to assist you.