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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.

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Recently Answered Questions

  • Question
    Hi! I took more photos of our Long Island mystery grass, which I hope are sufficiently adequate for an ID. If not, let me know & I’ll try again. Thanks so much!
    Answer
    Dear MossGal, good afternoon. You appear to have a species of Festuca (fescue). To identify this, I would need a specimen (images won't suffice for some measurements I need). If you want to mail me a specimen, you are welcome to. Contact me at ahaines[at]nativeplanttrust.org and we can discuss details. Best wishes. (Tuesday, 21 May 2019)
  • Question
    This is the predominant grass in our backyard on Long Island. Based on these photos, are you able to identify it? I’m trying to remove much of it, but the root masses on each clump make it difficult. Do you think it’s a native? I’m wondering if it could be old turf grass, since there used to be a grass yard in this area. Thanks!
    Answer
    Dear MossGal, in order to identify this grass, I would need a close-up image of the spikelets and also of the ligule (the structure found at the junction of the leaf sheath and leaf blade). A description of the leaf blades (e.g., flat, involute) and their width in life would also assist. If you are able to get this information, I may be able to assist you further. (Friday, 17 May 2019)
  • Question
    Here are additional photos of our Long Island viburnum to help with identification. Thanks!
    Answer
    MossGal, good morning. I can't confidently identify the species of Viburnum you have photographed, but it appears to belong to the group that includes Viburnum dilatatum and V. wrightii (these are non-native species that have escaped cultivation). Once the leaves are fully expanded, it may be easier to determine who this is (and other characteristics, such as hairs on the flower stalks and the number of bud scales covering the winter buds will be necessary to determine). I hope this helps get you started. (Friday, 17 May 2019)

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