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Questions and Answers
2016
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- Question
- A very common and popular type of grass in India is "Nilgiri Grass". I can't seem to find the botanical name anywhere. Do you know what the botanical name of this grass it?
- Answer
- Dear hunnypuppy, Nilgiri grass is also sometimes called Korean grass, and belongs to the genus Zoysia. There are several species in this genus and some are cultivated for lawn grasses because they are tolerant of a wide range of conditions. I hope this helps.
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- Question
- Hi there, can you please help me out with the name of this plant some I can find out how to care for it properly? Thank you!
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- Dear siobhanlouisedoyle, you have provided images of two different plants. The one with the segmented, pinkish foliage is a Christmas cactus (genus Schlumbergera), species of cultivated plants native to South America. There is a lot of information on the web about growing this species, so it should be easy for you to learn what you need. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Shot in Sambalpur district of Odisha in India. Kindly help me identify the plant and brief details thereof.
- Answer
- Dear sabya74, thank you for your question. Unfortunately, I'm not able to assist you with the identification of this plant. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of the northeastern portion of North America. While we are happy to entertain all plant-related questions, some questions from other continents will be difficult for us to answer. I would suggest contacting an herbarium in your region to receive assistance. Best wishes.
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- Question
- hi im need some expert advice on germinating morus alba(white mulberry) seeds, ive researched alot on growing them from seed but have had no luck as the advice is all vague, do i stratify the seeds with warm water before 6 weeks of cold treatment or do i need to scarify them and then do cold treatment? i know a few things but still having difficulty. could you possibly help and give me the most effective way of succesfully germinating them please
- Answer
- Dear r_robbertws, some information that you might find useful. Dirr states to macerate the fruit immediately after collection and soak in water to remove pulp and empty seed. Air dry before storage or use. Germination will vary because of dormant embryos and impermeable seed coats. Seed collected in early July and cleaned immediately and sown germinated 75%. Germination is improved by cold stratification at 33 to 41°F. for 1-3 months. Properly pretreated seed can be sown in the spring. Let us know if we can be of further help.
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- Question
- I found this ground cover plant growing in Alford, Massachusetts, in large patches on the forest floor in September. Please help me identify it. Thanks.
- Answer
- Dear billiebest, your plant is Mitchella repens (partridge-berry). This is a common, evergreen herb (or subshrub) of forests in New England. It belongs to the Rubiaceae, the same family that coffee plants are included in. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Dear botanist, Is this Betula populifolia? The plant was seen in Goffstown NH, on a trail about 50 meter from a lake. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of the bark. Thank you for your help!
- Answer
- Dear Jackita83, good morning. Yes, your plant in the series of photographs does appear to be Betula populifolia. The triangular shape and low, drawn out apex are good characteristics of the leaf blades. The branchlets are quite thin (in diameter) on this species and covered with lenticels. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi, I found this plant growing on a sunny street corner/traffic island in Chestnut Hill, MA on November 14. It was about a foot tall. In the picture it's fighting its way through some other plants (Sorry for the clutter). Is it Cow Vetch? Thanks!
- Answer
- BrooklineBiker, your plant is a species of Vicia (vetch), but I cannot tell you which one for certain, except to say it appears to be either Vicia cracca (bird vetch) or Vicia villosa (hairy vetch). I would need to see the sepals and pedicel attachment to the flower to know for sure (you can find the characteristics that separate these in the dichotomous key on Go Botany). I hope this is helpful.
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- Question
- Hello, These ferns were collected in Allenstown, NH on a rocky area at the top of a hill (collection date: 11/13/2016). The longest blade is 192mm and the shortest, 162mm. I've IDed them to genus with various keys, but cannot get to the species; I think they are either Polypodium appalachium or virgianum. Any help identifying to species would be great. Any tip on differentiating these two species would also be appreciated. Thank you!
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- Dear Jackita83, thank you for the nice series of images. It is mostly likely you have Polypodium appalachianum based on the leaf blade outline and leaflet apex shape. There is always variation in these populations, sometimes that variation is merely an phenotypic response to differences in microsites, other times it can represent mixed populations with different species present. However, most of the leaves you have collected are a good fit for Polypodium appalachianum. I hope this is helpful.
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- Question
- Hi, I have another plant identification question for you. What is this plant with fruit found in mid-October in Winchester, Mass? I'm sorry I don't recall the details of the local habitat. Thanks!
- Answer
- BrooklineBiker, your plant is Rhamnus cathartica (European buckthorn). It is a non-native plant that is often invasive in disturbed habitats. It has become quite common in many parts of New England.
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- Question
- Hi, What is the pink flower in the photograph? The picture was taken about 100 feet from the Muddy River in Jamaica Plain, MA around October 22 of this year. The air was somewhat shaded and receives water only from rain. It was in a raised bed with some planted flowers. I'm not sure if this plant was there by man's design or nature. I have additional photos if helpful. Thanks, Neil
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- BrooklineBiker, your plant appears to be Spiraea japonica (Japanese meadowsweet), a commonly planted species in New England. While it does infrequently escape cultivation, it is likely the species was intentionally placed there. Best wishes.
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- Question
- hi there, I saw this beautiful plant in the picture that turned its leaves pink. The location is Ohio Cuyahoga Reservation. I hope you can help me identify it. Many thanks, Ray
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- Dear rayrites, your plant is Euonymus alatus (winged spindle-tree). It is also sometimes called burning bush because of its foliage color in the fall. It is a non-native species that can be invasive in places. There is no doubt this species is quite beautiful. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I just saw another email which explains why I'm not able to upload images for the plant I'm trying to ID for a project to remove invasives from the Town Hall Gardens in Arlington MA. This one has proven very difficult for me to ID. Hopefully, it will be okay to use your email address to send the images.
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- Dear Janda, yes, it ok to use my email, now and anytime in the future with plant identification questions. Best wishes.
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- Question
- This plant is sprouting from roots all over a client's lawn. They have mowed it and spray repeatedly with roundup. :( I told them that they would not be able to get rid of it that way. I suspect that these are from the roots of an elm that is not longer with us (above ground in any case). They do not know what their street tree used to be, but that is what I suspect. The leaves on these are small, but the plant is not allowed to get bigger. Help in ID would be great!
- Answer
- Dear kriskrash, Go Botany is currently experiencing a glitch that is preventing multiple images from being uploaded (it repeats the first image in each subsequent image). If you would attach these three images to an email and send them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I would be happy to help you with your identification request.
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- Question
- At the Ipswich River Watershed Association in Ipswich MA we were in the woods near the river and I spotted a small bright green plant with no leaves and a cluster of 7 red drooping berries. I did not recognize this plant.
- Answer
- Dear lhutchings, I assume this question is associated with the image you successfully uploaded. It was Convallaria majalis (European lily-of-the-valley). Best wishes.
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- Question
- Ipswich, MA IRWA wooded area next to the Ipswich River no leaves visible 7 drooping red berries off bright green stem close to the ground October 21, 2016 photo by Lisa Hutchings
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- Dear lhutchings, your plant is Convallaria majalis (European lily-of-the-valley), a non-native monocot in the Ruscaceae. It occasionally escapes from cultivation and can be found near human habitation. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Aseroa Rubra (Flower fungus) I had a problem trying up load the picture - but this is type I found - bucksport maine
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- Dear dscheier, if you are having trouble uploading images, feel free to send them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will be happy to view them and answer any questions you have. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi I found something that appears to be stinkhorn - is that native to our area (bucksport me)? At first I thought a seagull dropped a piece of fish or something near my garden - now I see them growing. Diane
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- Dear dscheier, yes, stinkhorns (order Phallales) are native to the northeast, including Maine. Some species can be quite elaborate in their structure. While native here, I only see them occasionally. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Collected by a friend in peaty wetland on Vinalhaven. Herbaceous, opposite leaves, short-shoots in leaf axils, Stems 4-angled. Leaves lanceolate, glabrous, margins slightly involute, papillose adaxially, Strange brown structures arising in leaf axils -- cylindrical, jointed, paired scales or bracts at each joint, offset by 180 degrees. No evident internal structure (e.g. seeds, leaf primordial, etc.). NB - only seem to be able to upload one image at time. Will try to upload another.
- Answer
- Dear Javier, good morning. Your plant is Lysimachia terrestris (swamp yellow-loosestrife). The brown structures you are describing are bulblets that are capable of vegetative reproduction. They are frequently present and are a useful identification aid. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello, I was wondering what type of flower this is? It was on the side of the westfield river. Thank you!
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- Dear RockyRoad43, you have photographed Lobelia cardinalis (red lobelia, also known as cardinal flower). This species is most frequent on shorelines, and also occurs in open wetlands (e.g., marshes). Best wishes.
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- Question
- I was walking in my backyard in the woods and spotted this bush or tr or tree with these berries that are red and I am trying to identify
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- Dear Gennifer, there is no image associated with your question; therefore, I can't help you. If you are having trouble uploading images, feel free to attach them to an email and send them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will try to help further. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi I have a passion flower producing an orange fruit almost the size of a tangerine, fruit inside almost look like small pomegranate fruit but soft as passion fruit and red in colour like pomegranate, is this an edible fruit please . Hope to hear from you soon Pam 19th october 2016
- Answer
- Dear Pam, good morning. I don't know what species of passion flower you are growing. Most species have an edible fruit, but it would be best to know which species you have to confirm that. Some species are not edible when immature, so waiting until full maturity are important for any species that you have. Passion flower fruits are quite delicious and I hope you are able to confirm your species so you can enjoy it. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi was hoping to get get and an is for this guy Im from Maryland. Right by the mason dixan line thanks :)
- Answer
- Dear Panic.exe, Go Botany is preventing (at the moment) multiple different images to upload. If you could send me this series of four images to my email address (ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org) I would be happy to help you. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi Arthur, Can you tell me why none of my images seem to upload to Go Botany site? Is it related to internet connection or resolution of photo? Thank you for you help. Deb
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- Deb, good morning. Go Botany is currently experiencing a technical issue with image uploads. None of this is your doing, but a website problem that is preventing images from posting on the site. It is being worked on and should be repaired in the near future. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi - With the extreme drought conditions and only a bit of rain recently to take the edge off but not end the drought in a meaningful way, I'm wondering: 1) Is the tree in the attached pic dead? 2) Is fall planting of 4-5 foot tall arborvitae a bad idea this year, and do you think it'd be better to wait for the spring? 3) Are there are particular trees which are drought resistant, fast growing, and native to MA forests? Thank so much for your time and expertise! Regards, Patrick
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- Dear Patrick, good morning. It is hard to tell if the tree is truly dead or not. Some species have amazing recovery ability if conditions return to normal. I would encourage planting Thuja occidentalis (arbor vitae) only if you are able to provide ample water. If you need more water-stress resistant species, consider (for another evergreen in the same family) Juniperus virginiana (eastern red cedar), which can handle much drier sites than Thuja occidentalis. If you need more information, contact me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I can forward your information request to some folks in the nursery. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi, Is the attached photos of rumex crispus (Curly Dock)? It was found 3 weeks in ago in a Brookline, MA meadow that had been mowed the prior week. Thanks for your help. PS I have more photos but was only able to successfully upload one. Please email me offline if you need more photos.
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- Dear BrooklineBiker, as you are aware, only one image could be uploaded. I would prefer to see the entire series. If you could attach them to an email and send them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I can help you out. Thank you.
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- Question
- Can you tell me if this is Rosa canina from the photo? It was observed yesterday in an old field in Benson, VT.
- Answer
- Dear mmchugh, this does not look like Rosa canina. If you look closely at the photograph, you will notice the pedicels (i.e., stalks to the fruits) have stalked glands on them, a feature not present in this species. It looks more likely to be Rosa rubiginosa (sweet-briar rose), a species related to Rosa canina. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi, we have solomon seals in our yard, but they never get berries. We have been here 11 years, and they were here when we moved in so I don't know which species they are. Do you know why they don't fruit? Thanks!
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- Dear llsrvd, I don't know why the plants in your situation don't fruit, though there are a number of reasons that this could be the case. Some cultivars are sterile triploids (three sets of chromosomes) that mean they flower and not fruit. If you are able to supply a photograph or two, I may be able to help further. Feel free to send images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I can examine them to possibly help you further. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello again! Thank you very much for responding as quickly as you did. One more question about my plant: does the Ulmus sapling grow berries in the spring? Thanks! BTW, my project is due tomorrow.
- Answer
- Ulmus species do not grow berries. Their fruit is a samara, which is a seed-like fruit (called an achene) that has a wing for wind transport. The Samara of the elm looks like a flat wafer with a seed that is encircled by the wing (you can find images of these online). Best wishes.
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- Question
- In northeast Ohio in moist woods, near wetlands, this plant is showing up. It is fast growing in a matted cluster (no other plants can grow within the mat.). Did not see any blooms or seeds on it in September. Could you help ID it? Thanks!
- Answer
- Dear Kathp, good morning. Your plant is Tussilago farfara (coltsfoot). It is a native of Europe that is naturalized to disturbed locations (including stream and riverbanks) of North America. It flowers very early in the year, before the leaves expand, hence, the absence of the flowers and fruits.
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- Question
- This plant was growing in Mother Brook in Dedham (canal that connects the Charles River with the Neponset). It looks like Elatine sp. based on leaves but the flowers appear brighter yellow than any species located in our region. The two images are from different plants near each other. I assume they are the same species because the area was covered by a carpet of this plant, but I can't be certain. The area is normally below the waterline. I will email image if incorrect one appears.
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- Dear stephradner, good morning. Your plant is Portulaca oleracea (common purslane), a non-native weed that can be prolific in some disturbed settings (e.g., agricultural fields).
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- Question
- A Gentian...is it Andrew's bottle gentian? Gentiana andrewsii. Additional close up photos available
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- Dear tanner1919, you certainly are in the right group of gentians. However, I'm not able to identify this species without some details of the corolla lobes and appendages between the lobes (best viewed by opening the flower slightly and taking photographs of the spread out parts--this can be done without damaging the flower). If you are able to take such images and send them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I can try to help you further. Also, I would need the general location of the plants (e.g., eastern MA, southern CT). Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello! I am doing this project from school where i have to identify a plant that is living in an area of our outdoor courtyard that we were assigned to observe. My plant has a light brown stem, green "scratchy" leaves, and is about 180 cm in height. If you can reply as soon as possible, that would really help me out! Thanks! Here is a photo of what my plant looks like.
- Answer
- Dear PHS620, good morning. Your plant appears to be a sapling of Ulmus (elm). I cannot tell you which species without a closer image of the leaves and knowledge of where (generally) the photograph was taken. Location information is vital for identification. If you want to email more images to me, feel free to attach them to a message to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org.
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- Question
- Hi, I am from Chicago, this beauty was given as a gift. Original owner didn't know what type it is, thus I have o idea how to care for. Please help me identify as I do not want to it to perish. I water once a week to keep from dying, her leaves sometimes fall, seems very fragile. I want to nurture the right way - please help
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- Dear sprinkles76, your plant looks like a species of Rhipsalis (mistletoe cactus), a member of the Cactaceae that is native to tropical America. These species are typically epiphytic (i.e., they grow on other plants). Hopefully knowing the name you will be able to find good care instructions on the internet. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I need help IDing this tree/bush. It has a tree like appearance and seems to not grow to be of any size. It has been growing on my hill for over 15 years and the base of the largest is about the size of a quarter. It gets clusters of white flowers with 4 petals in late spring early summer and here at the middle to end of Sept. it has little green seeds in a cluster about the size of BBs. It does NOT lose its leaves in the winter in my planting zone of 6a. I've been trying to ID this for years.
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- Dear racingbear88, Your plant is a species of Ligustrum (privet), a non-native member of the Oleaceae (olive family). I can't tell you which species because Go Botany is only allowing one image to be uploaded due to a known glitch that is being worked on. If you would email me the series of photographs to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I can take a closer look and try to get you an identification on the exact species. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi, I wonder if you can help with this ID. I took a few photos, thinking it was a mint that I wouldn't be able to ID, but the leaves don't seem to match any Menthes species (to my eyes) and the flower spikes don't look quite right to me. Could it be one of non-stinging nettles? I touched it and it didn't sting.
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- Stephradner, please email this series of images to me so I can look at them all. Thank you.
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- Question
- Good Morning, I'm wondering if his is a plant in the Ilex family? Found in Holden, MA
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- Dear Pipit, yes, your plant looks like Ilex, which is a member of the Aquifoliaceae (holly family). The alternate toothed leaves with persistent red fruits are good starting points to identify this shrub. If you look at the base of the fruits, you will see five persistent sepals, which in some species are fringed with cilia. This will help you confirm the identification in the future.
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- Question
- This tree is in my horses pasture.
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- Dear Kdailey, Go Botany is experiencing a glitch in that only one image loads repeatedly when multiple images are uploaded. Therefore, I can't view the entire set of images to help you out. If you would email them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I can view them all and assist with the identification. Also, I would need to know the location (where in the world you are). Without that information, identification is much more difficult to perform. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello! I took the photo of the sundew in central Massachusetts - thanks!
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- Dear jessil04, there is no image associated with your question. If you are having trouble posting images, feel free to email them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will try to help you out.
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- Question
- I found this sedge yesterday on the bank of Great Brook in Milford NH (Hillsborough County). It appears to be Carex spaganioides. I am no sedge expert, and come from California, so it is equally possible that I am in the wrong genus. The stem was 3-sided.
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- Dear kkrllman, good morning. You have indeed photographed a species of Carex. The large, inflated perigynia are different from the flattened ones of Carex sparganioides. You have photographed Carex lupulina (hop sedge), an occasional species of wetlands and shorelines.
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- Question
- Northern Bog Violet? side petals flair forward, no glands on throat hair tips, blue and white stripes down lower petal, leaves seem right. Blooming now so the seed pods are probably not cleistogamous. Growing along beaver-slowed brook, shaded by mature forest nearby. Images of leaves and fruit available. Anything else I could go check out?
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- Dear jorie.hunken, Go Botany is experiencing a glitch in that only one image loads repeatedly when multiple images are uploaded. Therefore, I can't view the entire set of images to help you out. If you would email them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I can view them all and assist with the identification.
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- Question
- I believe this is a kind of Triadenum but I don't know which one of the two we have here in NH. I've posed the question on a Facebook Plant ID page and responses are mixed, with some thinking it may be a genetic mutant. It's along Butterfield Pond in Wilmot, NH, see on Thursday. There are quite a few plants that look like this, and also several that are what I normally think of as St. John's wort. Can you help? Thanks.
- Answer
- Dear mwms1916, your plant is Lysimachia terrestris (swamp yellow-loosestrife). The red-brown bulbils in the axils of the leaves is a good characteristic. While this species has minute dots on the leaves, they are dark (not translucent as in Hypericum). Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello! I've uploaded a photo of a sundew that I took yesterday - which species is this? Thanks! Julie Ellis
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- Dear jellis04, good morning. I don't know where this image was taken, and that is crucial information for identification. Assuming it was photographed in the northeastern part of the United States, it would be Drosera intermedia (spatulate-leaved sundew). I hope this is helpful.
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- Question
- Found this "aster" along the edge of disturbed area, very dry near parking area, in Newburyport. Photo of one of many flowering stems, flower just over 1/2 inch Please help identify. Thank you.
- Answer
- Dear alanbandsarahsw, in order to identify your American-aster (genus Symphyotrichum), I would need some additional images, especially of the involucre (the series of greenish bracts found on each flower head that are positioned just below the ray flowers). As well, a measurement of the height of the involucre is also needed (measuring from the bottom on the lowest bract to the tip of the tallest bract). The plant looks like Symphyotrichum racemosum (small white American-aster), but it could be other species. Feel free to mail images and information to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org if you want to discuss this plant further.
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- Question
- I had trouble uploading an image. It was a cell phone photo downloaded to iPhoto and then uploaded to the site but it just kept trying and not suceceding in posting it. What did I do wrong? I was trying to get ID on a Japanese Tree Lilac found in Narragansett.
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- Dear franbot, some folks occasionally have trouble posting any images at all on Go Botany due to browser issues, etc. Anytime you would like to, feel free to email the images to me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will be happy to try and help with identifications. Best wishes.
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- Question
- We have a growing number of a tall plant in Mount Holly, VT that some say is Giant Hogweed while others say it is cow parsnip. The sap is toxic, causing blisters. Here are my questions: (1) How do we definitively determine which plant it is? (2) Should we be trying to eradicate it, regardless of which it is? Or only if it is Giant Hogweed?
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- Dear davidsmartin, good morning. To identify which species you have, you would need to observe the characteristics that distinguish these two species. The key characteristics are as follows: 1a. Umbel with mostly 50–150 primary branches, up to 50 cm wide; leaflets of principal leaves up to 130 cm long; schizocarp on a pedicel 15–40 mm long, with oil tubes 0.8 mm wide or wider that extend (50–) 65–75% of the way from apex to base of mature fruit . . . . . H. mantegazzianum 1b. Umbel with mostly 15–45 primary branches, rarely exceeding 20 cm wide; leaflets of principal leaves 5–30 (–60) cm long; schizocarp on a pedicel 6–20 mm long, with oil tubes up to 0.5 (–0.8) mm wide that extend 50–60 (–70%) of the way from apex to base of mature fruit ..... H. maximum I would not eradicate native plants because someone, somewhere in the world is sensitive to it. Most people have no problem with our native Heracleum maximum. For example, I contact this species frequently during the growing season and even eat this plant without any issue. It would be best that those rare individuals who might be sensitive to the sap of this plant to learn its identification and avoid the plants rather than cleansing the landscape of all possible hazards for all people. If you need any assistance identifying the plants, I'm happy to help you. Feel free to email me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and we can discuss this further. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I found this plant on the Souhegan River Trail in Milford, NH and am having trouble identifying it- found 9/12/16.
- Answer
- Dear eacady, your plant is Chelone glabra (white turtlehead), a native member of the Plantaginaceae. It is found occasionally as a member of wetland plant communities (such as swamps) and along shorelines.
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- Question
- I have this squash or pumpkin? vine growing in my yard. My neighbor who is a farmer can't identify it, says it's not squash. I live in Georgia
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- Dear Wendypierre, thank you for your post. Unfortunately, I cannot help you without additional images--though the plant does belong to the Cucurbitaceae (cucumber family). Go Botany is website dedicated to wild plants of New England, though I'm happy to entertain questions regarding cultivated species. If you can acquire additional images with leaves, flowers, etc. and send them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I can try to help you further. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Once you know the genus: Is there some website that you can put in the genus name and it will list each species in that genus and focus on the unique characteristics of that species? For example, I'm trying to sort out the tradescantia genus. Wish I could see high quality photos that show the distinguishing charateristic(s) that each species has that no other species in a genus has. Is there something like that? Thanks!
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- Dear weedid, you can do that on Go Botany. You can view the shortcut to groups and choose the pile that the species resides within. From there, you can type in a genus (left side of page) and limit the number of species in the key to only those contained in the genus you chose. For example, if you want to study Tradescantia, you can choose the map to the groups feature and then choose the "orchids and related plants" group and then click the "irises, lilies, and other monocots" subgroup. From there you will be able to enter the genus name Tradescantia on the left side of the page in the genus textbox. You can also search on a genus and click the genus name, getting a list of all the species in that genus in New England. While not exactly what you were looking for, I hope this helps give you some additional ways to use Go Botany. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I found this plant in a powerline corridor near Merrymeeting Bay in Maine. I couldn't find anything resembling it in the Simple Key.
- Answer
- Dear Malvaviscus, your plant is Nabalus trifoliolatus (three-leaved rattlesnake-root). This species is a native, perennial herb found in a wide variety of habitats in Maine. The flower heads are comprised of individual ray flowers (similar to dandelion, but of a different color and fewer of them).
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- Question
- Can you tell me what this is? It looks like some sort of phlox.
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- Dear margaretbruzelius, good morning. Your plant does look like a species of Phlox (common name is also phlox). Without an image of the leaves, I can't tell you which species you have photographed for certain. I would also need the location (generally) of this plant to help you with a confident identification. If this plant is near you and you would like to get more images, feel free to send them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I can help you further.
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- Question
- Hi! This is actually a little outside the New England area, but I suspect it's a plant that is also found in New England. The seed blew in through my window in NYC, into one of my potted plants and started growing. I did not have the heart to weed it. I think it may be a tree just based on how it is growing. It has been growing for a little over a month or so. Thank you so much!
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- Dear Olga, The seedling that is growing in your pot of soil is a species of Chenopodium (goosefoot). It is an annual plant that is a member of the Amaranthaceae. I would need to see fruits to tell you which species, but the leaf blade outline is consistent with Chenopodium album (white goosefoot).
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- Question
- I am making a herbarium of tree and other plant species located at the park I work at. This shrub has been difficult to ID. The shrub is about 7 feet tall located ~10 feet from the banks of a the pond. At first I thought it was highbush blueberry or a Ilex spp. The park is located in Simsbury Ct. There are no flowers or fruit on the shrub.
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- Dear jjl1982, Go Botany is currently experiencing a glitch that only allows users to upload one photograph. Therefore, I can't see both photos you uploaded. If you would be willing to send these to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I would be happy to try to help you further.
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- I found this in Dover, New Hampshire, on the wooded path that branches off of the sledding area. The only water nearby is is a water tower at the top of the hill. My friend thought they were blueberries, but I personally have never seen blueberries clumped at the end of a branch like that. Can you help?
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- Dear louiseislilacs, the clusters of fruits you see belong to a species of Smilax (greenbriar). Given the long stalk to the infructescence, it is likely Smilax herbacea (a species in the genus known as "carrion-flower"). This is a native, herbaceous, and somewhat vining plant with alternate leaves and a pair of tendrils produced from the base of the leaf stalk.
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- I photographed this shrub in Essex County, NY (just across Lake Champlain from Vermont). I could find no evidence of fruiting or past inflorescence. I thought it would key out as Red-berried Elder, but my sources indicate that the terminal leaflet should be stalked; the photo shows it being sessile, or nearly so. I am unable to return to this site to check other characteristics. Thank you.
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- Dear hiker1203, your image actually does show a stalked terminal leaflet (just part of that petiolule is hidden by the apical-most lateral leaflets). Also, a leaf in the upper right of the image also shows a stalked terminal leaflet. While I can't confirm this plant is Sambucus racemosa, there isn't anything in the image that contradicts this hypothesis either. I hope this is helpful.
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- This one's been growing in my patio garden. Since I use compost from kitchen waste I don't usually uproot any new plants that happen to spring up all of a sudden. Could you help me I'd this plant? Amy.
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- Dear MeeraJacob, good morning. I'm sorry that I cannot help you with this one. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Cultivated species originate all over the world and, without flowers, would be very hard for me to identify. I do wish I could assist, but in this case, I do not recognize the foliage. Best wishes.
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- Hi, hoping to find out what this is. I've not seen it before in the 10 years at my house in Pelham, NH. Location is about 150 from river, about 75ft above water level. I've found 3 of these bulbs in the past two weeks. The first two I found were just laying on open ground. The third was at the base of a leafy plant, photo attached. Seems like it has a root system. Outer skin is like a potato. Same texture.
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- Dear kaiacheung, Go Botany is currently experiencing a glitch where multiple images that are uploaded are all the same image. If you would be willing to attach these images to an email and send them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I would be happy to examine them and try to help you with your question.
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- Greetings. I posted a sighting of Eichhornia crassipes at Westville Recreation Area, Sturbridge, MA. I wanted to verify the post with image, but, although it looked as though it uploaded, when previewed, it was an image I had previously posted of Impatiens pallida. I have the same issue with trying to post the image here. Will this glitch be fixed soon? I think the site is wonderful, but this limits it functionality tremendously. Thanks.
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- Dear Carl, the glitch is being worked on, but there has not yet been resolution of the issue. These items are expensive to locate and de-bug. I'm sure it is quite frustrating (for me as well to attempt to identify the images that people share with me). The expanded image is Eichhornia crassipes (a very nice picture of that plant). Best wishes.
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- We have this low spreading green plant (see picture) in our garden but can't figure out what it is. The leaves are tiny, about the size of pinky nail. It grows in mulched beds, in bare spots on the lawn, and just about everywhere else, with an affinity for wet or damp spots. Its roots seem very shallow but tangled- pulling up a little pulls up a huge mat of the stuff. Any insight is appreciated!
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- Dear espratt16, it appears you have photographed a species of Hydrocotyle (pennywort) in the Apiaceae (celery family). Because I don't know where this image was taken, I am unable to complete the identification or let you know whether the species is native or not. Hopefully, knowing the genus will be useful to you. Best wishes.
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- I live in a heavily wooded lot in Southampton Ma. I found this thriving in my shrub bed. Is it an American Spikeward?
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- Dear rjholt1, the plant in the image is Circaea canadensis (broad-leaved enchanter's-nightshade). This is a native member of the Onagraceae (evening-primrose family) that is typically found in forested settings. Best wishes.
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- The leaves are thick and have a slight waxy texture. Last year had small white flowers but this year none. The bottoms leaves have turned a very light green but the tops (and new stems) are a healthy green. I don't know weather: it's an out door or indoor plant, weather it should be kept in the sun or shade or how often it needs to be watered. It has grown lots since I re-potted it. I have wrapped the large stems around sticks to grow up.
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- Dear mrslbatman, the plant you have photographed looks like a species of Kalanchoe. These are succulent plants in the Crassulaceae (stonecrop family) that mostly originate from Africa and Asia. Best wishes.
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- Trying to find out the name of a plant that commonly grows by railroad tracks. Fern like but not a fern, it's fragrant aroma is pronounced, sweet and spicey. It's common and I haven't found its name yet.
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- Dear purerealms, I would need to see an image to help you out with your information request. There are several such plants that could be as you describe. If you are unable to post an image here, perhaps you could send one attached to an email to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I could examine it for you.
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- I'm interested in planting a native variety of scouring rush in a shady area of my yard here in Arlington MA. Is there a place I could buy some in the area? Under what sort of conditions and in what soils would they best grow?
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- Dear willjburton, there is a place that sells scouring-rushes called Fourth Generation Nursery (http://www.fgnsales.com/aq_native_aquatic_plants.html). You might contact them for pricing and availability. Good luck.
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- This plant grows on my brother in law's beach, which is in Cataumet, MA. And its really growing fast and spreading. We have not had trouble with it before, nor noticed it. But I stepped on one of the thorns and so did our dog. Its NASTY! We pulled out a lot of it by the roots yesterday and put them into a plastic bag to dispose of. Here is are 2 pictures of it.
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- Dear jcarter, this plant is Salsola kali (saltwort), a non-native halophyte that is common in some locations on the coastlines of New England. It has spine-tipped leaves that can be an issue given that the spine is quite rigid. Best wishes.
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- Waterbury VT 8/13/16 overgrown field, False Obedient Dragonhead or Beardstongue like plant. Thanks.
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- joshl, the thumbnail looks like Physostegia virginiana (obedient false dragonhead), but the uploaded image is again Chelone glabra (white turtlehead).
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- Waterbury VT Slightly overgrown field 8/13/16 Vervain like plant. Thanks
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- joshl, the image that has loaded is Chelone glabra (white turtlehead), though the thumbnail is clearly a different plant. I can help you best if you send the images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org because Go Botany is currently experiencing an issue with image uploads. Best wishes.
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- This plant/?weed grows along the sunny bank lakeside - big bee attractor - little delicate white flowers with wonderful sweet scent - I've seen them around but never knew the name - thank you.
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- tracyd123, none of your images have uploaded, so I'm unable to help you. If you are willing to send these images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I would be happy to examine them. Best wishes.
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- Can you help me by identifying this plant that came up in my flower garden in southern Vermont? I did not plant it and am wondering if I should pull it out before it goes to seed. The yellow trumpet shaped flowers are clustered in areas near the top of the roughly 2-1/2 foot plant. The heart shaped leaves are whorled around the sturdy stalks. Thank you!
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- Dear lmc825, you have photographed Mirabilis jalapa (four o’clock umbrella-wort), a plant that is occasionally found naturalized in parts of New England. While non-native, this species is not invasive and if you enjoy it, allow it to remain in your garden. Best wishes.
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- I have a plant that my friend gave me seeds for. We do not know what it is, I have a couple of pictures of it, can you help identify it?
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- Dear jfz8034, your plant is a member of the Solanum nigrum complex (black nightshade). Because Go Botany is experiencing an issue with image uploads, I can only see one picture of the four your shared. If you would send the images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I could tell you which species you have in hand. Best wishes.
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- Found in Franklin Park, Dorchester, MA, on rocky outcrop, very little soil at all. Plant is thriving, with multiple specimens in the area. Photos are terrible phone pics, my apologies... Some sort of flax?
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- Dear ebaitchman, your plant is Hypericum gentianoides (orange-grass St. John's-wort), a very small member of the genus with tiny, scale-like, opposite leaves and small yellow flowers with five petals. It thrives in nutrient-poor soils, such as sand and ledge.
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- My very recent previous post looks possibly like one of the Penstemon species, hirsutus, pallidus? Thanks.
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- Dear joshl, Go Botany is experiencing a glitch in the photograph uploading. If you would be willing to email the image you are interested in having me examine to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I would be happy to assist with the identification.
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- 8/5/16-Growing on the bank of the CT river Hartland, VT. Small to large patches, visited by bees. Thanks.
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- Dear joshl, I can only view on image you have posted (of the two), and that image is Chelone glabra (white turtlehead), a member of the Plantaginaceae with showy flowers. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I pass by this very large tree most days when I walk. The area is in Green Hill Beach (Wakefield), RI. It has a "fruit" that is green, very hard, and size of a large lime. I cut one of these "fruit" open which I needed a saw to do. I'm attaching a couple of photos. In one, which is a collage that also includes some bamboo which you can ignore, there are images of the tree leaves & the fruit. Photo #2 (may not have attached) is of the cut fruit. I need help with ID. Thank you! Diane Dimmock
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- Dear Diane, Go Botany is experiencing a glitch that only one image will upload (repeatedly). Therefore, I don't have your full sample of images to view. That all written, the fruit image that I can see appears to be Juglans nigra (black walnut). These have a green, resinous husk that encloses a large, nut-like seed. The seed can be cracked open to remove the kernels. If you view this plant, it should have alternate, pinnately compound leaves. Further, if you were to cut a branchlet length-wise in half, it would have a chambered pith. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Have not been able to successfully key out this grass I found in a disturbed wetland in CT. Suggestions?
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- Dear beth, you have photographed a species of Echinochloa (barnyard grass). I cannot tell you which species you have collected because I would need to see close-up details of the floral scales. It is likely you have photographed Echinochloa muricata (American barnyard grass) given its commonness and the fact it routinely occurs in wetlands and along shorelines.
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- Hello. Found this grasslike plant growing along the edge of Clarks Pond in Amesbury, MA. I couldn't find anything among your grasslike plants that looked like it. Can you help?
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- Dear chaffee, you've photographed a species of burr-reed (genus Sparganium), a member of the Typhaceae (cattail family). I cannot see details of the inflorescence well enough to tell you which species you've observed, but hopefully this information will get you started on your study of this plant. Best wishes.
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- Hoping you can help me figure out where I've gone wrong in the key process. After "All other non-flowering woody plants"-->"Other herbaceous, flowering plants with opposite, whorled or no leaves"-->"whorled"-->"teeth" I wind up with what looks like 8 non-matches. What is this, and what mistake am I making? (This is in Southern CT, growing in wet forested areas alongside some half-hearted cardinal flower. The site won't let me upload extra images, but it's four leaves per node.)
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- Dear hsouvaine, your plant is a species of Eutrochium (Joe-pye weed), a member of the Asteraceae (composite family). It is likely Eutrochium maculatum, but I would need better close-up images of the capitula to determine that. The path you took in the key should have taken you to the composite pile (these have flower heads made up of several disk flowers in each capitulum). Best wishes.
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- Is this plant a Chenopodium? If so, I can't figure out which. The leaf on the right, showing its farinose underside, is 1.2 cm long. The fruits are dorsoventrally compressed and with their sepals form a pentandral shape. The pericarp is tightly adherent to the lustrous, brown seed but can be removed with ease. The plant came from the beach of the brackish Tisbury Great Pond on Martha's Vineyard and was less than 10 cm tall. Thank you and best wishes.
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- Dear Gregory, you have collected Oxybasis glauca (synonym: Chenopodium glaucum, oak-leaved Eurasian-goosefoot). This is a non-native species commonly found in disturbed soils. Best wishes.
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- Good Afternoon! Could you please help with identifying this shrub. My guess is Ilex glabra- found in a wetland in Fitzwilliam, NH (I'm having difficulty uploading multiple images- it just keeps repeating the single image). Thank you!
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- Dear KDC, Go Botany is experiencing a glitch with regarding to uploading multiple images. Anytime you would like, you may email them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I can examine them. That written, I can identify your mystery shrub. It is Gaylusaccia baccata (black huckleberry). If you look closely with magnification, you will see tiny resin dots on both surfaces of the leaf blade. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Please help identifying this plant. is it cannabis or other wildflower? i found it at back garden. i am writing from Khacmaz, Azerbaijan.
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- Dear Calculus85, Go Botany is currently experiencing a glitch that doesn't allow multiple images to be posted (subsequent images will simply copy the first image posted). While I may not be able to help you (you are a long way from northeastern North America where I am most familiar), if you want to take the time to attach these four images to an email and send them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I would be happy to examine them. Best wishes.
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- We've recently moved to NH and have found this guy growing at an extraordinary rate. Over 6 feet so far! Striking out identifying this. Thanks!
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- Dear MountainViewFarm, your plant is Phytoloacca americana (American pokeweed). This is a robust, native herb that can be eaten in the early season when the leaves are emerging. Best wishes.
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- I found this plant along the Androscoggin River in Leeds, Maine. It was growing in a large patch in a disturbed area. The bumble bees were all over it, going inside the flower to forage.
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- Dear firstlight, your plant is Impatiens glandulifera (Himalaya touch-me-not), a non-native herb originating is Asia. It is very striking and quite beautiful, but can be very aggressive and is capable of displacing other plants. If you have the time, I would appreciate learning the location of this plant (feel free to email me ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org). Best wishes.
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- I found this plant in a shady spot in Bar Harbor ME- I brought seeds back to Bucksport ME. It seems to thrive in sun or shade, but I haven't been able to locate a name. The flowers have a pinkish tone. Leaves are pretty sparse - are long and thin
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- Dear dscheier, your plant is Silene vulgaris (bladder campion). It is a beautiful plant that is native to Europe. It is not an invasive species, being limited primarily to human disturbed habitats, though it can be found on gravel river shores and similar places with non-human disturbance. Best wishes.
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- Thanks for your prompt answer to my last question. This was photographed in June of 2010 in Paxton, MA. The second images shows the plant in its habitat. PS: I cannot tell if the correct images have been uploaded because the displayed uploads are both the same, and the image I uploaded in my last question.
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- Dear carl, yes, Go Botany is experiencing a glitch in regard to the loading of images. You are welcome to send them to me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I can try to assist further. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I've lived here for 6 years now and out of the blue right by the front steps is a kind of squash looking thing...never seen anything like it and have no clue where it came from. I just want to know if I should let it grow or hit it with roundup. I live in Texas, Midland and it requires no care from me. It wont let me put different pics up
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- Dear alanlee536, Go Botany is currently experiencing a glitch that allows only one photo to be uploaded. If you are willing to send these six images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org I would be happy to examine them more closely and attempt to help you with your question.
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- This Clematis is growing on the roadside--presumably an escapee from a nearby garden. Since it is blooming now (mid-July), does that make it C. recta rather than C. terniflora? I'm not familiar with either. Or is it something else? Thanks! PS, I'm having trouble uploading multiple images. It keeps grabbing the same image (looks like others have that issue as well).
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- Dear KyleJones, I can't tell you for certain which species of Clematis you are viewing due to the fact that only one image of your series will currently load on Go Botany. If you can send them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I can examine them and provide you with a more confident answer. Please also include your general location. Thank you.
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- I planted a handful of lime seeds and 1 year later this tree grew...I don't think it's a lime tree..the leaves are like maple almost. It's 4 ft tall and 4 ft wide. I really want to know what this is. I'm in North Florida and it's in a pot in my garden.
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- Dear Melodystewart, unfortunately I won't be able to help you. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. While we are happy to entertain all questions related to botany, some plants in distant locations, especially cultivated species, will be unknown to us. If you want me to try to locate someone closer to you that may be able to help, email me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org. Best wishes.
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- I came across this plant on Starr King Trail in New Hampshire. I tried looking it up ,but had no luck identifying it , can you help ? Thank you , Dan
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- Dear Dan, your plant is Platanthera grandiflora (greater purple-fringed bog-orchid). This is an uncommon, native species that is found throughout much of New England. Beautiful image.
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- I don't have a question about a plant. I'm not sure who to notify, but the upload feature on the GoBotany website is still not working right. If you go to the list of recent sightings, you see images and the name of the plant. If you click on the image, however, the large image that displays is NOT the same image. I have tried to upload images for recent sightings, but the images that display next to my recent sightings are not correct. Just FYI.
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- Dear lharley, thank you for the notification. We are aware of this problem and it is being worked on. We always appreciate people sharing issues they are experiencing with Go Botany, so thank you again for your message.
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- Dear Botanist. I want to ask about this plant. I want to ask what it's botanical name is. It grows in high cold mountains with plenty of rainfall. The plant grows in partial shades of perennial plants like pines. There is a bulb at the roots( around 6 to 18 inches deep down in the soil) which resembles garlic but with thinner leaves. The plant bears a solitary flower in pink color. If anything more is required to know the botanical name of the plant, let me know. Thank you very much
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- Dear taurasturi, your plant looks like a species of Lilium (lily). However, I will not be able to tell you which species. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of northeastern North America. It appears this plant is from another part of the world. If you would like help finding expertise closer to you, feel free to email me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I can try to help you further.
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- I saw this plant in Paris long time ago and took a picture of it. Yesterday I saw it at a local flower fair (I live in Mexico City) but the person who sold it did not know the plant's name. I would appreciate any help regarding the identification of this plant. Cheers, María.
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- Dear mariagdl, your plant looks to be a species of Hypericum (St. John's-wort). I cannot tell you which species, but hopefully this gets you started on a path to learning more about this plant. Best wishes.
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- I only have fruit of this small shrub. Could it be a Lonicera? The plant occurs in Deering, NH 03244 along the Deering Reservoir. The plant stands up to about 1.5 m, the stem is smooth, gray and about 2 cm diam. It is in fruit now. I attach two pictures of the fruit. I will have to return to the site to see leaf arrangement. thank you Gary Samuels
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- Dear gjsamuels, your plant is Ilex mucronata (mountain-holly). It was formerly known as Nemopanthus mucronatus. This is a native shrub that is found in wetlands and also in uplands higher in the mountains of New England.
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- Hello I need help identifying this plant which has sprung up this year in several odd spots around my yard and lawm in northeastern VT. I know I have seen it before but am pretty positive that I did not plant it. I tried using the keys on this site to ID it, but have only come up with some plants which are similar. Thank you for any assistance you can provide. I seem to only be able to upload one photo, but do have several more, so let me know if you require any more.
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- Dear gcvt, your plant is a species of Malva (mallow). A common species with this morphology is Malva moscahata (musk mallow), which is introduced to many parts of New England. I can try to examine it more closely if you would like to send the entire suite of images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org.
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- Question
- This plant is growing next to a row of arborvitae under a canopy of other trees in my Manchester NH yard. It appears to be a horse chestnut but according to the map isn't native here. Thoughts?
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- Dear rontrex, yes, your plant is Aesculus hippocastanum (horse-chestnut). This plant is not native to NH, but is planted in that state. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I've been trying unsuccessfully to identify this plant. It is in my backyard in Houston TX. It was in a pot for 10 years and did not grow more than 3 feet, then I put it in the ground 6 years ago and now it is around 16 feet tall. It sheds a bit in the winter but not completely, unless it freezes when it looses all the leaves, then starts over in the spring. Would love to know its origin and species. I love its geometrical leaf arrangement. I will send more photos by email per your prev. post
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- Dear cspace, this is not a tree I recognize (sorry). Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England and this tree is just too far out of that bioregion for me to assist. I suggest you contact the folks at BRIT (Botanical Research Institute of Texas) who have plant specialists in your area. An email to contact them concerning plant identification is ktaylor@brit.org. Good luck.
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- Question
- Greetings! This is most probably a cultivar: it was found in Leicester, MA, drooping over a stone fence; the leaves are small, no more than 1 cm in length, the image dates from 2016-07-12. Thanks.
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- Dear Carl, your plant looks like it could be a species of Cotoneaster (common name is cotoneaster, a member of the Rosaceae). There are many species in this genus and flowers and fruits would be required for confident identification. I hope this helps a little. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I can't identify this flowering plant anywhere. It is blooming now - July 6 - is up to 6 feet tall, fragrant flowers. It is on a roadside in central Mass.
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- Dear wms7777, Go Botany is currently experiencing a glitch that only allows one image to be loaded. I would like to see the entire series you have taken. If you would attach the images to an email and send them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I will help you identify the plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi, I'm currently looking to identify this plant, I was wondering if you would by chance be able to help me. This is from a tree in Gorham, Maine. There are no visible flowers or fruits at this point in the year (mid-summer).
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- Dear corylemay, this plant is a cultivar of Fagus sylvatica (European beech) that has prominently lobed leaves. Most leaves of this species grown in the northeast have remotely toothed leaves without any lobes. Best wishes.
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- Question
- This groundcover voluntarily grew in my yard after I planted the chick and hen. It's quite pretty, but I would like to know what it is, how it got there, how tall it will get, how it will spread, if it will flower, etc. this is in Wilmington North Carolina .
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- Dear Mosunshn, beautiful image, but this plant is growing far out my range of expertise (Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England). While I can often help with species outside of the northeastern United States, in this case, I would suggest you connect with the folks at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. There is an excellent herbarium there that could answer this plant identification question. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi, I was hoping you could help me identify what type of crane's-bill this is. I'd like to know whether its a native or not. Thanks!!
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- Dear cobada, the plant you have photographed is a species of Malva (mallow). You can see that the stamens are fused into a tube around the styles (characteristic of species in the mallow family). While I would need additional images to tell you for certain which species you have photographed, it is likely to be Malva moschata (musk mallow), a common non-native species found throughout the northeastern US (and beyond). Best wishes.
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- Question
- Do you have any idea what plant this is?? It's weird and I have no idea what it is..............I found it in the woods behind my house and transplanted it 12 years ago. I live in Woburn, MA Thank you.
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- Dear bpasq_2000, good morning. Your plant is a species of Yucca, and it may be Yucca filamentosa (Spanish-needle), a member of the Agavaceae. Go Botany is currently experiencing a glitch in that only one image will load (repeatedly), so I can't see the full set of images you uploaded. If you would like me to examine all three separate images to provide a more confident answer, feel free to email them to "ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org" and I can study them further.
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- Question
- Hello, I am the health agent in the city of Easthampton, MA where giant hogweed is suspected. It is not in flower and i cannot identify it to specie. I also cannot rule it out as hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum
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- Dear jackieduda, Go Botany is currently experiencing a glitch where only one image is loading (over and over again). As a result, I can't see the entire set of images you tried to upload. If you would send them all to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I would be happy to try to help you with the identification issue. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I have several of these tall (almost 3 ft.) flowering stalks growing in my garden in Lowell, MA. Is this Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)? If not, do you know what it is?
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- Dear erinmm1, the plant you have photographed is certainly Oenothera (evening-primrose). However, from the one image that loaded four times over, I can't tell you which species. If you want to send the images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org I can try to help you further and determine which species (exactly) you have photographed. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Today I randomly came across pictures of butomus umbellatus as the plant I submitted an ID request for so if it doesn't need to be posted it can be tabled from the postings!
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- Dear BrianW, good morning. The image you uploaded for an ID request is not Butomus umbellatus. That species has dimorphic tepals and different fruits. The image you posted is another species. If you have additional images, please send them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org so that I may help you with your request.
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- This wetlands plant I have noticed for the second or third year in a row in the same location and easily passes for tearthumb. Upon closer inspection it is not tearthumb nor a vine and the pods bring flowers resembling a marsh bellflower. The hollow, green, leafless stem is approx. 18-24". There do not appear to be any leaves associated with this clump and there were a few dozen flowering stalks plus stalks which had pods without flowering. On the border of Griswold/Voluntown in Ct.
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- Dear BrianW, do you have additional images of this plant that you could send me? Only a small portion of the image is in focus. If you can send more images, please send them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org so that I can help you with your question. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Locate near a brook and related uplands in Middlesex County MA Thanks for your help. Hoping I can upload the correct files as the image that shows up on my screen is the first thing I ever uploaded, but if you click on the image, the new ones show up. Thanks for your help.
- Answer
- Dear sheilac, there is only one image loading, and while I can see it is a species of Carex (sedge), I cannot with confidence tell you which one. If you are willing, please send the series of images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will try to help you further.
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- Question
- Sir, can you help with the botanical name of the plant in the image below? Description: herbaceous, white milky latex, leaves reduce to spine needle-like. Family Euphorbiaceae. thanks
- Answer
- Dear Olascoherbal, I'm sorry, but I cannot assist. I would need to know where this plant is from (keep in mind there are upwards of 500,000 species of plants on the earth and it is not possible for anyone to know them all--which is why people often specialize either in a region or in a taxonomic group of plants). Go Botany is a webpage dedicated to wild plants of the northeastern United States. If you need help finding assistance for your plant, feel free to email me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I can find a museum closer to you that may be able to assist. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Many people with diverticulitis are under the impression that they can't eat foods with seeds. Although this does not seem to research based the practice seems to persist. I want to know how I can grow seedless strawberries?
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- Dear markstarmount, the seed-like structures that you consume when you eat a strawberry are actually fruits (called achenes) that are embedded on an expanded, fleshy receptacle. Therefore, you are actually trying to grow "fruitless" strawberries, which I do not believe can be done (at least it is nothing I have ever seen accomplished). Best wishes.
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- Question
- I am located on eastern Long Island and am looking for a local population of Diervilla lonicera. Has anyone sited this species in my area?
- Answer
- Dear jtg65, one strategy you could use is to visit the vitural herbarium of the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). They have an online collection of imaged museum specimens. If you search through those collections, you may find collections taken from Long Island that would help you narrow down your searches for this species. You could also try contacting folks at NYBG and see if anyone has first-hand information about how to find this shrub. Good luck.
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- Question
- I am wondering if this serviceberry is too close to my gas and water pipes which are underground. The yellow flag is where the underground lines are. Also, I have a second question. We have a large Honey Locust tree on our side yard. I know it's invasive in Massachusetts, and although native of the U.S., not native in Massachusetts. It provides lots of shade, but I want to do what is ecologically sound. What do you advise?
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- Dear natalieillsley, I can't tell you for certain what species of woody plant is near the pipes, but it doesn't appear to close from the image. Gleditsia triacanthos is a non-native species that can spread from its original planting, though it rarely acts as a true invasive. I appreciate you wanting to do what is best for the landscape. Perhaps we could continue this discussion through email (ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org).
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- Question
- sir I am a nature lover and I reside in Nigeria I have wonderful plant images to share please I want to know if images of foreign plants are also allowed on this website. thanks
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- Dear Olascoherbal, you are welcome to post pictures of plants and the landscapes they grow in, regardless of where you live. We enjoy seeing the plants of the world. When it comes to questions about plant identification, we may or may not be able to assist with plants from Nigeria--your country is a long way from northeastern North America where our expertise resides. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Having problems uploading. It keeps posting the first image I ever posted.
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- Dear sheilac, I will report the issue you are experiencing to our technical department so they can fix this issue. Thank you for noting this.
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- Question
- This weed/plant is growing in a potter next to my swiss chard and spinach... below are picture of the main plant and an individual leaf? It reminds me of those weeds when you break them apart they have a milky substance inside. I don't want to mess with it yet. Any ideas what it is?
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- Dear Jpriccardi, the plant looks like a species of Datura (thorn-apple). These are members of the Solanaceae (nightshade family). There is, in this case, no milky latex associated with the plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- These plants were seen in Midllesex County, along a brook. I do not want to share more in the case it is the endangered Wapato. Thanks for looking at it. Sending another along, I could not t seem to upload more than 1 image in the last message. It kept uploading the same photo.
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- Dear sheilac, you have found Persicaria arifolia (halberd-leaved tearthumb), a native plant of wetlands. If you examine it closely, you will notice that it has downward oriented prickles on it stem. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi Arthur, Any idea when the ability to upload images to checklists may be resolved? Thank you! Deb Munson
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- Dear viridiflora, no, I have not yet heard, but I will check for you today and post a response here. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello - I am having trouble identifying this species. Can you help? I found it in Connecticut in the forest understory. It has leaves that look a bit striped and really diminutive "flowers". I will email photos to Arthur - it seems like the site is having trouble loading images. Thank you.
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- Dear Stewart, the website is currently experiencing problems with allowing users to upload images. For the time being, email your images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will help you identify the plant. Best wishes
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- Question
- I have turned part of my yard into a 'meadow' and I do not recognize this plant. Any thoughts? Looks almost like it has orchid parts! The whole flower cluster is about an inch- inch and a half across. The plant stands about 1' high.
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- Dear kriskrash, the website is currently experiencing problems with allowing users to upload images. For the time being, email your images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will help you identify the plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I would like to ask your help with a plant ID. The attached pictures were taken recently at a pond in Franklin MA The local C.C. is unable to ID and has suggested that you be contacted for help, so here I am.
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- Dear Bruce, the website is currently experiencing problems with allowing users to upload images (as I believe you are aware). For the time being, email your images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will help you identify the plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Dear Botanist, I spotted these flowers in an overgrown/abandoned garden which slopes down along the side of our driveway in Western Massachusetts (Berkshire County). It is a somewhat moist area near the edge of a small forest which slopes down to the road. The closest thing I can find is Indian Pipe, but as you can see in the photo, these flowers look a bit different. Can you please help me ID them?
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- Dear RTSabo, the website is currently experiencing problems with allowing users to upload images. Please email your images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will help you identify the plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello, Looking for an Id on this flowering plant. has small jagged leaves. pedals are very delicate and easy knocked off from the blossom. (the image upload seems to be getting stuck here is a link to them on imgur) https://i.imgur.com/1VrWt2F.jpg http://i.imgur.com/HLAkYWc.jpg
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- Dear Panic.exe, your plant is a species of Rosa (rose). Unfortunately, there are many species of rose and I cannot tell you more about your species without knowing where the plant was photographed and some additional images, such as of the leaves and stem. If you want to attach more images to an email and send it to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I should be able to help you further.
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- Question
- Hello, Looking for an Id on this flowering plant. has small jagged leaves. pedals are very delicate and easy knocked off from the blossom.
- Answer
- Dear Panic.exe, the website is currently experiencing problems with allowing users to upload images. Please email your images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will help you identify the plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- HI I have been cleaning up an old homestead here in Montana USA, I have stumbled upon many old varieties and species of plants, shrubs, trees. One has me stumped though, It's a honeysuckle, but hairy, and has markings I have never seen before. Many of the plants I find on the old homesteads are of European descent and were brought here in the early to mid 1800's.
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- Dear Kymme, the website is currently experiencing problems with allowing users to upload images. Please email your images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will help you identify the plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Can u please identify these plants? We live in Dallas TX. Thanks
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- Dear anu, the website is currently experiencing problems with allowing users to upload images. Please email your images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will help you identify the plant (if possible, TX is far out of my region of expertise). Best wishes.
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- Question
- There is a 6' + plant growing on a single stalk. It is a bluish green. The flower buds come out where the plant branches out. Each branch also has 2 small (3") tendrils. The flower had not opened yet so I can't supply a color. The stalk is very sturdy and the plant was growing at about 4-6" a day. Have never seen it in the yard before. Location is the Newport Maine area. I was unable to upload a photo.
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- Dear Jude, the website is currently experiencing problems with allowing users to upload images. Please email your images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will help you identify the plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- This is not a flower, so maybe you can't help--thank you, though. I recall a plant that grew along the roadside in Wisconsin, that resembled a small dark green segmented plastic tube. I don't think it had any leaves at all. Just a tube. I may have seen it also in the Northeastern U.S., but I'm not sure. It's not common, but I would run across it sometimes under power lines while collecting wild asparagus, which also grew under power lines due to birds dropping seeds there, and good sun.
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- Dear anniebee, the website is currently experiencing problems with allowing users to upload images. Please email your images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will help you identify the plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I found multiple examples of some yellow-flowering plants along the shoreline in Buzzard's Bay, Massachusetts (specifically, 41.76640° N 70.60618° W). I was wondering if this is gorse or some relative of it? I see you're having trouble with image uploads. I will send the images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org if that's okay?
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- Dear aperrin2, yes, please send the images to my email address (which you noted in your message) so that I might help you with your image.
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- Question
- IN Connecticut, by a stream.
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- Dear hstret21, the website is currently experiencing problems with allowing users to upload images. Please email your images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will help you identify the plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- IN Connecticut, by a stream. i know it is honeysuckle, but can you tell me what kind
- Answer
- Dear hstret21, the website is currently experiencing problems with allowing users to upload images. Please email your images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will help you identify the plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- This small flowering plant seems to be located in the shade - the flowers grow from very short stalks - I am in Bucksport Maine - but I found this in Bar Harbor. There seems to be a problem uploading photos - my has been spooling for several minutes - I will select submit and see what happens.
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- Dear dscheier, Yes, there is a problem currently with uploading images. Please send the image to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will try to help you identify the plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- this is growing roadside in normal dry soil in N E Ct
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- Dear criley, there is no image attached to your message so I won't be able to help you. If you are having trouble posting images, feel free to attach the image to an email and send it to: ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org. I would be happy to try and identify your mystery plant.
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- Question
- Growing in a ravine near stream. Small ,maybe 13inches high.central ny.
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- Dear antny1018, there is no image attached to your message so I won't be able to help you. If you are having trouble posting images, feel free to attach the image to an email and send it to: ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org. I would be happy to try and identify your mystery plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I found this photo online with no details. I'm wondering if anybody knows the name of this? It smells very sweet and lovely. Thank you!
- Answer
- Dear alicialo_, there is no image attached to your message so I won't be able to help you. If you are having trouble posting images, feel free to attach the image to an email and send it to: ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org. I would be happy to try and identify your mystery plant.
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- Question
- Seen this in New Jersey...actually right outside the office of the Light House in Cape May. I use to hate plants and flowers - except those I could grow and eat so I am just now discovering what I like. Can you identify this?
- Answer
- Dear brohdaw, there is no image attached to your message so I won't be able to help you. If you are having trouble posting images, feel free to attach the image to an email and send it to: ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org. I would be happy to try and identify your mystery plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Greetings~ What is the least expensive, easy to use, effective camera for taking photos of insects, wildflowers, etc. I do not have IPhone or any of those gadgets, and would like to just have a camera for my amateur field work. Any advice? Thank you!
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- Dear therearenosuchthings+weeds, there are many choices that would work for photographing wildflower and several different brands that provide the necessary features for what you are looking for. I would encourage you to go purchase a digital camera (over an film camera) for ease of uploading pictures and downloading them to a computer where they can be shared for help with identification or documentation of rare species. Whatever you choose to buy, I would encourage you to get a camera that shoots at least 5 megabyte images for clarity and resolution (this is easy to do these days). I would also encourage to find a model that allows close-up photography so that you can get within 2 cm of the subject you are photographing. It is also easiest when you have a large screen to view the plants in the field to be sure you have a clear image to share with others. All of these things can be easily answered by the retailer who would help you select a model. I am partial to Sony models due to the quality of the glass in the camera. I hope this information is useful.
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- Question
- Franklin, MA Found at the edge of wooded area at perimeter of back yard. The wooded area has wetlands nearby. The plant has a woody vine with new growth stems off of the main vine. The leaves grow in an alternating pattern with little berries at the base of the leaf stem. In our yard, we have instances where this wooded "vine" grows upright like a bush with multiple vines in one bush like structure and other instances where the vine grows horizontally across the ground.
- Answer
- Dear pkpsu, there are no images associated with your question. If you are having trouble posting images, feel free to attach them to an email and send them to my address: ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org. I would be happy to try and help you identify the unknown plant.
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- Question
- Hello, I found this flower at the edge of my woodland in Royalston, Massachusetts and haven't been able to identify it. It is growing near a patch of several dozen Pink Lady's Slippers. Thanks!
- Answer
- Dear lydiamusco, there are no images associated with your question. If you are having trouble posting images, feel free to attach them to an email and send them to my address: ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org. I would be happy to try and help you identify the unknown plant.
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- Question
- Found along the wood river in RI. Was wondering if someone could identify. Nice white flower.
- Answer
- Dear NNEL, there is no image associated with your question. If you are having trouble posting images, feel free to attach them to an email and send them to my address: ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org. I would be happy to try and help you identify the unknown plant.
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- Question
- Hi, I photographed this plant in my yard in Boston in August of last year. Many of the leaves had leaf miner damage. Unlikely that it was planted here. Thanks for your help.
- Answer
- Dear sicloot, the images are very small, so I cannot see things as well as I would like to. Keeping that in mind, your plant may be Symphyotrichum cordifolium (heart-leaved American-aster). If you are able to supply larger images, I could likely help you further. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi this is a plant that is covering the ground near the edge of the lawn. It is doing so well, I am wondering if it is invasive. Thanks. Waterbury, VT 5/19/16
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- Dear joshl, The plant you have photographed is Aegopodium podograria (Bishop's goutweed). This is a non-native member of the Apiaceae that can be highly invasive. It spreads by an underground rhizome that is difficult to remove. If allowed to flower you will see an umbel of small white flowers. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi I bought this plant since 2010 and i forgot to ask the reseller about this plant names but its a Cactus variety and Lucky before the Mother Plant Died she manage to sprout a baby plant coming from the Root so its easy to propagate. The leaves and the Body showing a Dotted mark so its make so Unique. The Original Pot have some red color woods and makes the Body of the plant reddish or more Nicer color. Its like a Dragon Plant variety and the store said it came from China. Thanks
- Answer
- Dear raregarden, I'm sorry I cannot help you with your image. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plant of New England. Cultivated plants can originate is distant areas where the plant species are poorly known to us. You will need to find a forum specializing in cultivated species to receive assistance with your request. Best of luck.
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- Question
- This one has us baffled. I assumed a fleabane at first but the rays are too broad. Pink tipped underneath. Hairy stem. Very short (like less than 3 inches tall). Extreme northeast Vermont; May 19, 2016 (survived snowfall on Monday) Thank you for your help!!
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- Dear meeyauw@gmail.com, thank you for posting a nice series of images. You have photographed Bellis perennis (English-daisy), a non-native member of the Asteraceae that is sometimes found on lawns and in fields. Best wishes.
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- Question
- This plant was found on Nantucket in a lawn. The photo comes to me 3rd hand and I am told is not a prank. I personally think it looks like a badminton birdie run over by a mower. The man who took the photo says it is not soft like a fungus but feels like a vine. Sorry for the limited information, however, it is so conspicuous that I hope the photo alone will be enough to identify.
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- Erin, I would love to assist you, but Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. If you need help finding a mycology forum where this could be identified, feel free to email me at: ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org. I can try to help you further.
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- Question
- Tree found in a wetland near a brook. Central CT. It had butressed roots. Second photo shows leaves that were coming from a small twig off the main trunk. I'd really appreciate some ID help with this one.
- Answer
- Dear mark@nature.ninja, thank you for posting multiple images, but I'm not able to help. The bark at the very base of older trees is often not characteristic. A image from 2 or 3 meters higher up the tree is better for identification. The leaf, suggesting this is either a member of the birch or elm families, is simply not close enough or large enough (of an image) for me to help you. If you find yourself in the area of this tree again and can get additional images, I should be able to assist you. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I am stumped again with an identification. I found a flowering bush along the Merrimack River in West Newbury, MA (my favorite place to walk these days). The leaves look like Rhododendron and the flowers hang down like blueberry 'bells,' but I've never seen yellow Rhododendron flowers like these or yellow blueberry flowers. Can you help?
- Answer
- lharley, you have photographed Berberis vulgaris (common barberry). This is a non-native shrub with spines and yellow flowers arranged in pendulous racemes. Unlike the Berberis thunbergii (Japanese barberry), this species has toothed leaves and some spines are branched. Both species are invasive in some situations.
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- Question
- What is this? May be St John's wort, but the leaves are rounder. Maine, grows by a stream.
- Answer
- Rocky, you have collected Caltha palustris (marsh-marigold). If these were indeed a species of St. John's wort, the leaves would have been opposite one another and entire along the margin (note these are alternate and toothed), among other differences. Caltha palustris is a native, spring-flowering species of wetlands and shorelines.
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- Question
- Hello again, I've combed through a couple of keys and not finding a match for the basal leaves of this flower. I thought anemone and then perhaps something in the hepatica family? Found in forest in Holden, MA. Thank you
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- Dear Pipit, this is Lysimachia borealis (starflower), often called Trientalis borealis in literature and on the web. It is a common, native forest species throughout much of New England.
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- Question
- Hello, I found this on my walk this morning, I think it's in the Hawthorn family, but cannot narrow it down. It definitely had sharp spurs(?)photo 2 is a bit blurry of the leaves but bark is shown. Photo 3 is the sharp Spurs/ thorns. Found in Holden, MA
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- Dear Pipit, Yes, you are correct, this is in the genus Crataegus (hawthorn). I can't tell you which species without a measurement of the flower width and an image of the sepals. It may be Crataegus macrosperma or C. coccinea, and those details I noted would distinguish these two species. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi, I need the name of this plant for my project. This plant is located near a St.Matthews wetland in Louisville,Kentucky.
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- Dear Angel, I would need some additional images to be confident, but your plant does appear to be Conium maculatum (poison-hemlock). The leaf division and the red spots on the stems are good identification characters. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I'm wondering how much variation there is in leaf morphology for Impatiens capensis. I'm most familiar with the leaves being more ovate with crenate margins. However, I've come across what really looks like I. capensis but with more lanceolate leaves and dentate/serrate margins (see images comparing the two). Are these just different varieties of I. capensis, plasticity, I. capensis vs. I. padilla, or am I somehow way off? (photos in Wellesley, MA) Thanks! Alden
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- Dear AldenGriffith, while there is a lot of variation in the leaf shape of Impatiens capensis, even on the same stem, you likely have two different species in your image. One is clearly Impatiens, the other appears to be a species of Circaea (enchanter's-nightshade), a member of the Onagraceae. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi, I posted a sighting of Rhododendron periclymenoides in Dedham a couple days ago. I came up with the ID because the hairs on the underside of the leaf are along the midrib. However, when I went back to visit the plant, I notice that there are stipitate glands on the old buds and fruit capsules, which are not consistent with R. periclymenoides, unless it is a rare variety, or if my ID is incorrect. Here are a couple photos. Please let me know your thoughts.
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- Dear stephradner, the plant may actually be neither species (Rhododendron periclymenoides or R. prinophyllum). The fact that the leaves have so few hairs and also given that there are no flowers appearing with the expansion of the leaves, this plant is likely R. viscosum. The presence of stipitate glands is also in line with this determination. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I found a plant near my home and was wondering if you could help identify it
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- Dear governor3, the image is blurry, so I'm not 100% confident, but it appears to be Rhus typhina (staghorn sumac). If correct, you should notice a white latex exude from a torn leaf. It would be helpful to know the location of the images you post (location is a very important character that helps us narrow down the choices with plant identification). Best wishes.
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- Question
- I have these plants appearing in my 3rd year wildflower meadow at southern edge of the White Mountains. Before I pull, I would like to be certain they are considered invasive weeds. Thanks! I think your website is awesome!
- Answer
- Dear sd40, The plant in the first image is likely a species of Galeopsis (hemp-nettle, a member of the mint family. The other two taller plants I cannot answer for certain, but both appear to be members of the aster family, and may be a species of Solidago (goldenrod), or a member of the aster alliance. As they get taller I can provide a more confident answer. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Is this Amelanchier bartramiana?
- Answer
- Josh, yes, your images are of Amelanchier bartramiana. The few-flowered inflorescence (sometimes only a solitary flower) and leaves with short-petioles and tapering leaf blade bases mark this plant. In a very complex genus, this species is quite recognizable. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I am having trouble identifying this plant. I think it might be some type of Rock Cress but the stem reminds me of a mustard. The flowers are small, about 1/2 in across. I found a number of clusters along the path of the Merrimack River in West Newbury, at the edge of forest.
- Answer
- Dear lharley, the image does not capture the leaves, so I can only make an educated guess based on the image of the flowers. Given it is a raceme with relatively large flowers (for the mustard family) and it early flowering time, it is likely Cardamine diphylla (two-leaved toothwort). This species produces a pair (usually) of leaves each with three broad leaflets. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello! I am new to the Go Botany website, and I was assigned an invasive species project to do for a class I am taking. The location of the plants that I have taken pictures of are in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and I have seen them on multiple patches of bushes and grass near my home. Can you identify the species names for any of the following plants?
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- Dear dmcintosh7605, good morning. I would like to help you with all of these images, but some of the images are a bit too blurry for me to see the details I require for identification. The first image appears to be a species of Syringa (lilac). The second image I can't discern. The third image is a species of Spiraea (meadowsweet). The fourth image appears to be a Juniperus (juniper). The fifth image is a species of Pinus (pine). The sixth image may be a species of Lamium (henbit). The seventh image is too blurry. The eighth image is a species of Swida (dogwood; formerly in the genus Cornus). The ninth image is too blurry. The tenth image is a species of Viburnum (viburnum) allied to V. dentatum. For some of these, I can provide species level determinations, but it will require you to get clear images, and best if multiple ones for each plant (leaves, flowers, side views). Sorry I cannot help further.
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- Question
- Here is a picture of the Rhododendron close up.
- Answer
- Dear dmkasta, there is no image associated with your post. If you are having trouble posting images, feel free to send them attached to an email message and sent them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org. I will do my best to help you with your question.
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- Question
- All plants are in NS trying to determine what's growing in my gardens..... had an old lady neighbor who would fill in my beds with all kinds of plants... most I know but there are a few I don't ... she has since passed .... any help would be beneficial
- Answer
- Dear Sheri, some cultivated species I may be able to help with, but I would need flowers or fruits to assist you. If you have an opportunity to take images when the plants are in flower and note the part of the world they come from and the kind of plant (wild vs. cultivated), I may be able to get your question answered. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Geranium?
- Answer
- Dear Sheri, I'm sorry that I cannot help you with your question. There are upwards of 500,000 plant species in the world, and without knowing the location this plant is from it would be hard to narrow down all the possible choices. Further, cultivated species add additional difficulty. Please understand that Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Questions from outside this topic area may not be able to be answered confidently. Best wishes.
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- Question
- What is this
- Answer
- Sheri, good morning. I'm not able to answer your question because there are several items in the image and I'm not sure which item you are referring to. There is a seedling, as well as a germinating seed with a root. I would need closer pictures to be of assistance. Sorry I cannot help.
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- Question
- I need help identifying this shrub. I didn't plant it and it has been here three years now. The flowers bloom first and are very fragrant, then as the blooms fall off the leaves grow. I live in southeast Nebraska and no one seems to know what this plant is. The closest thing I can find on line is a Rhododendron Canadense.
- Answer
- Dear dmkasta, your plant is certainly a species of Rhododendron (as you suspected). Without a close-up image of the flower (front and side), it would be difficult for me to help you determine exactly which species it is. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello, whats the name of the plant? Laurus or something else?
- Answer
- Dear drdimic, I'm sorry I can't assist you. Without knowing what part of the world this plant comes from, it is very difficult to provide an answer. There are upwards of 500,000 species of plants and location helps to eliminate the number of possible choices. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. If you are in another part of the world, I can help you find someone who can assist. Feel free to email me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org.
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- Question
- I am trying to determine species of this dogwood which is all throughout my pine/oak woods in north central Mass. Some are single stem and some seem to be crawling. The stems are smooth, with reddish tint on new growth. Leaves are hairy underneath. The stem pith is all white. I thought it might be Swida racemosa , gray dogwood, but another person feels this is incorrect. If a photo of another feature is needed, I can take it easily to attach. Thanks in advance.
- Answer
- Dear Deborah, your plant appears to be Swida altnerifolia. I can see one node clearly on the branches in your picture, and it has a single leaf scar at that node (i.e., the leaves are alternate). However, it is the only node I can see clearly and sometimes leaves deviate from the usual pattern of arrangement. Swida alternifolia has leaves clustered near the apex of the branchlets, so it is sometimes to see what the arrangement actually is. If you can take a picture of the new, expanding growth from the side (so I can see the new leaves attaching to the growing branchlet), I can confirm this for you. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Noticed this plant on cape cod on May 9. It is about 4 inches tall, flowering before the leaves are out. 1 flower per stem. Stems Clustered closely together.
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- Dear Joshleveque, the plants you have photographed are Orobanche uniflora (one-flowered broom-rape), a native parasitic plant that attaches to the roots of many different species (goldenrods are a common host). Best wishes.
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- Question
- Was wondering if this may be an ostrich fern fiddlehead? Hairless, defined ridge on stem. Second ID..of small plant with white flower ? Location , hardwood forest ,Wildlife Management Unit #4 .Patterson N.Y. Thank you
- Answer
- Dear Dan, the flowering plant with white flowers is Anemone quinquefolius (wood windflower). The fern is likely a species of Dryopteris (wood fern). The fiddleheads of Matteuccia struthiopteris are defined from other ferns in the region by three characteristics: growing in a clump with multiple leaves emerging together, a deep grove on the inside surface of the petiole, and a covering of broad, papery, red-brown scales. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Could you please identify this flower?
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- Dear Nancydmeter, this plant is a species of Celosia (cock's-comb), a member of the Amaranthaceae. A common species in the trade is Celosia cristata (which your species may be). I hope this helps.
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- Question
- Trying to identify this plant. Taking over my lawn.
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- Dear hayeska, without additional images (such as the flowers) and a better quality image of the leaves, I'm afraid I can't assist you. You have photographed a species of mustard (Brassicaceae), but beyond that I can't tell you much more. If you are able to get some additional images, and let me know what part of the world this plant is growing, I would enjoy helping you further.
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- Question
- Cow Parsnip? Growing along Winooski River, Jonesville, VT 5/4/16
- Answer
- Dear joshl, yes, this is a species of Heracleum. Hereacleum maximum grows in floodplains (this is one of its native habitats). Great picture of the expanding leaves.
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- Question
- Equisetum Sp. Growing near Winooski River in Jonesville, VT 5/4/16
- Answer
- Dear joshl, I can't identify your species of Equisetum from the photograph. I would need more images to determine it. It is likely Equisetum pretense given the white margins on the leaf teeth. If you can capture an image that is a little more developed, I will be able to help. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Is there a way to tell sharp vs blunt-lobed hepatica (what I thought it was) before the leaves come out? East Montpelier, VT 4/23/16
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- Dear joshl, yes, there is a way to tell the species of Anemone before the leaves fully expand. If you examine the three green bracts below the flowers, the shape at the apex is distinctive. Anemone americana has very blunt (usually rounded) bract apices, while Anemone acutiloba has somewhat pointed bract apices. The bracts in your image, assuming they are fully expanded, look most like Anemone acutiloba. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Growing near Dead Creek in Addisson, VT 4/28/16 A broccoli or cabbage like plant.
- Answer
- Dear joshl, good morning. Your plant is a species of Arctium (burdock). I can't tell you which species without seeing flowers/fruits. Hopefully knowing the genus helps you with your question.
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- Question
- Greetings, - I came across 2 more interesting plants that I need help identifying. I agreed to help with son's project and am learning that I don't know nearly as much as I thought I did - can you also recommend a good illustrated field guide? Thanks
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- Dear 75franklin, the plant with a broad leaf is Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower) or a related species. I can't be sure without knowing the location these images were taken from. The plants with elongate leaves are an Iris (iris) of some kind, but I would not be able to assist without seeing flowers. I hope this is helpful.
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- Question
- Dry bank in power line cut, Vineyard Haven. Acaulescent, 6 mm rhizome, fl 15mm long. Spur 3mm. Sepals ciliate? Occasional sepal with few cilia. Abaxial lf sfc & petioles somewhat pubescent. Leaf crenate. Very small Viola sororia? Thank you.
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- Dear Gregory, the plant in your image is Viola sagittata var. ovata. Note the elongate, narrow, and pointed sepals (those of V. sororia are wider and blunt at the apex). Also, the short petiole with a leaf blade that is truncate at the apex supports this identification. This species is common in dry open soils throughout New England. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I'm in Upstate NY. I'm not sure if this is the correct place for this but I received this plant as a gift but have no idea what it is. any information would be appreciated
- Answer
- Dear Nanny12, your plant appears to be a species of Dieffenbachia (dumb-cane), a member of the Araceae. Interestingly, some of these species create a difficulty speaking after ingestion, giving rise to the name "dumb". The genus Dieffenbachia is native primarily to Central and South America. Best wishes.
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- Question
- This plant was emerging in Hinesburg, VT on April 22
- Answer
- Dear joshl, I'm not 100% positive of your plant in the image, but it looks like Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-pulpit) that is emerging from the ground. You can confirm this hypothesis by revisiting the plant and checking to see that it has leaves with three leaflets. Best wishes.
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- Question
- This invasive looking ground cover / vine was found in a wooded area near a tiny pond in Hinesburg, VT April 22. Possibly some species of Winter Creeper, Euonymus... Stem is reminiscent of Poison Ivy a bit.
- Answer
- Dear joshl, the plant you have photographed is a liana named Euonymus fortunei (climbing spindle-tree). This is a non-native member of the Celastraceae. It climbs by means of aerial roots produced from the stem (just like Toxicodendron radicans).
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- Question
- This plant was growing off a wooded path in Hinesburg, VT
- Answer
- Dear joshl, these plants are Cardamine diphylla (two-leaved toothwort), a native member of the Brassicaceae. When they produce flowers, they will have a raceme of white flowers with four petals each. These are most frequently found on riverside terraces and on rich, rocky hillsides.
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- Question
- This plant was growing by a vernal pool in Hinesburg, VT
- Answer
- Dear joshl, the shrub you've photographed is Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides (withe-rod), a native member of the Adoxaceae. This plant is frequent in wetlands and along shorelines and wet field edges. It is most similar to Viburnum lentago (nannyberry), which you can compare images with on the Go Botany website. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello-- I photographed this plant while visiting my parents' property 2 weeks ago (4/24/2016) in North Pomfret, VT. My mother has been obsessed with its identity for a couple years and it's a staple visit on every family walk. I had my phone with me on the walk so I thought I'd try to get it identified for her. Here's a google maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/3g2Eth4KRHA2 I thought I'd taken more than the one photo Thanks so much for any info! Rawley Massoth Portland, ME
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- Dear lungford, your plant is Goodyera pubescens (downy rattlesnake-plantain), a native member of the orchid family that is found in forests and woodlands. Later in the season it will send up a stalk bearing a raceme of small white flowers. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Plants growing rather abundantly in moist woods in CT. Thought it was Cardamine diphylla, but the (2) leaves are alternately arranged on the stem. Not sure how to differentiate between Cardamine diphylla and Cardamine maxima, given the leaf number and arrangement.
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- Dear shpasi, telling Cardamine diphylla and C. maxima apart can sometimes be tricky. There are several ways for you to tell, including length and orientation of leaf margin cilia and rhizome morphology. If you get a chance to return to this population, check to see if the rhizome (i.e., underground stem) is continuous in thickness or with constrictions along its length. There are images of these on the Go Botany website (look at the rhizome image of C. diphylla for continuous and C. incisa for constricted and enlarged). Feel free send additional images if you are not sure to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org. For what it is worth, your plants look most like C. diphylla.
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- Question
- Not sure if this shadbush is a.laevis or a.arborea. I can see a little bit of downy fuzz. On photo 1
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- Dear Pipit, this is closest to Amelanchier laevis (smooth shadbush). Note the strong red coloration of the expanding leaves and absence of hairs on the axis of the raceme and the pedicels to the flowers. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello, Is this Pipssewa, just the basal(?) leaves, no flower or stems yet?
- Answer
- Dear Pipit, this plant is Chimaphila maculata (spotted prince's-pine). The white midrib and veins separate this from Chimaphila umbellata (noble prince's-pine, also called pipsissewa). These two species also differ in the shape of their leafblades, with the former (in your image) having leaves widest below the middle and the latter having leaves widest beyond the middle.
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- Question
- I found this in my yard in RI. Pretty sure it's self heal, just wanted to confirm. Thanks
- Answer
- Dear NNEL, the plant you have picked is Ajuga reptans (carpet bugle). Prunella vulgaris (self heal), which belongs to the same family of plants (mints), is not in flower yet. If you look carefully, you will see that your plant forms dense colonies by horizontal stems at the ground level (something not found in Prunella vulgaris). Best wishes.
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- Question
- I was out in North Stonington CT today in a upland oak-hickory forest. The plant was located on top of a rocky ledge. It was roughly 4" in height. It seems it may be in the Cardamine genus? I wasn't able to confidently bring it down to the species level. Thank you!
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- Dear eehrlich, thank you for the nice set of images you provided. Your plant is indeed in the genus Cardamine. It is Cardamine parviflora (small-flowered bittercress), a species that is most commonly found in moist to dry rocky woodlands and along balds and cliff bases (exactly the kind of habitat you have described). The very narrow leaflets on the stem leaves are a good identifying character. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Veronica that I take to be V. serpyllifolium in Edgartown. I'm troubled only by the roots, which are fibrous and of varying diameter, and which I have difficulty recognizing as rhizomatous. Flowers white w blue streaks, 4+ mm wide. Leaves entire to obscurely toothed. Longest leaf 11mm. Stems and pedicels puberulent. Styles 2.1mm, 2 stamens slightly longer. Leaves subtending flowers alternate, others opposite. Thank you.
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- Dear Gregory, yes, your image looks much like Veronica serpyllifolia ssp. serpyllifolia (the subspecies native to Europe). The rhizomes are short and relatively inconspicuous, looking much like a prostrate section of stem that roots prolifically. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I saw this Hopkinton MA near water - can you help identify? Thanks!
- Answer
- Dear 75franklin, your plant is Veratrum viride (American false hellebore). This is a native member of swamps and forests that emerges early in the spring. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Viola Saggitata? Found in Holden, MA
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- Pipit, I'm sorry, but I can't answer your question. I am unable to see the leaves in the photograph. It could be that species and is clearly in the right group of violets, but I would need a good image of the leaves to help you further.
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- Question
- Is this Hobblebush? Found in Holden, MA @Holbrook Forest(sorry leaves shot blurry)thank you!
- Answer
- Dear Pipit, Yes, your plants are Viburnum lantanoides (hobblebush). The opposite, simple leaves with abundant branched hairs and large sterile flowers around the edge of the array of flowers are good identifying characteristics. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I am 79 years old and learned my botany from my father. I have found in the Northampton MA Lathrop "rich woods" a trillium that has blotchy leaves; several in a community, and what may be seedlings that do not yet have the three radial leaves. Looking it up in Newcomb, I think it may be T. sessile, but he gives the range as from western New York to Illinois. Is it possible that this is a rare sighting, and needs to be protected? Or did Newcomb err in specifics of its distribution?
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- Dear Helen, is it possible you can get some images of these plants? If you are able to, I could help you confirm what may be a new record for the New England region (which would be exciting). You can contact me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org to discuss further. Thank you for this message and I hope to hear from you.
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- Question
- Hello this is growing in my yard I'm trying to figure out what it is called its beautiful thx Chris
- Answer
- Dear Toxinfr, your plant is a species of Centaurea (knapweed, in the aster family). It looks like Centaurea montana (mountain knapweed) or a related species, which is commonly cultivated. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Recently bought this lovely plant from Kuma Bonsai in El Cajon for $8. Sadly I don't remember what she told me the name was but would love any guesses or information, thanks!
- Answer
- Dear rcuthill, thank you for sharing the images of your interesting plant. I'm sorry I won't be able to help you in this case. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of the northeastern United States. Many cultivated species originate in distant lands beyond my region of expertise. Best wishes.
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- Question
- could you please help name with the scientific name of this plant and fruit. it is commonly called here tree tomato. grows in the grassfield in Cameroon. thanks, Solo.
- Answer
- Dear solowise11, thank you for posting the image of the plant but I will not be able to help (sorry for that). Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of the northeastern United States. Cameroon is a long way away from my region of expertise. You need to contact a botanist in the region you have collected these plant images. The National Herbarium of Cameroon would have people who can help you. You can reach them at gachoundong@yahoo.fr, best of luck getting your plants identified.
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- Question
- please help me with the scientific name of this fruit, the plant that bears it grows in the upper dry land and in cold places near the river side. thanks
- Answer
- Dear solowise11, I'm sorry I can't help you with your question. Location is a very important detail for plant identification. There are nearly 500,000 species of plants in the world, and without the benefit of narrowing down the choices through knowing where images come from, there is sometimes little chance of determining the exact plant species. Best wishes.
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- Question
- My husband found this in a wooded area in Maine...what is it? Can it be transplanted to a regular garden bed?
- Answer
- Dear Loulou, this plant is Medeola virginiana (Indian cucumber root), a native member of the Liliaceae. It has a starchy, white tuber that gives it its common name. While I have never transplanted it, I suspect if you have a shaded section of your garden that it could be moved. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Growing near edge of a wetland in Central MA, blooming now (late April). Perhaps 1' tall. Thanks for your help.
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- Dear Quinn, this plant is Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf). It is a member of the health family (Ericaceae). The urceolate flowers arranged in a one-sided raceme subtended by small bracts, both the leaves and bracts with small scales on their surfaces are good identifying characters.
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- Question
- Could you please identify this small woodland flower? I found it by a wooded stream in southeast Connecticut. I couldn't find a match on the Internet. Thank you, Nancy
- Answer
- Dear Nancy, your plant is Panax trifolius (dwarf ginseng), a early flowering member of the Apiaceae. It is a spring ephemeral and will senesce early in the season. It overwinters by a spherical tuber. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi, this plant was found in the Mediterranean, Mallorca. It was in a wooded area, and there were quite a few around. We have analysed it as a Geophyte, forb, leaf succulent, with thick cuticle, waxy leaf surface, but we couldn't identify it. I was wondering if you know the species name of this plant? It would be greatly appreciated :)
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- Dear yelloweleanor, I'm sorry that I can't identify your plant. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of the northeastern United States. I would suggest that you find an herbarium near the region of this plant you are interested in to help you. If you visit the Index Herbariorum website, you can find a global listing of plant museums that would have people who can assist you. Best wishes.
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- Question
- This plant on the meadow area at Tamarack Park Lakeville MA
- Answer
- Dear mborn12, your image appears to be of Lunaria annua (honesty), a non-native member of the Brassicaceae (mustard family). The fruits, which will appear later in the season, are very distinctive. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Is this dwarf ginseng? Found near a stream edge today in Worcester, similar habitat where I found Red Trillium.
- Answer
- Dear Pipit, yes, your plant is dwarf ginseng (Panax trifolius). It is an early emerging plant that will senesce in the early season (by June). Best wishes.
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- Question
- I'm stumped with the identification of the plant / flower. It blooms each year in late spring. Any help is greatly appreciated. Chris
- Answer
- Dear Chris, thank you for the nice image. I do not know what species of plant this is except that it appears to be a species in the Amaryllidaceae (as evidenced by the flowers with six petaloid tepals, the inflorescence, and the inferior ovary). Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. We are happy to entertain any plant-related question, but some species originate from distant lands that are not within our region of expertise. I'm sorry I can't be of more help to you.
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- Question
- My friend came across these up towards Lassen National Park in Northern California, could you tell me what they are? Are they edible......Thanks Ian
- Answer
- Dear Ian, California is a place that is far away from my region of expertise. However, it is possible you are looking at the budding plants of Kopsiopsis hookeri (Vancouver ground cone) a member of the Orobanchaceae. This is a parasitic plant that attaches to other species by invasive connections on the roots. You can look up additional images online and examine your plants later in the season and see if this is correct. Sorry I can't be of more help.
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- Question
- Hi there! This plant has me stumped. It was spotted in a wet ditch in central Vermont. I'm referring to the one with the pink stalks.
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- Der Cfairbank, your plant is Petasites hybridus (butterbur sweet-coltsfoot). This is a non-native species that flowers ahead of the expansion of the leaves. The leaves will continue to expand and get fairly large as the spring progresses.
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- Question
- Hello, Can you please tell me if this plant is poison ivy and, if not, what it is? It is growing in our yard in between a small rock wall and also coming up in a few places nearby. Thanks for your help! - Teresa
- Answer
- Dear TAVE777, no, this plant is not poison-ivy (genus Toxicodendron). That species has leaves with only three leaflets that are not further divided into leafules (as in the plant you have photographed). Further, poison-ivy does not have the rigid white bristles found on the leaves. I hope this is helpful.
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- Question
- Could you please identify this small woodland flower? I found it by a wooded stream in southeast Connecticut. I couldn't find a match on the Internet. Thank you
- Answer
- Dear nancy, there is no image associated with your question. Without it, I won't be able to help you. If you are having trouble posting images, feel free to mail them to ahaines[at]newnenglandwild.org. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I think this is a wild rose but it has these bright red round things sitting right on the leaves. So is this part of the plant or some kind of insect eggs.
- Answer
- Dear billirogers, there is no image associated with your post. Without an image I won't be able to help you. If you are having trouble posting images, feel free to email them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org.
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- Question
- What is this plant. Grows 2-4 feet. No flowers. In St Marys OH
- Answer
- Dear tandcloud1, I'm sorry that I cannot help you with you question. Ohio is a bit outside of my region of expertise so I would need flowers and/or fruits on this plant to help you better. If you can capture images of this plant when it flowers and try to get a variety of images, I may well be able to help you determine which species this is. Best wishes.
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- Question
- i found this interesting plant growing on my ridge in the mountains of Tennessee 4/4/16, i have no idea what it is, at first i thought maybe an early fern, it has the consistency of a fiddlehead but i really don't think it's a fern. Sure would appreciate an ID. It's about 8 or 10 inches tall
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- Dear rkstanzak, the plant you have photographed is Conopholis americana (American squaw root). This is a parasitic plant that attaches to the roots of oaks. This is why this plant is without green pigmentation. It is found through much of eastern North America. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I need help identifying this middle plant. I have no idea why it is and its growing in the middle of our hay field
- Answer
- Dear Jnail, thank you for your post. I can't help you as much as I would like to because I don't know where these plants were photographed (location is a major assistance to identification) and there are two different species in the photograph, both of which belong to difficult groups that would require better quality images for me to answer your question. The one on the left appears to be a member of the genus Carex (sedge), and the one on the right is a member of the grass family, specifically the tribe Triticeae, which includes such plants as rye, wheat, and barley. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello, I found this flower by my house in Bulverde, Texas, at an approximate elevation of 1170, the habitat is difficult to say for sure but it probably be closest to woodland. It's full in the day, and fold into itself at night. Also it's grows only one, and has a long thin leave, that looks similar to grass, towards the bottom of it's stem. It stands approximately at 1 foot. P.S I'm sorry if I sent the same picture twice, my computer was acting up.
- Answer
- Dear anw120, I'm sorry I won't be able to help you. Texas is a long way out of my region of expertise. Sometimes I can help, but in this case I would need more images, including a side view of the flower and images of the leaves. If you wish to take the time to send additional images, I may be able to help. You can post them here or send them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org. Best wishes.
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- Question
- This plant is growing at the edge of a woodland behind my house in Concord, MA. Can you tell me what it is?
- Answer
- Dear Marty, this looks like Geum fragarioides (Appalachian barren-strawberry), formerly known by the scientific name Waldsteinia fragarioides. This is a relatively rare plant in New England (native populations), though it is often planted as well. Best wishes.
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- Question
- A plant starts growing in my organic garden by itself. I have no idea what kind of plant is it? So, I would like to send the picture of plant to verify the name. Is the leafs edible, or not? Appreciate to call me if it is possible. Phone # 714-821-4423 Your effort greatly appreciated Thanks jh
- Answer
- Dear jhoooman, the plant looks like Sinapis alba (white charlock), a member of the Brassicaceae (mustard family). You should see four yellow petals in each flower with the sepals (below the petals) spreading away from the petals (rather than being appressed to them), as in this photograph: http://www.monde-de-lupa.fr/Pelouses/ImagesPel/Sinapis%20img/Sinapis%20alba%20Neuves%20Maisons%2027-11-09%20050.jpg. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Is this Equisetum variegatum? Found in a disturbed wet area in Windsor County, VT. Thanks.
- Answer
- Dear KyleJones, thank you for posting the nice images. Yes, your plant is Equisetum variegatum. The narrow stems with persistent leaves that have a prominent white border are tell tale signs. While not exclusively, this plant often occurs in regions of high pH bedrock and/or till, especially where disturbance has removed the competing plants. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello, This past weekend (4/16/16), I visited the Arnold Arboretum in Boston. I saw this adorable flower on the hillside among the beautiful array of Beech trees. I am unsure of what it is and have searched the GoBotany website, but have yet to come up with an answer. Help?
- Answer
- Dear Almahaney16, there is no image associated with your question. If you are having a difficult time posting images, feel free to attach them to an email and send them to my address: ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org. I would be happy to try to help you with your question.
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- Question
- Hypochaeris chillensis? white sap, in central georgia
- Answer
- Dear weedid, all I can write is it could be. Hypochaeris chillensis doesn't occur in the northeast so I am not familiar with this plants various leaf morphologies. From what I have seen (which is limited), your plant seems much more pubescent than the specimens I have seen. You can help confirm your hypothesis by closely examining the flowers (which are about to open on these plants). They should have plumose pappus bristles, breaked ovaries (at least the inner ones), and chaffy scales on the receptacle. Best wishes.
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- Question
- lactuca hirsuta? has white sap
- Answer
- Dear weedid, I would not be able to tell you confidently which species of Lactuca this is without location information and flowers/fruits. However, the leaf blade outline looks like a very good match for Lactuca biennis (tall blue lettuce). Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi, We have a bunch of these in our yard, just noticed them as we moved here last summer and everything was super overgrown so I think they were covered by all the other plants etc. From a little research, it looks like it could be Japanese Sweet Coltsfoot? But that doesn't look to common for South Pomfret, Vermont. Thanks!
- Answer
- Dear slauridsen, yes, your plant is Petasites japonicus. These plants are found in a few locations in VT, but there doesn't seem to be any populations that are found outside of yards (i.e., truly naturalized populations). If your plants have spread outside of your yard and into the forest (or field or swamp), I would enjoy learning about this (you can email me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org). Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hoping to get an ID for this twining vine found on goldenrod in old farm fields at Sibley Farm, Spencer MA, Aug 2015. Not a great phone photo but the vine has yellow flowers and distinctive seed pods which you can see above the thumb and heart-shaped leaf. This one has us stumped! Thank you Arthur!
- Answer
- Dear THBfarm, the vine you are holding is a species of Fallopia (bindweed), in the knotweed family. I can't tell you which species for certain because a key portion of the image is blurry (I need a clear image of the point on the stem when the leaf stalk attaches). Hopefully this will get you started on your learning about these plants.
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- Question
- Outdoor, northern California , pungent, with sticky white sap
- Answer
- Dear whatisthis, thank you posting a nice series of images. This plant is a species of Euphorbia (spurge). I cannot identify the exact species with the images provided. These plants are toxic if ingested in large amounts and the sap could certainly be irritating if it were to contact the eye. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello ,I have a plant that's pungent,blums a strange yellow flower with milky sticky in the stem , I recently pruned and got some my eye , that has burned and swelled my eye ,can u help me , an tell me if its poisioness?
- Answer
- Dear whatisthis, I'm sorry to read you have experienced some discomfort. Without an image, I cannot help you identify the plant in question. If you can post images here or try to attach them to an email it would be useful. My email is ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I guess this is where you post plant identification questions... This was found in New Hampshire. Would you please tell me what it is. Thank you so much!
- Answer
- Dear nhgardening, the picture resolution is such that I cannot see some necessary details. From the overall habit, it looks like Sambucus racemosa (red elderberry) that is beginning to flower. This species does flower early in the spring and will open to produce white flowers (even though those in bud have purple coloration). Best wishes.
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- Question
- I was just curious as to what type of plant this is. I sent a picture to verify the name of it. thanks so much!
- Answer
- Dear sgossman, the plant in the image appears to be a species of Ranunculus (crowfoot). However, without knowing where the photograph was taken and seeing flowers and/or fruits, I won't be able to tell you which species it is (sorry for that). Best wishes.
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- Question
- What is this plant? It just start growing nothing close to it.
- Answer
- Dear dfwlady, good morning and thank you for posting the image. Without knowing where this plant was found, it is difficult for me to help. There are upwards of 500,000 species of plants, and location is an important method to reduce the total number that must be sorted through. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England, where about 3500 species of tracheophytes (i.e., higher vascular plants) grow. Best wishes.
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- Question
- can you tell me what this is, and is it bad or invasive like kudzu? we just bought property in waverly tn, and now that spring is here we have a lot of plant we are unsure of.
- Answer
- Dear skykelca, your plant looks like Muscadinia rotundifolia (muscadine; synonym: Vitis rotundifolia). This is a native muscadine grape of the southeastern United States. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I found this plant on Oct 5, 2015 on south side of Mt. Wachusett under oaks. No leaves, I considered Conopholis americana but no pictures agree with it. Please help. Thanks.
- Answer
- Dear Karel, Conopholis americana has unilocular capsules for fruits. The plant you have photographed has red berries--so you are correct that the images you found don't agree with the plant you have pictured. What you found is the remnant fruiting array (from last year) of Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-pulpit), a species that occurs in forests and swamps. Best wishes.
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- Question
- it has 4 yellow petals, can I eat the leaves ? thanks jh
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- Dear jhooman, there are no images associated with your question. Just based on the information presented (four yellow petals), I would not be able to determine if the plant is edible. If you are able to upload some images I would be happy to help you further. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Have a plant that was planted by professional in yard, but cannot identify it and professional has moved on. when stalks are cut, large amount of milky substance comes out. Please see photo.
- Answer
- Dear doug73, there is no photograph associated with your question. If you are having a difficult time uploading images, feel free to email them to me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org.
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- Question
- House plant in new england identification
- Answer
- Dear carianeonly, thank you for posting the images. Unfortunately, I can't tell you with any confidence what species you have photographed. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. While we are happy to entertain all plant-related questions, many cultivated species are difficult to identify without flowers (which I cannot see clearly in your picture).
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- Question
- I came across this plant along the shore of the Charles River in Dedham. There is an abundant population, so I first assumed it was one of the more common Cardamine species, but none of the basal leaves are deeply lobed. Some of the larger leaves have me confused about how to key this one - are those teeth or lobes? If I call them teeth, my tentative ID is Cardamine bulbosa. Am I close?
- Answer
- Dear stephradner, your plant looks like Cardamine bulbosa. In this species, the basal leaves are without lobes (so your observation is in line with this species). So, you are very close with your initial hypothesis. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Luzula on Martha's Vineyard: I want to call it L. bulbosa. The leaf bases are barely swollen, but there are bulblets next to the plant bases, each shaped like a Hershey's Kiss with a rounded rather than flat bottom. My problem is that that the leaves are pointed, and don't have a "blunt, callous tip". They are slightly involute where the edges come together at the tip. What else could it be but L. bulbosa? Thank you.
- Answer
- Dear Gregory, your plant is Luzula bulbosa. I can see the callous tip on the leaf blade itself from your images. You need to think more microscopically for this one (the blunt tip is from a much closer look). If you had Luzula echinata in hand to compare, you would see the difference. The bulblets that you note are actually swollen leaf bases (that is what they are derived from). Best wishes.
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- Question
- A plant starts growing in my organic garden by itself. I have no idea what kind of plant is it? So, I would like to send the picture of plant to verify the name. Is it an herbal plant, edible, or not? Appreciate to call me if it is possible. Phone # 714-821-4423 Your effort greatly appreciated Thanks jh
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- Dear jhoooman, the plant looks like Sinapis alba (white charlock), a member of the Brassicaceae (mustard family). You should see four yellow petals in each flower with the sepals (below the petals) spreading away from the petals (rather than being appressed to them), as in this photograph: http://www.monde-de-lupa.fr/Pelouses/ImagesPel/Sinapis%20img/Sinapis%20alba%20Neuves%20Maisons%2027-11-09%20050.jpg. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I am writing on behalf of a forest kindergarten class who is looking for an id for the plant described with photos attached. The school is located in Central Vermont. The student who found it wrote this description: "This is in the school woods. I found it, and it's short. (about 12-13 inches tall). It has purple flowers. It's starting to bloom. We don't even know if it poisonous or it's all good. " Any information you can provide about the plant would be helpful.
- Answer
- Dear Becky, the plant in the photograph is Daphne merzereum (February daphne). It is a non-native shrub that grows here and there in New England (while non-native, it is not invasive). It is related to our native Dirca palustris (eastern leatherwood). One of the first woody plants to flower that has showing flowers. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I think this could be Ilex glabra. What do you think? It is growing in a pine forest in Cutler Park in Dedham along the Charles River. I only took one photo, but I could go back and get more detail if it would help. Thanks.
- Answer
- Dear stephradner, I can't see the details I need to in the image to positively identify it. However, I can state this is not Ilex glabra, that species has a very different leaf blade outline and margin. If you can provide a more close-up image, I can identify this plant for you. Feel free to post here or email to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi. I found this selaginella in a swamp in Farmington, Ct. on the weekend. I think it keys to S. eclipse, but am not sure if the leaves are attenuate enough. I don't know if the photo shows it clearly, but under my scope the veins appear to go into the leaf tip. Can you tell by my photo? thanks, Steve
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- Dear stevemessier, The spikemoss you have found is very close to Selaginella eclipes and may well be that species. This is potentially a very exciting find (there are currently no extant stations of this species in New England to my knowledge). Would it be possible for you to mail a specimen to you for determination? If so, please communicate with me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and we can work out details. Thank you for sharing your discovery.
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- Question
- Found this interesting fern yesterday near Kent, CT. It was on the steep east facing side of a wooded mountain. I looked at Go Botany and the closest was Leathery Grape Fern. Interesting hairs and tips on the leaves. What is it? Bill
- Answer
- Dear wdshaffer, your plant looks like the early emerging leaves of Geranium robertianum (mountain crane's-bill). These leaves do have similarity to a grapefern, but you will see them flowering in the not too distant future. This plant is common to steep, forested, and often rocky, hillsides under deciduous trees.
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- Question
- Hello, I found this underwater plant in a flowing stream in southern Conn this past week. The plant was under about a foot of water in a heavily shaded hemlock ravine. The water had a moderate flow over loose cobble. The leaves were slightly lobed.
- Answer
- Dear eehrlich, there is no image associated with your question. If you are having a difficult time posting images, feel free to attach them to an email and send them to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will be happy to look at them and see if I can help you with your question. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi, i need you help to know the names of thees plants please, it grew on the meditiranian, thank's.
- Answer
- Dear azzou, good morning. I don't think I will be able to help you with your request. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of the northeastern United States. Our expertise is not in Mediterranean botany. While I might be able to help identify the group the plant belongs to with images of flowers or fruits, it will be very difficult for me to assist with pictures of only the leaves. I'm sorry I can't be of assistance. You will need to find an organization in your region that can assist. I would recommend you contact an herbarium (plant museum) near you. If you need assistance finding one, feel free to email me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org.
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- Question
- Can you tell me what this plant is? It looks like it is growing out of a small bulb. It grew up out of my hibiscus tree pot.
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- Dear Wendy, good morning. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. While we are happy to entertain all botanical questions, cultivated species can originate for all over the world and may not be known to us. That all written, the plant may be an oak seedling, but it would be easier to identify it once it has grown more and the leaves have expanded further. Best wishes.
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- Question
- What is the best website for finding photos of plants? It would be nice if I could see hundreds of close up high resolution photos of all angles of any plant in all growth stages (first year, second year, etc). What's the best site for botanical drawings? What is the best site for learning botany terms? I'd like to see a definition of terms and photo examples.
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- Dear weedid, for many plants, there are not hundreds of images, let alone close-up images from different angles. Nor are there many drawings. It depends on how common the species of plant is. Those that are seen often and especially those that are still used by humans (food, fiber, medicine) will often have a large array of pictures available. Go Botany has one of the best collections of photographs for species in the northeastern portion of the United States. Further, it also has a glossary with links to display definitions and images. Perhaps you can start there.
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- Question
- This photo was taken last summer and I have been unsuccessfully been trying to identify it. It looks like goldthread, but the leaves have more of a heart shape indentation at the outer edge. Also, what is the one different plant in the center of these? They are growing in a wooded area near a stream in southern Vermont. Thank you.
- Answer
- Dear lmc825, the plant occupying most of the image is Oxalis montana (mountain wood-sorrel). It is a common species in forests of New England, especially those with some evergreen content. When it flowers it will have flowers with 5 white petals each with pink lines. The plant in the center may be a tree seedling. I simply cannot see it well enough to identify for you due to glare on the image. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I took this photo last summer, but have not been able to positively identify the small vine-like plant growing in the water of the stream behind my house in southwesten Vermont and want to be sure it is native and not invasive. Can you help me ? Thank you so much.
- Answer
- Dear lmc825, the small, trailing plant with opposite leaves looks like Chrysosplenium americanum (golden-saxifrage), a native wetland and aquatic plant. This species frequents small streams and seepy areas in swamps and forests.
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- Question
- Regarding the weed I posted yesterday, its in central georgia. What does that narrow the choices down to?
- Answer
- Dear weedid, given it was from the southeastern United States, it may be Scorzoneroides autumnalis (fall dandelion). If you are able to post images when the flower heads open, it would allow for a better identification.
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- Question
- Type of Amaranth? In central Georgia, about two and a half inches tall, green stalk with shades of purple, hairless (leaves, stalk), alternate leaf pattern.
- Answer
- Dear weedid, Your plant is a species of Rumex (dock). It is too young to identify with confidence (best identified in fruit, your specimen is in flower). That written, it is part of the complex that includes Rumex crispus (curly dock) and may be that species. Best wishes.
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- Question
- What is this plant? Hair along edges of leaf. White sap. Hair along bottom of mid-vein. Sparsely hairy on top. Yellow flowers. Its in between the cranesbill and dwarf plantain in the photo.
- Answer
- Dear weedid, thank you for your post here. Without knowing the location, it will be hard for me to help you with any confidence. There are upwards of 500,000 plants in the world with different groups of species occurring in different regions. Knowing the location is quite crucial for identification as it narrows down the choices one has to contend with quite considerably. That all written, your plant is a member of the Asteraceae (aster family), belonging to the tribe that contains lettuce, dandelion, and hawkweed. The leaves somewhat resemble Scorzoneroides (fall dandelion) and it may belong to that genus. Perhaps a search of images on the web can confirm this hypothesis for you. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi, I have a question about the Loropetalum chinense. The flower looks like it only has the petals. Does it have any stamens and stigmas? Thank you!
- Answer
- Jimmy, yes, Loropetalum has stamens and carpels, they are just short and somewhat concealed by the more conspicuous petals. The flowers of this species also have sepals, but they too are short and dwarfed by the color and length of the petals. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Can you please explain what is the dotted-line after the second symbol mean, and what is the dashes before and after 2 mean? Thank you!
- Answer
- Dear Jimmy, happy to help with floral formulas. For some authors, the dotted line means connivent (touching but not fused together), though other authors (such as Judd et al.) use a dotted line encircling numbers to refer to variation in fusion of parts (sometimes fused, sometimes not, depending on the exact species in the family or genus). As to the dashes before and after the 2, those refer to an ovary that may be half-inferior (i.e., not completely inferior like most plants who have an ovary set below the attachment point of the sepals and petals). I hope this helps you in your study.
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- Question
- hi ...spring is almost here though all I see coming up is skunk cabbage... I see this lichen a lot where I walk in Medfield, it forms these large colonies on rocks, mainly I think on the cool or north side of the rocks, they are brown (not sure if the turn green later on or not) on top and black underneath..the lichen is big too... are you able to identify it.. these shots taken today in Medfield..3/31/16 thanks very much...
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- Dear craymond, the lichen you have photographed appears to be Umbilicaria (rock tripe). I am not a lichen taxonomist, but a common species in the northeast is Umbilicaria mammulata. Thanks for posting several images of the organism you were asking a question about, it makes finding the answer much easier.
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- Question
- I purchased an Orchid and this came as a buddy, not sure how to care for it.
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- Dear B3cks65, it appears that a species of Schefflera (umbrella tree), which are frequently cultivated species in the Apiaceae (celery family). These plants are primarily tropical in distribution. You should be able to find easy care instructions online by looking up the genus of this plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Do you know what type of plant this is?
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- Dear TaraandRich, the plant you have photographed is Symplocarpus foetidus (skunk-cabbage). It is an early flowering plant in the Araceae (arum family) that has an odor and color to trick flies into visiting it (i.e., it resembles carrion because it is fly pollinated). The leaves will appear later after the flowers are finished. Best wishes.
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- Question
- pictures 2 and 3
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- Dear rayrites, this may be, in fact, a reversion to the wild form of a cultivated, ornamental shrub. Thank you for posting multiple images to assist with the question. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi there... I have an ornamental tree that I cannot identify... over the years i noticed a different looking tree growing over the top of the original tree (see picture 1)... the top part has small cones and darker green needles (see picture 2)... as opposed to the lower part which is lighter in color and has no cones... in addition, the lower part has a hole and looks like it is losing leaves or dying (picture 3).. my questions are: 1- tree name and why two parts? 2- why is there a hole?
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- Dear rayrites, thank you for your question. Unfortunately, without visiting your plant, I would be hard pressed to give you a confident answer. There are several reasons why ornamental trees/shrubs sometimes show two different forms of growth. Sometimes, a different species has been grafted onto the plant. Other times, the plant is reverting to its wild form (even though some part of the plant may be of a derived, cultivated form). Interesting indeed.
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- Question
- help know the name of this wildflower?
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- liku, this is a member of the genus Viola (violet), one of the caulescent species related to Viola tricolor (garden violet). In order to help you further, I would need to know the location this plant came from, whether it was planted or not, and a brief description of the habitat it was found in. Best wishes.
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- Question
- and this flower name? thank you
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- Dear lika, without some information about this plant, I'm sorry I can't help. Location of the photograph is very important. There are upwards of 500,000 species of plants on the earth, and location helps to eliminate many of the choices so that we know which floras to look it. If you want to provide more information, I may be able to assist.
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- Question
- I took this flower in Gibbs Garden. would you give me that name? thank you
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- Dear liku, thank you for your question. I am unfamiliar with "Gibbs Garden". Plants is garden settings can originate from very distant parts of the world. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. We are happy to entertain any plant-related questions, but some species hail from regions we do not have familiarity. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Am hoping you can id this shrub with not a lot of info. It's growing in S. RI in a shady, very wet area with clethra and red maples. It's size is similar to clethra; the youngest wood is red. These buds were more red a month ago than they are now. There are dried flowers from last year that are in a group. If it helps, I can get a picture of the spent flowers as well.
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- Dear ganders, thank you for your question. The shrub you have photographed is Eubotrys racemosa (swamp deciduous dog-laurel), a native member of the heath family that is related to bog-rosemary and maleberry. The large red winter buds all loosely directed to the same side of the branch are tell-tale signs of this species.
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- Question
- Hi, I observed this plant underneath a pine forest with mixed hardwoods. I think it's bearberry but not sure. I know it resembles wintergreen but it's definitely not. Thank you (Rhode Island)
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- Dear NNEL, your plant is indeed Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (red bearberry). You should be able to observe trailing stems from which the leaves originate from as a way to confirm the identification. This plant is often found in open or partially open sites, though it sometimes is found within forests and woodlands.
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- Question
- Nyssa sylvatica male flowers often have blue discs where the green petals attach. Are these the perfect flowers? Or... what? What is the blue part?
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- Dear yeshepalma, "perfect" is an older designation for a flower when it contains both pollen-bearing (stamens) and ovule-bearing (carpels) parts. Today, a flower that has both of these features is generally called "bisexual". Flowers that contain only one of these parts, formerly referred to as "imperfect" are now referred to as "unisexual". Therefore, a flower that contains only stamens is unisexual. The stamens of the pollen-bearing flowers of Nyssa sylvatica are attached to the receptacle of the flower (this may be the disk you are referring to). The fertile flowers (those that bear carpels) have non-functional stamens, so the those flowers are "functionally unisexual", but might appear bisexual on casual examination. If this does not help, feel free to post a follow-up question. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hey- Any ideas on what this unique looking heart wood is from? I would have guessed it was caused by a staining fungus, however it is very consistently ringed throughout the thin trunk/vine. I came across it already cut so unfortunately I don't have any foliage to go off of. These are just two examples cut from a sapling like trunk. Much appreciated!! Noah
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- Dear Noah, the wood sample you have photographed appears to be Rhus typhina (staghorn sumac; synonym: Rhus hirta). This non-allergenic member of the Anacardiaceae is a common early successional, colonial shrub in the northeast and beyond. It shows the distinctive heart wood with darker concentric rings that you have photographed.
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- Question
- I found this pink beauty in a forest opening in Norway, Maine in early October. I would love your help in identifying it. Thank you so much!
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- Dear firstlight, your plant is Agalinis tenuifolia (slender-leaved agalinis), a hemiparasitic plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae. This is an uncommon, late summer-flowering species that is found here and there throughout much of New England. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Please help me identify this beautiful plant! It grew outside my uni in Manchester, England and I loved the perfumey smell it produced. It's a bush and has small delicate white flowers that have pointed ends. The leaves are shiny green.
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- Dear kitajayne, I can't tell you with confidence the plant you have photographed. But, from what I can make out, and your description of the flower odor, it looks like it could be Elaeagnus pungens (thorny-olive), not a true olive but a member of the Elaeagnaceae that includes other plants like autumn-olive. You might examine images online and see if this hypothesis provides an answer to your question. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Reading through your recent answered questions, I believe you've already had someone ask about this plant. Do my photos offer any additional clues to help with identification? At first glance, I thought of Gaultheria procumbens, but the leaves are thin, not leathery, and are deeply purple on the underside (not sure if this is simply a reaction to cold temps or if they remain purple in the green season). Photos taken in a mixed forest in Hollis, ME on 11 March 2016.
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- Dear Fecteau23, your plants are Polygaloides paucifolia (fringed-milkwort; synonym: Polygala paucifolia). This species has the general habit and leaf blade outline of Gaultheria procumbens, but lacks the wintergreen odor/taste and lacks the obscure, cilia-tipped teeth of that species. If you follow this population into the spring, you will see the flowers are quite different. Thank you for posting. Best wishes.
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- Question
- This plant was observed beneath a mixed pine forest in Rhode Island. Any idea?
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- Dear NNEL, your plant is Chimaphila umbellate (noble prince's-pine). It is an herbaceous, evergreen member of the Ericaceae (health family) that is native to North America. It is found in a variety of forest types in New England. Best wishes.
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- Question
- What is this? Portage county ohio
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- Dear ladyn3girlz, Your plant looks like Euphoribia lathyris (gopher spurge). This is a species with opposite leaves and often a conspicuous white midline down the center of the leaf blade. If you break or bruise a leaf, you should be able to see white latex emerge from the wound. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello, Could you help know the name of this flower? It is from my friend in Paris. But, both of us don't know the name. Thank you so much. Have a great weekend. Bo
- Answer
- Dear Flowers, thank you for posting an image but I'm sorry I won't be able to help you. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England (northeastern North America). Cultivated plants are a large, diverse topic that requires its own study. You may have success determining the name for your plant if you approach an organization that specializes is ornamental flowers. Best wishes.
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- Question
- whats is the name of this plant? my parents purchased it in a store years ago in México.
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- Dear Israsen, I'm sorry we cannot help you with this particular question. Cultivated plants hail from all over the world and this site is dedicated to wild plants of New England (northeastern North America). While we are happy to entertain all plant related questions, sometimes those plants originating in distant lands will not be known to us. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello, please tell me what plant this is, thank you.
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- Dear cprayer1, I'm sorry I cannot help you with your plant identification. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. While we are happy to entertain all plant-related questions, some species in cultivation are difficult to identify from a photograph that does not contain flowers and/or fruits. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello, please tell me what kind of plant this is, thank you.
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- Dear cprayer1, I cannot help you with your request because there is no image associated with your post. If you are having difficulty uploading images, feel free to email me at ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org and I will try to help. Make sure to include any details you can about the plant and where the plant is from (location of the species is very important for assisting with identification). Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello again! I see that watermelon still has no specific constituent. And I've heard of cucubocitrin telling it might be the one responsible for the plant's diuresis. But I also have read one article telling that there is this cucurbitacin (is this the same with cucurbocitrin?) which has diuretic property. but i just can't find more articles regarding this matter.
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- Dear bananinah, I can't answer your question concerning the active constituent that produces diuresis--but I can help you with your other question. Cucurbocitrin and curcubitacin are not the same kinds of compounds. Cucurbotricin is a glucoside-saponin and cucurbitacin is a steroid. Therefore, I believe these items are different compounds (i.e., not the same compound with two different names). Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello! I just wanted to ask about the plant of watermelon. You see, I'm a college student and I have a study regarding this fruit. This plant is known to have a diuretic property. I wanted to know the active constituent which is responsible for the diuresis of the plant. Hope you can help me. Thank you!
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- Dear bananinah, many times scientists seek the one active constituent that is responsible for the effect in question. This is really a trait of pharmaceutical companies and the methodology of hoping to extract and patent a solitary compound. The reality is it may be a combination of different compounds that actually produce the full effect that is being sought. In fact, many times preparations of the entire plant produce stronger effects than a single compound because the plant contains a suite of related compounds that work collectively to produce the action. I have not seen a paper that presents a specific diuretic compound in Citrullus lanatus. A well-known glucoside saponin that produces a vasodilatory action is cucurbocitrin. It is possible this compound produces some of the observed diuresis, but I do not know for sure. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi there. The purple undersides of this plant's leaves caught my eye on a recent hike. I think it must be a distinctive attribute, but I can't place the species or family for the life of me. Any ideas? It is apparently evergreen, but the leaves are not very think (i.e. not like Gaultheria procumbens) Found in somewhat rich-mesic mixed woods in the Pioneer Valley, Mass. Thanks!
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- Dear Petros, I'm sorry I cannot identify your plant. This strategy of having red to purple coloration in leaves is widely used by a variety of species. In many cases, these pigments are anthocyanins, and they often frost tolerance to the plants that accumulate them (you often see the red color of expanding leaves in the spring on many shrubs). If you can get additional images of the plant, I may be able to assist you with the identification. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi! This is probably a question for the webmaster, not the botanist, but...the Plantshare checklists says you can share your checklists, but it's not clear to me how that is done--the Help function for Plantshare is not up yet, as you know. An aside (again, for the webmaster or developers) is that the Find People function could be enhanced by a geographic search option. I'm interested in all this as I am in the process of promoting the use of Plantshare locally in our cit sci projects.
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- Dear aletamck, good morning. The sharing feature is not currently enabled (it was an idea for helping people share their created checklists with others). There are a number of new features that we hope to implement on Go Botany, and this may be one that is brought online in the future. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello, thanks for the last identification. It was helpful! I found this low growing plant in Mashpee, MA last summer in a dry and very sandy location. The surrounding areas consisted of pitch pine and thick scrub oak. Ground cover is typically Arctostaphylos uva-ursi and Kalmia angustifolia. It is in an area where fire management is used regularly. The stem was woody and was approximately 6-9 inches above the ground. There were also tan colored stalked capsules. Thanks, Evan
- Answer
- Dear eehrlich, your plant appears to be Hudsonia ericoides (pine-barren false heather). This is a species in the Cistaceae with 5 yellow petals when it flowers. Species of Hudsonia are most common along the coastal plain of New England in dry soils.
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- Question
- Is this Carex Glaucodea? it appeared in our rain garden project, but whatever it is, is not rare here in Bridgeport, CT. I found a few more growing on weedy sidewalks around town and transplanted them to the garden. Thank you, Diego Celis
- Answer
- Dear Carex16, to answer your question, no, this does not look like Carex glaucodea. I can't answer your question in more detail without additional images. If you are able to post more images, please do so and it may help me identify the plant. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hi, I received this indoor plant as a gift and would really appreciate your help identifying it, so I know how to care for the plant. Although it's indoor, I live in Boston, MA. This plant has such a unique look with pink (fuz?) on the stems. Thank you so much in advance! Samantha
- Answer
- Dear Samanthabee, you have photographed a species of Begonia. This is a very large genus of plants (over 1700 species). I am not able to tell you exactly which species you have, but hopefully knowing the general identity of your plant will help you care for it better. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Hello This picture has been taken from New Delh. Can you please identify it?
- Answer
- Dear priyankabot, hello and thank you for posting an image. Unfortunately, I can't help you much with your request. It appears to be cycad (a non-flowering seed plant related to other gymnosperms), but I can't provide anymore detail. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of northeastern North America. As such, there are many plants from other regions of the world that are not part of our expertise. Best wishes.
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- Question
- Winter bud ID question: Is is possible to differentiate hornbeam from hop-hornbeam by examination of their winter buds alone? (I live in SW NH and I believe these small trees I'm looking at are Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana).
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- Dear breilly, yes, it is relatively straightforward to do so (even on saplings that won't display typical bark characteristics of mature trees). The winter buds of Ostrya virginiana are circular in cross-section and have conspicuously longitudinally striate scales. The winter buds of Carpinus caroliniana are somewhat square in cross-section and the bud scales are not obviously striate. There are images on the Go Botany taxon pages for these species that show these characters. Best wishes.
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- Question
- I received the below plant as a gift and it is losing a lot of leaves, please tell me what kind of plant this is and it's care. I am in St Louis and the plant is in my front window. Thank you.
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- Dear cprayer1, your plant may be a narrow-leaved species of Ficus (fig). These are woody plants in the mulberry family, some of which are commonly cultivated as house plants. Best wishes.
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- hello, Found this near a logging road in Jackman, Maine in Mid August. The plant was low to the ground, had white symmetric flowers and lobed leaves. Area was open and consisted of evening primrose, raspberry. Soil was well drained and sandy. Surrounding forest was northern hardwood/ fir. your help is much appreciated. -Evan
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- Dear Evan, the lobed leaves in this image and the flowers belong to two separate plants. The leaves are Tussilago farfara (colt's-foot), a non-native species native to Europe that flowers very early in the spring. The white flowers belong to Clematis virginiana (Virginia virgin's-bower), a native vine in the crowfoot family with compound leaves divided into three leaflets. Best wishes.
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- I encountered this ground hugging plant growing in a partly shaded areas on the edge of a cemetery where plant trash was being dumped. The cemetery is in Oxford, NY. It has square stems with fine hairs. It reminded me of mint, but the leaf was not aromatic when crushed. I've share the photo with others, but so far I have not been able to identify it.
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- Dear Rich, your plant is indeed a mint and is called spotted henbit (Lamium maculatum). This species is non-native in North America, having been introduced from Europe. Best wishes.
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- Ok so my first question is not a species question but a general plant biology question; what function does acetylsalicylic acid serve in trees? I mean for the trees themselves. Thank you, Aaron
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- AKstephens, plants do not have acetylsalicylic acid, that is the form found in aspirin. What plants do have is phenolic glycosides like salicin and populin. These are bitter compounds used by the plant in defense against herbivores (such as leaf-eating insects). Some beetle larvae consume plants (like willow) that are rich in salicin and concentrate it in their tissues to avoid being consumed by insect predators. There is also salicylic acid, which is a plant hormone that helps regulate growth and development. Best wishes.
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- Hello, i'm from the Bahamas and found this in my school's yard. It's a leaf from a plant with thorns. Can you please help me identify it?
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- rockstar1of2, I'm sorry I cannot help you with your question. The Bahamas are a long way from my region of expertise (northeastern North America). Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. While we are happy to entertain a variety of botanical questions, some species from distant regions of the world are unfamiliar to us. I wish I could offer more help.
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- Is this Euonymus fortunei? Vine still green and climbing high into trees at the edge of the woods in Northampton, MA
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- Devorah, you have photograph Euonymus fortunei, an evergreen liana with opposite leaves. The leaf blades, in common forms found in the region, have pale veins on the adaxial (i.e., upper) surface that help to distinguish this species.
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- I have this weed that grows in cracks of roadside slabs (or between any other slabs for that matter) that I would like to get the scientific name. Also, its quite thorny at the nodes. And has some rather slight pink colouring at the 'stem'.
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- Dear Gerald, your plant is Alternanthera pungens (khaki joyweed), a weedy member of the Amaranthaceae (amaranth family). This plant is non-native in the northeastern United States. Best wishes.
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- hi, I need some help.
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- Gerald, I would be happy to help you (if I can). If you have a question or photographs you would like to have identified, feel free to post them here. Best wishes.
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- Hi! Thank you for your great work. I need to help with identify this plant. It grows in Sri Lanka lowlands. Thanks in advance. Sam
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- Dear Sam, I'm sorry that I cannot help you with this identification question. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of northeastern North America. While we are happy to entertain all plant related questions, and can sometimes assist with identification queries from distant lands, without flowers and/or fruits on the plant you have photographed, I'm really not able to give you any direction. Sorry I can't help. Best wishes.
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- I'm new to gardening and would like my kalachoe plant to be more full, would it be ok to simply snip it under a node and replant or how would you recommend that I accomplish my goal? Its getting so tall it's flopping over and it has been flowering and also started new growth in the soil.
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- Dear Shellandria25, Kalanchoe plants are generally very easy to root from cuttings. But, they also respond well to pinching to make them more compact and full. You could either take cuttings and grow new plants, or pinch existing stems to encourage lateral buds to break and make the plants less "floppy." Also, insufficient sunlight can make them floppy. Perhaps moving them to a sunnier location would help prevent the floppiness. I hope this is helpful.
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- I would like to point out to your attention that in the page of your site https://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/species/urtica/dioica/ there is a picture http://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Urticaceae/urtica-dioica-ha-atal.jpg with the indication of staminate and carpellate flowers on the same plant. Being the discussed plant Urtica dioica, I imagine that the picture is not correctly attributed. Thanks for your attention. Massimo Pautrier - Roma, Italy
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- Dear massimo, thank you for your comment here--we are always happy to receive possible edits so that we can make the website more accurate. In this case, the image is correctly identified. In northeastern North America, there are two subspecies of Urtica dioca. One of these is subspecies gracilis, a plant that is moneocious (with both sexes of flowers on the same plant), unlike subspecies dioica (which has the different sexes of flowers on separate plants). The former subspecies is now being regarded as a distinct species (Urtica gracilis), so you will see this change reflected in the not too distant future when we begin to update the taxonomy on the site. Thank you again and best wishes.
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- Hello everybody. I am new to this site. These here are Carolina Reapers which I planted January 2015. About 4 months ago I started noticing little brown spots and leaves starting to crumble. What could possibly be causing this to my chilli plants? These are 3 different plants of the same type.
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- Dear Tubbtastic, thank you for your post and glad you found our site. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants. While we are happy to entertain most any plant-related questions, this is a case where you could get a more detailed answer from your local agricultural extension service (folks who specialize in cultivated plants). You can usually find these services with web searches. Best wishes.
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- Is there a distinction between Linum medium, which is unranked, and Linum medium var. texanum which is a threatened species? At Camp Edwards in Bourne, MA, and we are wanting to monitor for species of special concern, and want to know what to look for. I see that for L. medium it is mainly the glandular tipped inner sepals, but how to know if it is what is described as common L. medium, or rare L. medium var texanum? The NHESP description for the texanum doesn't make a distinction.
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- Dear irisclearwater, Linum medium is the species, and it contains two subspecies, Linium medium ssp. medium and Linum medium (Planch.) Britt. ssp. texanum (Planch.) A. Haines. The former is found in a small area south and west of New England. The latter is the subspecies found in New England (and is the most widespread subspecies). You do not have to distinguish which kind of Linum medium is found in New England because there is only one. If you need further clarification, feel free to post additional questions here. Best wishes.
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- What would happen if trees one day stopped giving of oxygen, why? How would we know if trees stopped giving off oxygen?
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- Megastonefilms, producing oxygen is a fundamental part of tree's (and other plant's) physiology. They cannot choose not to for it is part of their life cycle. For this not to happen would mean the plant would be dead (in which case we would know). Certainly, if they did stop producing oxygen, after enough time the oxygen content of the air we breathe would begin to decline.