2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013

Questions and Answers

2020

• Question

  I was hoping to find if this tree is Mugo Pine, and if not, can please identify this plant? It is located in Walnut Creek, California. Thank you so much!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Is this Asclepias quadrifolia? Location: Holderness, NH Habitat: in understory of deciduous forest adjacent to an old dirt road Thank you!!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, I'm trying to compile a list of perennial halophytic plants suitable for zone 3-5 for possible phytoremediation of salt contaminated soils. This is for a potential project to reduce road salt impacts on well water in Southern New Hampsire. Ideally the plants would have a mid-high salt uptake capacity, could be harvested on an annual or biennial rotation without having to be replanted. Do you know of any plants that could fit the bill? Any insight is appreciated. -Thanks

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello Dear Botonist, I believe this tree is a Crabapple. Is there any more information you are able to give me?? Thank you Very Much! It is located in Salem Sound, MA SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello one more time, I thought I was done with your help for the year but I can't seem to settle on this Dogwood. I was able to match a few photos from your site to come up with the species but I am stuck on Photos #7 and #8. Salem, MA Thank you Very, Very much, SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello there, In researching Timothy grass I am having trouble deciphering exactly what is happening here... other than a flower or inflorescence is developing from the stem/sheath. What am I missing here? Thank you, SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello there, An easy one for you, I am sure. I had earlier been able to ID this noxious plant but lost the info and cannot come up with it again. Salem, MA Thank you very much, SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello there, I am researching this Round-leaved Dogwood and am wondering what the yellow-green structure just below the purple stem is called, also what it's purpose might be. Thank you for your help. SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Dear Botonist, I am requesting help with the Germander shrub and am hopeful that the species can be determined. Thank you! SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Very cool! Thank you for your identification of the little twinflower (Linnaea borealis). I now read that it generally needs a non-close relative to be pollinated, but as far as I have been able to ascertain (and I have looked a lot!), it is the only plant in the area of its kind. Is there anything I can do to increase the chances of pollination once flowers appear? (I have no idea how this plant was established as it is in a remote area.)

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  From Hanover Center, NH, 12/1: I have been keeping my eye on this little, slow-growing vine-like plant for a number of years. It grows on the edge of a wet area with partridge-berry, bunchberry, dewdrops, and spruce among other plants and mushrooms. I have never seen it flower, but it is really only in the past year or two that it has put energy into vertical growth.The leaves are about the size of a partridge-berry leaf. Any idea what it might be?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I saw this fern on the Bay Circuit Trail in Sudbury,MA on November 27. Can you tell me what it is? Thank you!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Is this Scarlet Oak Ligonier PA

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Could you help me identify this landscape plant find ln Boise ID?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello there, I am hoping that it is possible to ID this Violet. I would also like to know if it is native. Thank you, SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I planted different chili seeds, a few days later I noticed somewhat like a shiny blue coloration and thought it was just plastic particles. When it grew about 1-2 inches maybe, I pulled out one to check if it's alright, saw this blue particle again and realized it was actually the seed. What could be the reason?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Dear Botanist, This beautiful tree, i believe, is a Yellow Malus. Is there any further information you would be able to give me on ID. It is located on an island in Salem Sound, Massachusetts. There is at least 1 more tree just like it! Thank you very much! SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  hello, Im lookiing to Id this plant, can I have a little help please ? Thanks

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi there. These photos were taken in a fragmented swamp in Natick, MA, but this species of Malus is very common in forest fragments here in general. I think it is Malus baccata, but I'm not certain and wanted to ask. The time of year is November. The last photo depicts the general area in which they are growing. Thank you!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi I am looking for a name for plants in my yard. I live in Hamilton, Mt. Ravalli County. This is my first time trying to use this type of app.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  how many nutrients are absorbed by a tree before leaf fall? jb

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Dear Ageless and good looking Botanist, I am hoping it is possible to ID the species of grass presented here. Thank you very much, SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Also, found on sandy beach in the shrub thickets.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Found on sandy beach thickets of shrubs in Massachusetts.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, I am looking for help ID’ing a tree. We believe it was planted as a landscape tree, so likely not wild, maybe not native, but if you are willing to look at it I’d appreciate it. Tree is in Central Mass, likely planted in the early 1960’s by great-grandfather (a forester), currently 20-25’ tall, branches kind of gnarly/deformed, lower branches sweep to the ground then lift up at their tips. No noticeable fruit, I don’t believe there are catkins. Thank you, Maryanne

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This appeared where I used to have a Missouri Primrose This doesn’t look like what I had before

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, I am looking for any information you might give me on this Willow tree. It is located in Salem Sound, MA. Thank you, SueL-B

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I am wondering if it is possible to buy American Wild Mint seeds? Thanks

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, I am wondering if it is possible to determine the species of this Blackberry plant. It is widespread on a coastal island in Salem Sound, MA. All photos were taken 7/20 EXCEPT the flower photo. The flower photo was taken in 2007. I have it ID'd as Rubus allegheniensis. I strongly believe the photos from 2020 and the flower photo of 2007 are from the same species of plant. Thank you very much for your expertise! SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I know this is a goldenrod species but I’m not sure which one. This was collected in Claremont, NH on the forest edge.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have narrowed this down to be in the persicaria family but am not sure exactly what species this is. It was found in Claremont, NH on the forest edge.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Dear Arthur Haines, On October 3, 2020, we found growing on the wet sands along the shore of Ossipee Lake in Ossipee, NH a four(4) blunt end leaf Galium in fruit. The Galium has the appearance of Galium palustre. Reviewing my image the fruit did not appear smooth, possibly "bumpy", possibly having hair. Can you review my image and help me with the identification? Thank you for your help. Best regards, Yvonne

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This was growing last year in my backwoods and this year they are all over but deers or rabbits are most of them to bare branches. I saved a few protected. The sighting is in Towaco New Jersey, a new location on your map now. I couldn’t upload the pic!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have these growing on the edge of my property (under some scotch pines) that I cleared of barberry. They came up on their own. I believe they are guelder rose(viburnum opulus) but unsure if it is the American type or European type. I am in Central Maine. I read you can tell by the shape of the small glands on the leaf stem but after comparing them to photos online Im still unsure which type this is. Unable to load pics

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  grass ID photo 2 Hello - I found this grass a week ago in a salt marsh area on the coast of the upper Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. I don't know what genus it is and if its native but I hadn't seen it before in the area.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  good afternoon i am lover of ivy and grow it everywhere. My english ivy's leaves are getting dark brown patches and tips are getting lazy, mild brownish and ultimately die. Stems sometimes seep red jam like substance, Pleas tell me how to save the plant. The place is Kashmir in Asia. I dont water too much my plants. i maintain the balance.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have 3 plants that I had just gotten recently and I’ve noticed in two of them there leaves are browning and the third one started to droop and the stems look weak. I water my plants and give them enough sunlight so I was wondering if I was doing something wrong if you could let me know what I can do to save them?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Grass ID please. Hello - I found this grass a week ago in a salt marsh area on the coast of the upper Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. I don't know what genus it is and if its native but I hadn't seen it before in the area.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I was wondering if you could help me identify this plant! It is in New Hampshire near Portsmouth. It grows on the edge of a forest and has red a few red berries, serrated leaves. None grow on the main stem as it is spiky.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi, Found this aster in Green-Wood Cemetery recently and wasn't quite sure which Symphiotrichum it was. Thanks for your help!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Symphyotrichum #2 - basal leaves heart shaped, serrated, middle stem leaves long and lanceolate, upper leaves small sessile entire, many small leaves and bracts, phyllaries dark green somewhat diamond shaped, slightly spreading, flowers light blue, up to 1”, but not larger.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have 2 Symphyotrichum species that I’m struggling to identify. They have some characteristics of one plant, but then others don’t fit. I’m beginning to think they maybe be natural hybrids. I will post them separately. First - basal leaves heart shaped, middle leaves winged petiole not clasping, Leaves rough upper, smooth underside, serrated, phyllaries ½ dark green and compressed, flowers just over 1” and light blue. Drummond’s Aster is close, but flowers too large and leaves smooth on under.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I photographed Fuller’s Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) on August 6th in a vacant lot in Kittery Township, York County, Maine. The identification was confirmed by a botanist with the Maine Natural Areas Program. However, this species is not currently recorded from Maine in Go Botany (nor the USDA PLANTS database). Can this record be added? I can provide more information, including a photo.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found a Brassica oleracea in Maine

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi, this (I assume) seed floated down onto me a week or so ago. Can you identify it? I'm using it as a "mystery object" with my students next week and would love to be able to tell them more than "it's some kind of seed." Thanks!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have been given an ID for this Goldenrod as Solidago Subsect. Argutae, which is a subgrouping of species similar to S, arguta. Can you explain what a "Subsection" is, as opposed to a subgenus, a species group, or a super species? Also, if you recognize the group, which are the other Solidago species in it? The observation was made in Franconia Notch. Thanks.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This flower was found on the edge of a forest path within 15-20 feet of the Stillwater River. The trees are mostly conifers with some red maple and white birch. The plant has opposite leaves that are toothed and simple. They are mostly heart-shaped, except that the base of the leaf is flat, not curved. The flowers are in umbels coming from leaf axils with each flower having 5 petals. The color is white. It was leaning over into the trail, but would estimate that it was about 2 to 2.5 feet tall.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have an invasive plant in my yard; it looks like a tree but spreads via underground runners. It has small white flowers in spring over bright green leaves. It is 12-15' tall with elongated leaves along thin branches. Bark is smooth and slightly striated; trunk only gets about 1" thick. The runners are quite thick and run very deep - deeper than locust runners. These cannot easily be pulled by hand.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found this plant in our creek bed in southern Indiana. I have never seen another like it on our 150 acres. It developed an elongated cluster of green berries below the leaves. It was about 18 inches high. No flowers ever. It is now wilted (September) and the berry cluster is turning red. Please help identify. Thank you.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Arthur, I am having trouble uploading pictures, for your ID help, just trying to verify if the problem is on my end or yours. - B. Piper

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I'm trying to figure out the various highbush blueberries (and maleberries?) Is this beautiful leaf enough to go on? Taken at Nickerson State Park in Brewster, MA 8/30/20. Thanks!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  In Lebanon, NH. I've used a plant identification app and it has told me that it is many different things. Closest to it is the White Snakeroot but this plant has alternating leaves. I believe it will have white flowers but nothing yet. Ranges from 1 to 4 feet tall, most are 3 foot in height. Grows primarily in semi-shade in among my other flowers. Uploading isn't working so I will send the images to an email address.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Please help me narrow down ID of this sedge. I can't find any way to narrow down the search to these 2 key things (which I'm sure will go a long way toward ID): 1. The plant is very small - only 2-6 inches tall in full flower, and 2. It only has 1 leaf from the base; it does not have a clump of leaves or in fact any noticeable leaves that differentiate it from the surrounding grass. I have had yellow nutsedge & this plant is COMPLETELY different. Growing in ave. soil, not wet/moist.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I'd like to know what this plant is that I saw on the Salamander trail of Mount Warner.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I think this plant is Water Smartweed (Persicaria amphibia) though it doesn't look quite like the other photos I have seen. It is located on a brook (slow-moving water) right along the edge. The water was actually drained until just a few days ago due to dam repairs downstream. So while the plant itself was not touching the water it likely was previously.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I believe that my photo is of a Persicaria amphibia (Water Smartweed) but It doesn’t look quite like the other pictures I’ve seen. It was right on the edge of a brook with slow moving water. In fact the water was drained until a few days ago because of work on the dam down stream. So the plant itself was not touching the water but likely was previously.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found this flower on the edge of a parking lot by a tidal river. It was in waste space along with butter and eggs flowers -- lots of both. This flower is bilateral, pink with a short stem. The leaves are toothed, alternate, have hairs, and are lance shaped. The leaves and flowers are intermingled as they ascend the stem. Overall height is about 18-20 inches =/-. Attached are the photos I have. I have tried Newcomb's, the simple goBotany key and Wild Flowers of New England. Thanks.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  What is the plant with burrs (large leaves in back were a cucumber)? The flowers were white, five petals, resembled raspberry. The leaves are furry and toothed like a raspberry. Thornless. Came up at the edge of my suburban MA garden. Is it invasive? Thanks

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I think this is a cherry, but someone else suggested it's a birch. Can you tell me? The bark is brown and spotted.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This plant had five-petalled white flowers, similar to raspberry flowers. No noticeable scent. The leaves are fuzzy and toothed like a raspberry's, but this ain't no raspberry. Thornless. Found next to my suburban garden this year. The larger leaves in the photo are a cucmber; couldn't figure out how to crop the photo. Is it invasive?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Good afternoon Dr :) I have tentatively identified a local aster as Eurybia macrophylla. The distinctive features noted include a glabrous stem, basal leaves heart-shaped, intermediate leaves are winged obovate, phyllaries are rounded and ciliated, and the inflorescence appears corymbiform. Also, the pedicels are glabrous and each are subtended by a leaf. I would appreciate your assessment. Thank you, Edward

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This poplar seeded itself right at the foundation wall of my house. Should I kill it, or is it worth transplanting?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Volunteer in urban planting strip in Watertown MA. Leaves a wrinkly heart shape. Purple flowers on a ~15” stalk. See photos. Substantial meaty roots (no pic).

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I would like to find out what this plant is.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  On the entry path to Hebron Town Forest, which takes you through a field of sorts, I found this alternate leaved shrub. I generally don't concern myself with non-natives, but can you tell me what this is? Is this Cotinus coggygria? If so, it isn't listed for Grafton Co, NH on your site.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have mats of this growing around my house. It likes to spread out onto patio stones and pavement. Is it Euphorbia maculata?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, I have a question regarding the key for Fabaceae. At question 22, it asks whether the leaves are paripinnate or imparipinnate. In the key, Chamaecrista is imparipinnate (has a terminal leaflet). However, in all of the pictures on the website, the leaves appear to lack a terminal leaflet. Is there something I'm missing here?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This is growing like made through the lawn, there is some underneath the conifers. No idea what it is, came up reasonably easily when scarified but grown back really quickly, Any idea what it is and how to get rid of it from the lawn.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi, Go Botany does not seem to a Mentha species I found here in Putney Vermont. My photo for some reason is not loading. Would you send me an email so I can send directly? Any ideas? Grows in wet ditches a couple of feet tall. Lavendar/white dense terminal spikes of flowers. Hairy leaves and stems, no leaf petioles present.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I'm trying to distinguish between flatsedges now, and I find it frustrating. Any overall tips on how to go about it and what characteristics to feature in photos? Here is one, for example, from Sandy Point, Plum Island. What say you? Thanks.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Goldenrod in Dutchess County NY, similar to Solidago gigantea, but leaves are far larger (on average between 6 and 8" long, and 1 and 2" wide), have only one prominent vein, are nearly glabrous (I counted six hairs on the veins on one leaf), and of a sample of leaves from 14 plants, this had an average of 12.4 teeth, while S. gigantea had an average of 19.5. Plants are clonal and lack basal leaves. Flowering full three weeks later than S. gigantea. Seems to grow only in and around streams.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Found these Joe-pye Weeds at the shore of the 2nd pond in the Three Ponds Area of the WMNF in NH. I'm trying to identify the species. These plants were about 30 inches high and had purple stems. Are their height (short for Eutrochium) and the purple stem diagnostic? Note what appears to be flower buds at the axil between stem and leaf about half way up the plant. Is this diagnostic of species?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This tall (about 4') plant was photographed on a dry site along an old forest road in Cockermouth Forest in Groton NH. Each tiny (less than 1/4") white flower has 5 petals. Can you identify the species?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi, I think I have a oleander plant and I know it is toxic and should not burn the wood, could you please have a look at the pictures to identify the plant. Thankyou

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, If you can, please confirm the id of this tree growing 15’ in S. CT. Based on the white fuzz above the leaf scar, the compound leaf, I am almost certain that this is Juglans cinerea. This was observed in a dry upland forested area.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  What is causing my shrubs to die?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found this along the Peshtigho River just below Johnson Falls Dam.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found a volunteer Rhexia Virginica next to a small lake in NE CT

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Dear Ace Botanist, this 2-foot tall, hairy plant is a weed in my Dampish yard, woods of the north Quabbin, MA, grows in shade, along with the jewelweed. Can you please identify?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello! I emailed photos of this milkweed to a native plant association; they suggested I email them to you to see if it may be purple milkweed. It was purchased at a native plant sale in 2017 as swamp milkweed, but looks very different from the other swamp milkweed purchased at the same time. Thank you!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I'm stumped on this one. This flower is growing in the Kenduskeag Stream, Bangor, Maine-- shallow at this time of year. It's about 3 feet high, seems to have only a basal leaf. The stem is round and smooth. There are 6 petals with the style a deep raspberry color. Because there are 6 style on each flower, it seems that there are also 6 petals, although 3 look somewhat different in shape than the other 3. Thanks for the help.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, I found this twin betel leaf in my garden this morning. I surfed the net, but could not find any related image or article. So I assume this is a rare plant growth. I have done my Masters in Botony and hence much more curious to understand the science behind its creation. How did it get joined ?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found this along the Peshtigho River just below Johnson Falls Dam.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have these growing in disturbed areas around my house in Massachusetts. The tallest are over 2 meters. I was thinking Artemisia, but if it is I can't figure out which species.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  We saw this plant yesterday on the Powwow River in South Hampton, NH. I do not see it recoded in our county. I thought I should record the sighting here.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have a dense stand of this growing in a sunny spot near my house in Massachusetts, crowding out other plants. I was thinking one of the weedy Artemisia or Ambrosia. There are no flowers yet.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Found this on road side in Mass. Has green little fruits. Twig from what kind of tree/shrub?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This plant is growing in Malden, MA. Pretty sure it's a hawkweed, but would love to know what kind for my curiosity's sake. Thanks for any help! :)

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello- new to the plant world. This plant is in my wooded back yard. Brunswick, Maine. Area is surrounded by blackberry bushes. Sunny along a cleared path. This plant is tall 5 feet or so, prickly green stems. I was concerned that it might be hemlock and that i should destroy it. Please help in the ID. Thanks

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  In a sunny spot next to a busy trail in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Is it Euphorbia? The leaves are not quite opposite but it goes much better in the opposite key than the alternate key. The flower anatomy confuses me. Are the two large triangular leaves considered bracts?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I'm a novelist conducting research for an upcoming book. I need to find a plant or tree that is native to both northern Russia and southern South America from which sap could be extracted that could act as a slow-burning but high temperature fuse. If such a tree does not exist, I would like to create a fictional tree with those properties. If anyone here can help, I would greatly appreciate any information you are willing to provide. Feel free to email me at Cap@CapDaniels.com if you would like.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Can you confirm this is Lobelia siphilitica? It has been growing widely as a volunteer in my Lexington MA woodland garden for many years. I gather from this site that the species is rare in eastern MA. Pictures taken 8/2/2020. coming into bloom.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, I would love your help with this one, please. It has stumped the Native Plants of New England Facebook group, which is a rare thing. It's rooted in my pebbly, 4-seasons brook in Windsor NH. It was completely submerged. These photos taken with submersible camera on May 31, 2020 No flowers or fruits observed. Photos attached Thank you, Laura Costello ljcost@gmail.com

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I saw this yesterday on the bank of the Green River in Colrain MA. It about 36” talk.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This is coming up from under a rock near my house in Massachusetts. When I first saw it I thought it was Japanese knotweed, which used to cover the area, but now that it has grown larger it looks different.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  A patch of roadside Persicaria I asked about before now has flowers. Are they enough to ID it? In addition to the main group of flowers there is a much smaller group, only two in one case, lower on the stem. Lincoln, Massachusetts July 27, 2020.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, I would appreciate an ID on this Marsh plant. It is in Salem Sound, Salem. Thank you very much! SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Is this Coeloglossum viride? Habitat limestone outcrop in woods NW CT with Asplenium trichomanes & Asplenium platyneuron. Phot 7/14/20

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found this strange plant growing in an unused pot, I cannot see anything similar on the web Please help me to identify it.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi Arthur, A friend sent me this photo from her property on the Piscataquis River in Howland. We'd appreciate any help you can give on this one. Thanks!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Is this Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)? This picture was taken along Market St. in Warren, RI.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Admittedly, this verges on being a silly question... Has anyone ever estimated how many cells there are in a giant sequoia tree? I've read there are an estimated four quadrillion cells in Blue Whales, and was wondering how that stacked up against our largest trees. Feel free to dismiss this as meaningless, although any thoughts you might have would be much appreciated. Cheers, SG

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Roadside in woods, Lincoln, Massachusetts, blooming in the past week or two.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have these growing in my yard this year. The largest one attracts a lot of ants. I included a picture of one feeding on what seems to be an extra-floral nectary. The stem has spines at the nodes. The leaves have an even number of leaflets -- a pair at the tip.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Is this a hybrid of Dryopteris marginalis? Canterbury NH in a very small mesic old sugar bush with ash, hemlock, Aralia racemosa, Sambucus racemosa, Christmas fern.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Seeking ID of the pictures plant (sedge?) observed in Seattle municipal park.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Spotted this in a wooded section of our yard in West Simsbury, CT. Is it a Trillium? I didn't notice it earlier, so I don't know what color the flower was.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Does anyone know what this is? It has fuzzy stems, purplish undersides on the leaves. Found in NH.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Flower coming out of shallow water at the edge of a pond in Lincoln, Massachusetts.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I'm having a hard time identifying this plant found on the rivers edge (in the floodplain area) in Orono, Penobscot County, Maine. The flowers are on a slender spike. They seem to be irregular, but could be 4 petals. The leaves are coarsely toothed, lance shaped, and alternate. I have tried Newcomb's but came to a deadend; clearly not doing something right. Thanks.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have this growing in my yard in Massachusetts. Is it Trifolium aureum?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, My name is Marcus Brown and I am a researcher for the game show "Jeopardy!" - We are working on a botany category and I was wondering if I could email you a few photos to help us identify some plants. Any discretionary help would be greatly appreciated and thank you, Marcus

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Can you tell me the pollinator for Pyrularia pubera: common names buffalo nut or oil nut. Thank you!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I treasure a smoke shrub that was planted about 20 years ago, and recently noticed another similar but much smaller one about a hundred yards away in a wild part of the garden.leaves identical as far as I can observe, but are alternate on the twigs, whereas the original 10ft shrub has clusters of 5 0r 6 opposing leaves on short branches. Please explain. Deep River, Ontario.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I took this photo of a Hummingbird Clearwing Moth on a purple fringed orchid. The question is, is it P. psycodes or P. grandiflora? I saw several examples of this plant on the edge of the trail into Greeley Ponds in the WMNF in NH. All of them were 2 feet or less in height. Is there something I should look for in the future to discern P. psycodes from P. grandiflora?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello there, At an earlier date I had submitted 4 of these photos to you on this Sedge? plant. At that time seeds hadn't developed. Due to this it was impossible to ID the species. I am hoping this can be done now! Thank you much, SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Wondering what kind of plant this is?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  There are at least a hundred of these stems shady part of yard, in partial shade. The blooms showing are from early June. There are no fruits or seeds visible in mid-July. I believe I saw this at Garden in the Woods, but it wasn't labeled. The height is about 1 foot and is interspersed with Virginia creeper and growing under white pines.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Good afternoon Dr I have a sedge growing in a very dry section of my property. Previous discussions led to an id of C vulpinoidea. The inflorescence of my sedge appears to be more consistent with C cephalophora. The inflorescence has consistently measure 1.5 - 2 cm, the culms are always longer than the blades, and the sheath is smooth. The capellate scale however, appears to be longer than the scales associated with C cephalophora. Hopefully, the images with bring clarity. Thank you in advance

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I think this is Potamogeton vaseyi. Am I correct? Am I allowed to post this? I believe it is rare in Manie. I have seen it a few times in recent years, while out surveying for invasive aquatic plants. This one, I found yesterday, very near my home. Torsey Lake (or Pond), Readfield, Maine.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello! I recently found this plant in my backyard (Middlesex VT), mostly shaded area without grass, somewhat sandy soil. Moss also grows near it. I’ve tried searching online and can not find it! I would love to know what it is and any other info about it! Thanks so much!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello! I have received this plant along with the venus fly trap I purchased. I am unable to identify it and the venus fly trap was meant to be sold alone. It seems to be growing well in the same peet moss and sand that the venus fly trap is in. Can you please help me identify this plant and let me know if it need any specialized care?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  My aunt has a growth on her spruce. Can anyone help identify it?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I would love to know what kind of plant this is! Thank you

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This grass is growing in the yard around my house. I don't know if it's a wild or cultivated species -- it came with the house.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Forest edge, Lincoln, Massachusetts. Is it Carex lurida?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Between road and woods, Lincoln, Massachusetts. It looks like a Persicaria but it's not one I recognize and it has no flowers yet. I was considering Persicaria virginiana since I've been told it grows in this town, but it may not be identifiable at this stage.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, This Rush? plant and many more are growing in a dry field, in Salem Sound, Massachusetts. I would appreciate any information you are able to share with me concerning this plant! Thank You, SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I'm unsure as to what this plant(?) is. Could you help me identify it? The inside appeared to be white. Also very sorry if this was sent twice, as when I submitted this the first time the page had an error so I'm not sure if I sent this question or not. Thank you so much!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Are there species of Aconitum growing wild around Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts that you know of? I grow some in my garden, but this plant was about a mile away so I know it isn't from my seeds.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  New Haven, CT, July 12, 2020 Working with daughter in her yard here; we found this but can only find Sherardia arvensis for closest ID. Wrong, right? Thank you!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi there! I DON’T Have a photo of the plant..I actually had a question Regarding one- I’m a Connecticut Native (Barkhamsted) and have a (very protected, secluded and locked) little apothecary garden as a hobby, and I’ve been both Very Curious and on the hunt for a wild growing Atropa Belladonna plant..I was told not to hold my breath but I SWEAR I’d found one 2yrs ago in the yard of my ex husband in Danbury CT-so, what’re the chances of finding actual Atropa belladonna growing wild in CT?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, this grass was found in a dry rocky understory of a deciduous forest in SE Connecticut. The grass was in a small colony with individuals up to 2 feet in height. The loose inflorescence was approximately 6 in. The widest leaf blade was apprx 1-inch in diameter. Based on the description, the closest I could come was Piptatherum racemosum...unfortunately I didn’t have a ruler to measure the lemma awn or the spikelet. Thanks!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi! Found this plant in SE CT. There was no flower but the leaves were lobed and the stem was heavily pubescent. The plant was in upland forest growing next to a rock. Thanks

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I understand this site is geared towards ID rather than forest pathology but wanted to see if you had any insight: this is a heavily damaged witch hazel. This disease has impacted many naturally occurring H. Virginana in the area and the plants have 60-90% of their leaves affected. The leaves turn brown. It’s unconfirmed but may be a fungus Phyllosticta hamamelidis based research. Is there a possibly fatal disease that heavily impacts this species and is it known to be a bad year?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi, we saw this ground-cover with small waxy leaves at the the Garden in the Woods this weekend and were curious what it was. Would appreciate any help.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found this plant last spring growing along a trail

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi, I noticed this in bloom next to our compost pile this morning (July 2, Tolland County, CT), growing in semi-shade beneath sumac at the edge of where our sunny back yard meets a wooded area. Is it Circaea canadensis? It would be somewhat atypical of the old-field type vegetation that I usually see in this spot, but I suppose it's plausible that seeds were transported here on the body of an animal that may have come to forage in the compost. Your opinion would be appreciated, thank you!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have this growing as a weed where I spread fresh soil last year. My ID is Solanum dulcamara.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Dear Ace Botanist, I have been searching online for what this black seed pod could be. The closest thing I've found is that it could be the seed pod of a large yellow vetch. This site claims that sightings have only been reported in MA. I found this today in Cumberland, RI. Thank you.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Im growing medical cannabis for my niece who is undergoing chemo. My question is about selective defoliation. Does removing leaves to allow light to "budsites" do any good ? Basically I want to know if budsites use light or just leaves ? ty

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  My daughter-in-law gave me this transplant last year from her lake cabin in mid Maine. She has a patch in her part shade garden in Newport, ME. We live on the Midcoast in Maine. I needed something for my shade garden beside astilbe and hosta and we put this in. It was planted last August, died back this winter, came up this Spring doubling in size.We have looked at wildflower, weed, and floral ids but can’t seem to ID it. Can you help?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This was at the edge of a clearing for a housing development in Belchertown MA. I found a larger one about 20 feet into the woods. Using gobotany, the closest match I can find is Fallopica japonica. The abaxial surface of the leaves is very hairy. The leaves on the photographed plant are up to 11cm wide. Even larger on the other one. When I pulled, it snapped off at ground level. Does it look like Japanese knotweed? No flowers yet. If so, what can I do? I only see a few...

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I saw these purple flowers along the side of the Winnock Woods Trail in Cape Elizabeth in early June. It was definitely shaded woodland. Do you know what they are? Thanks, Drew.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This tree self-seeded along the property line, where there is mulch from my dog's pen. It has been around since the 90's and has dainty white flowers in the spring. It is now about 30 feet tall. The area where it is growing is mostly hemlock trees, white pine, and some maples and beech trees. It is on a shady slope leading to a pond.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Here is a tree or shrub that showed up along the property line with my neighbor's yard. it is flowering now but has just a few white flowers. It is on a shady slope with hemlocks towering overhead and Rhododendron bushes. The soil is acidic and it is about 30 feet from a pond.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I'm thinking this is a Lobelia species, but can't identify it. It was found in Bangor, ME in a waste area. The flowers cluster comes from the axil. The leaves seem entire about half the length of the leaf, then is toothed. Hairs on stems and leaves. Irregular flower with upper and lower lips. Each flower is about 1/4 inch long and leaves (compound?) are about 1 inches -1 1/4 inches long. Can you help me identify this plant? Thank you.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Dear Ace Botanist, This 25-foot tree volunteered in a shaded, damp area in the North Quabbin region of Massachusetts. Fuzzy stems, leaves. I think it's some sort of sumac but not the kind with tight red flower bundles. Thanks for your help!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Help! I can't ID this plant! I found it in NH near a wetland (pretty sure it was living on a lawn near by though) it has white flowers. maybe its hard to ID because it's young?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Location new England landscape thought it was a boxwood shrub Leaves look smooth but are actually fine sawtooth. Alternate arrangement White milky sap when removed a leaf Shiny leaf about 2 inches long

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Long time member of New England Wildflower Society Friend came up with some unusual seeds Can you help identify? Growing some in a controlled environment hoping to be able to add other images May be very old, not sure about viability Seed pod is 4 chambered measuring 12.5 mm Seeds measure 7 by 5 mm

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Growing in a field in Belmont, Massachusetts. My ID is Apocynaceae, probably Cynanchum based on where the flowers are (small groups along the stem instead of a large cluster at the top like milkweed).

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Good afternoon Dr. I found a rush in my backyard that seems to match J dichotomus. The leaves appear curved not terete or flat. There are a few bracts that do not extend beyond the inflorescence. And, the auricles appear curved, not pointed as in J tenuis. Also, the environment is dry acidic soil, not moist or swampy. I would appreciate your assessment please :) Thank you in advance Edward

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Thankyou very much. I found out that my plant name is Solanum xanti hoffmannii or Hoffmann's Nightshade. It thrives in zone 9&10.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, Thankyou for replying. I will post again my thorny purple flowers vine. This was giving to me last year, already in a pot with some flowers on it and the owner did not know the name. I planted this vine in a bigger pot and tyed round a brick colummn in my front yard in Southern California, the climate here is what they call Mediterranean. (Maybe zone 9). I thought the vine is nightshade, bittersweet but unable to find a similar image.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Is this catbird grape ( vitis palmata)? I live in Southeast MI

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  What is the name of this thorny purple flowers vine ?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Follow up on my Juniperus. The plant is in Belchertown wetlands, off George Hannum street, right at the edge of a clearing made in 2018 for a housing development. Here is the whole plant, to the extent it can be seen. Thanks for the education. I don't know why I did not consider Juniper - I guess because I thought the needles were too open. They are prickly though, so I should have.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Is Curly Dock invasive? I inherited a garden and I wonder if the previous owner planted it. I find herbs and plants in the oddest places throughout the yard that have a history of medicinal uses and I suspect she might have intentionally planted this. The house itself is full of Yankee ingenuity that harks back to the 19th century so it would follow that she planted plants from that time period as well.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Been trying to identify this wildflower. Saw it in a prairie setting in Prairie Wolf Park, Grand Rapids MI. Small flowers, I'm guessing an alfalfa possibly?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Looking for info on this oak. In Westbrook CT. It sits on my property by the side of the road. I thought this was just a cut-down tree but it seems to have or had multiple trunks. Should I let it grow? Will it become a tree?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I saw these last week in Black Pond State Wildlife Area in central CT. The general habitat was woodland. They were growing on a partially lit trail across from a small pond. The soil they were in was somewhat rocky, and muddy, but looked like it would dry up quickly in the heat. It's possible they are wetland plants that seeded there due to the rain and prolonged cool weather. The leaves are opposite and strongly purple-tinged. They had no blooms yet. I was thinking a spp. of beggar's-ticks?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Years ago, I transplanted a Bloodroot from a woodland edge in wetland. Then, this seeded itself from the rootbound soil.Now, it's been growing in woodland shade with no direct sunlight. I've returned to the original site several times since, but could find no population of this sedge. I followed the dichotomous key rigorously and kept coming up with Carex squarrosa, which is uncommon in CT. It is doing very well, but I hate seeing its seeds go to waste. Would it be of interest to botanists here?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello. I found these plants along the Taunton River in Bridgewater in mid June. I think they may be False Nettle but, without the flowers, I am not sure. The image of the river is to indicate the height of the plants (in the foreground) at that time. As it was not easy to get to this location, I'd be grateful for your help in identification. Thank you.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Moist woods in Pioneer Valley MA. Blooming late June. I used the key and got Pyrola elliptica - curved pistils, leaf shape/size, short wide sepals. I'm not very good at using keys. Correct?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  small everygreen about 1ft high, moist woods in Pioneer valley. I was thinking yew, but it has a very distinctive white stripe on the *top* of the needles, which I can't find mentioned.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have these plants in my yard and I'm thinking they are all wild lettuce but one is a little different. Can you help me identify. I will upload pictures.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Do you know what this is? It’s a vegetable but not sure what veg it is.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  A large grass growing beside a private road in the woods in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Possibly an escaped or planted ornamental.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi again folks! Hope everyone is doing well! I have a question...I've been trying to order a Purples Smoke tree, from Farmer Seed and Nursery. This is the latest one they sent me...and it looks nothing at all like what I ordered. Can you possible identify for me what type of tree it is? I am in Harrison County, WV...but ordered this plant on line. I'd appreciate your assistance...this is the third attempt to get what I paid them for. Respectfully, Mark L. Barnett

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Last fall I planted a dormant shrub that was sold as a native species of Viburnum. Now it's blooming and I don't know what I have or where it's from.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This plant grows in the yard of the house, stem and leaf surface and has trichomes. what is the name of this plant species?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I apologize if I'm on the wrong site. I'm trying to find out what plant this is. I'm in SE Texas so if I need to go elsewhere please let me know. This volunteered as tribute climbing my front porch. I was going to pull it. After my hands rubbed the leaves I noticed a movie theatre buttered popcorn smell. My husband said it smelled like fritos to him. Can you identify this? I've been searching the internet for about 4 days now. Thanks, Pam

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This plant is growing in Essex County, MA in shade next to Solomon's seal. It is about a foot high and has white fleshy roots. I don't have a picture of the flower but the seed pod is three sided.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This plant growing in yard . thorny leaves and stems , white star shaped flowers , usually 5-10 in bundle at end of stem . Flower width 30 mm . Simple lobed leaves , alternate . Plant grows at least 2ft long . I think it is of the knotweed family , but not sure . these plants commonly seen throughout east coast . June . Clay or sandy soil , medium drainage .

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This bright orange flower is growing in a roadside meadow in Harrisville, NH. It looks like Erysimum capitatum - but that is not supposed to occur here. Erysimum asperum can have "orangish" flowers, according to Marilyn Dwelley, but she says the plant is "ash-colored" and this is definitely not ash-colored.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada (zone 5B) My vegetable garden got flooded just after planting seed and now I have no idea what this plant is.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, we are trying to identify this plant we are finding in our Portland, Maine neighborhood. No flowers at this point. Thank you!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi again Arthur. First of all, thank you (and NPT) so much for your excellent ID. Most of us should be able to do most of the ID with the help of our books and GO Botany, but sometimes I get totally stumped - and so I really appreciate your help! Ok so I'm working in a ag field Damariscotta Lake, and I'm concerned that some extremely aggressive grasses arrived in some fill when a farm road was rebuilt. Here are 3 of them. I think one is Reed Canary Grass, but the others... still working on.THX!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I live in Southern California. I bought these plants at a nursery in Lakewood, california. When I bought them it didn’t have a name for them. I kept on searching for them on the internet and i could never find them. Seems like they could be a native plant.If you could help me identify them that would be great. Thank you!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I live in Eastern Ma. These garden plants were here when I bought the house. I'd just like to know the name of them. Come late summer a small yellow flower will appear. Thanks

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I am hoping for help in identifying 2 goldenrod plants. The seed I obtained from a seed collector was supposed to be solely Solidago speciosa, but it has become apparent that there are 2 different plants growing and I am not sure that either of them is speciosa. Any help in IDing these would be most appreciated. We are developing Founder Plots of native plants and it is imperative that we have a row of just one plant variety and that it is correctly identified. Thank you for your time!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found this liana at the woods edge in Freeport Maine. I thought maybe wild yam, or chinese yam, but.... I'm not sure. Could you help me out? Thank you!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  is it poisonous? looks like mariquana, its just a wild plant here in the Philippines

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Grass growing near forest edge, Lincoln, Massachusetts, with aphids and a predator of aphids among the flowers.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  A sedge growing between unpaved road and strip of woods, Lincoln, Massachusetts.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Good afternoon Dr! I encountered this pink/lavender flower growing in a sidewalk. A quick check in Wildflowers of New England did not reveal it possible identify. I am hoping that you recognize this flower. Thank you in advance. The siting was June 15, 2020.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  What is the name of this plant and it's used?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Was told this could be Rock Elm?!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I am looking to obtain some rhizomes of Stachys palustris. I live in Western NC in zone 6b. Do you or do you know of someone from whom I could purchase some Stachys palustris to plant on my herb farm? I have tried starting it from seed with no luck. We have Stachys sylvatica here in abundance in the wild but I would love some palustris. Thank you kindly, Meredith

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Could you possibly tell me the name of this wild flower plant found in Georgia's General Coffee State Park, in a dried up creek bed. The patch was almost a full acre in size. The sweet smell this flower put out very strong and very sweet. I would post a close up but we can only post one photo, sorry.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This plant came from Florida, is ages old and has had the leaves burnt by the sun in Ohio. Now all I have is the stem which is succulent type on the inside and rough on the outside. I have one tiny leaf left. Can you help id so I can try to propagate it. Thank You, Kim

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Is this arrow wood? Saw in Leominster state forest.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Lincoln, Massachusetts. Growing in the middle of a shallow pond with Nuphar and Nymphaea. There is a lot of Scirpus cyperinus at one edge. This pond is connected to another pond where cattails grow. I might be able to get a closer picture but the plant itself is inaccessible to me.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi, Is this a wild rose bush? It has thorns and white flowers, found near stonewall in Mass.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi, Found in Mass. near stonewall. Is this autumn olive? Srub/small tree.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello from Atco, NJ. I have this ground cover coming up in my flower bed around my succulents. Not sure if it came with them or if it’s from the many birds we have in our area. However I’m growing quite fond of it would like to know what it is? TIA!!!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  These small yellow flowers appeared on my driveway mostly under an oak tree after rain the night of June 4-5. I included a picture of the lower leaves of the tree, apparently a red oak or near. (Red, white, and scarlet all grow in the area.) Are these oak flowers? Do oaks only produce flowers in the upper part of the tree?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  A lot of these fell at the beginning of June in Lincoln, Massachusetts, apparently from high up in trees. What did they come from?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Is this bittersweet growing all over the trees at the wood's edge? I don't recall any orange fruit last fall.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found this iris growing in a low spot at the edge of a field near a pond in Lincoln, Massachusetts. It is much smaller than my cultivated Iris versicolor, only 20 cm tall. The size is consistent with the alternative in the sibirica-veriscolor couplet of the key: flower 7 cm wide overall, broadest petals about 2 cm wide, leaves about 6 mm wide.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Google image search calls this an Evergreen Rose (Rosa Sempervirens). It is a very prickly plant, and has begun blooming about a week ago. I was told by a gardener that it is a spirea, but I can't find any mention of thorns in the descriptions of spirea I have found. I didn't find any reports of Rosa Sempervirens in CT and it seems to be rather rare-- do you think that is what this is?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Good afternoon Dr! Last year I asked for help with a sedge and your response was C. vulpinoidea. Last night as I was examining some perigynia I remove the ovary/achene from a perigynium. The ovary/achene seems to resemble the image posted for Carex annectens. This sedge is growing in my yard and the nutrients may be lacking to allow the plant to develop to its full potential. The inflorescence was about 2 cm long. I would appreciate your input. Thank you for you response :)

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This small tree is growing at the edge of woods next to my house in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Using the interactive key Fraxinus pennsylvanica seems the best match: opposite compound leaves with asymmetric bases and teeth on the edges.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have what google reverse image is calling Rosa sempervirens (Evergreen Rose). I'm in Ohio. The description fits this plant though this is the first year I have any flowers. Can you confirm this? I would like to relocate it on my property though because it's in a bad spot. The growth just exploded this year over the last month. It's very prickly along the stems, just like roses.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Good afternoon Dr! I would appreciate you assessment of the image provided. My guides have used relatively few characteristics and have suggest Carex swanii. There appears to be three stigma and the carpellate scale seems to be equal to the perigynium. And, there is substantial pubescence on the perigynium. Thank you in advance for your in for you response. Ed

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi, I sent an inquiry Saturday, and I also saw a question about a plant identified as silene. It was not the same as my plant, but very similar. I looked it up and I think the plant I photographed is Silene flos-cuculi or ragged robin, a native of Europe. Not a native NE plant.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I think this came from a garden sale, but I do not recall the name. I have not seen one ever again. The first time it flowered, it was far from showy, but the bees loved it. I thought it must be a native plant. This year it suddenly spread out and there is a lot more to it. I thought it was foxglove until it started growing upwards. The flower is pink and small. It grows well in partial shade, and likes compost!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have a 16yr old 7 foot tall saguaro cactus we purchased from a private owner. He said 10 years ago he sprayed miracle grow on it and it created a dry brown flaky spot. We repotted in a mix of potting soil, perlite, gravel, sand, and charcoal. Should I be concerned about the flaky spot? I know they are hardy, but we want RosaBella (the name we gave her) to be healthy. The brown spot starts just below the arms on the one side and finishes just above the smallest arm.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Do not know how to classify. Short, always in shaded debris, generally moist ground cover, found on mountain trails in N.H. Seems reasonably common. Don't know how to narrow down characteristics to lookup it's name. No particular leaves or flowers. Pics taken early June. Cheers!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Found at the edge of a field near a river in Kennebunk Maine. I think it is Orobanche species.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello sir,sapindales and Rutaceae,are they from the similar family group? I mean same jenus family?If so, as far as I understand;Maple tree belongs to sapindales family and curry leaves tree belongs to Rutaceae family.Therefore,can we budd/graft curry leaves tree in Maple tree?The reason why my queries is curry leaves tree can't grow in UK weather but Maple tree may suffer in uk weather.So just wondering,whethe if I graft/budd curry leaves tree into Maple tree will it be worth doing it?Thanks

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found something that may be sweetfern on the dry sandy bank of our septic field in north central Mass. The field was planted with a native mix of plant seed 3 years ago but also has plenty of plants that were not in the seed mix. Can you tell from these photos whether the plant is sweetfern? It is a woody shrub about 2-3 feet tall. Thank you!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  The abundant red seeds of this maple caught my eye. Growing in the flood plain of the Concord River, Concord, Massachusetts May 13, 2020.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Here's a mystery plant growing alongside a garden plot in Long Island NY. Soils are sandy and well drained. Any ideas on what it might be?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This plant, which I assume is a fern, grows in a shaded wetland on my property in Granville, MA. It has a vertical, vase-shaped habit. The clumps grow in rings several feet in diameter. In the spring, the crosiers and stalks are chocolate brown, changing to green as they unfurl and grow. Some of the stalks appear to be fruiting on top (see second photo). It is not evergreen. The only fern pictured in Go Botany that resembles it is the glade fern. Perhaps you could help identify it?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Sedge growing in wetlands, Lincoln, Massachusetts. Companions include skunk cabbage and Cinna arundinacea. It resembles a member of Carex section Phacocystis I saw about a half mile away on drier ground.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Sedge growing in open woods, Lincoln, Massachusetts. Flowers are drooping when not supported for the closeup. Sharing habitat with a member of Carex section Phaestoglochin, to its left in the wide shot.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Checking the i.d. with you. I've scrutinized this against Veronica officianalis and ground-ivy. Definitely not the latter. **The blue of the flowers, a few days ago, was MUCH DEEPER/purple-blue.** (I think this is the end of first flush). Leaves are opposite, almost clasping. Flowers are only 3/8" in diameter. Two stamens each--very noticeable-- and one pistal. Leaves lobe/toothed and don't look like photos of V. officianlis at ALL. Stems have hairs on only two sides. Ht 6-8". In Grass.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Did I say that I am quite sure this is Veronica chamaedrys? Wanted to dbl check with you before I post a sighting. Think it is "escapee"... "exotic weed"? beautiful.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Sedge growing in shallow water, Lincoln, Massachusetts. It reminds me of Carex crinita, but that species is not aquatic according to the species page (only terrestrial or wetlands).

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Asking around what this plant is. No one knows so far. Has red stems. Leaf stem bleeds white when picked. New leaves from center look shiny. About 1-2 ft high. Edge of yard in woods

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Dear Ace Botanist, This vigorous looking plant, about 9 inches high and growing, is in a shaded area with moss and ferns in my yard facing northeast in North Quabbin woodlands. I haven't seen it around here before. It doesn't have spines, but the leaf underside is rough. Thanks in advance for what you can tell me!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  We found this in the forest woodlands in the Hudson Valley of New York and can't identify it! The center leaf was a few inches tall (boots for scale!). I'm also curious how to describe this type of leaf?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Forest edge, Lincoln, Massachusetts. Are these shrubs Frangula alnus? Are there any native plants with similar flowers coming out of the base of the leaf stem?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found this small woodland flowering plant while walking along our village hiking trail, May 25th, in southern Vermont. At first I thought it was a violet, but clearly not. Is it something related to an orchid?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Can you identify this plant, which I found in my yard in West Newbury, MA? It was mixed in with poison ivy, but is taller than the ivy. Thanks in advance for any info that you can provide.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Do you know what plant this is? This photo was taken on the Libby River Farm Trail in Scarborough, ME. It was woodland, but it was boggy and near marshlands. Thank you.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I saw these this morning at Garden In the Woods. Can you tell me what they are and if they are native to New England?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have a Pagoda dogwood tree in my backyard. My question is about the scientific name; is it Swida alternifolia or Cornus alternifolia? I keep hearing that the DNA studies do not hold up for Swida. Please enlighten me.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Found May 20, Ossipee NH. Lots of it. In very gravely, sandy soil, though on a slope and written description of area said it could get wet here. Is this Canadian wild ginger? Thank you!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Is this a Rubus? Mixed woods, Lincoln, Massachusetts. Other leaves are probably Maianthemum canadense, which is common.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Wakefield NH. May 20. At a camp- glacial till soil, though in small semi garden area with wild columbine and low bush wild blueberry. The “flower” was hidden deep in the hanging leaves until it opened. This is at a very old family camp- no one has “gardened” to any degree in 50 years, though builder in 1930s did plant some nice flowering bushes .

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi again, Regarding Ranunculus carecitorum: Is this native? Invasive? I could only find this reference online: https://books.google.com/books?id=xDsXAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA56&lpg=PA56&dq=ranunculus+carecitorum&source=bl&ots=McihyzUNcW&sig=ACfU3U3t0Xcr88xU4rlGDsYhrrt-vOMl_Q&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjCqNHhztbpAhXSknIEHTmwA80Q6AEwAHoECAEQAQ#v=onepage&q=ranunculus%20carecitorum&f=false Thanks

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  For literally 17 years, I've been trying to figure out what kind of flower this is. I've seen/smelled them in Vermont, NYC, and now in Washington DC. Was thinking it was either a geranium or petunia. They smell incredibly nice and sweet. Any idea what it is?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This came as a weed with some loam I had delivered last year. The loam was loaded on the truck in Lexington, Massachusetts but the ingredients may be from elsewhere. I thought the plant might be Potentilla but I got stuck in the key. Tape measure divisions are millimeters.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  In open woods, Lincoln, Massachusetts May 22, 2020.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi Ace Botanist, here's some kind of buttercup, I think, growing in very wet conditions in Dutchess County, NY, and in Sharon, CT. The foliage has red marks in the clefts and the stem is very hairy. 6"- 12" tall. It's forming dense colonies. What do you think it is? Thanks, Julia

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found this fern in an old flower garden. It grows to about 10-in. tall, shaded location, ordinary soil. Thank You for your time. Dolly

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Plant silhouette and grouping very similar to Indian pipe - One group Of 8 or so along bike path between High ahead and Head of the Meadow Beach N. Truro - no visible leaves, one Horizontal flower per stem, white blossom, 5 equal petals, each petal a fine blue (Very possibly pink but I think blue) line down middle, Plant 4” tall. Other plants - shad, arrowwood viburnum, blueberry.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Here in southwest Connecticut, I have two of the same small multi trunk trees that I stare at frequently from my patio. Self seeded, they would be large shrubs if I hadn't trimmed all the lower branches off. After 15 years they are about 20 feet tall. The leaves are clustered and small. One produces a 3 inch cone shaped silky seed pod, like cotton on a cayenne pepper. I'd like to give these trees a name.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This is growing on a rock at the edge of a brook in Massachusetts in May. Blooming at the same time as wild Viburnam.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Curious what this "weed" is? Growing in sandy, disturbed soil 120 ft from a riverbed, central Maine, late May. Was surprised to see the tuberose roots when I pulled them. Is it edible?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Just wondering what this tree is. Thousands have sprouted this spring. I haven't seen any identification photos with the kind of separate-stem flowers some of these have. Thinking white ash...but can't find any with similar flowers.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, This plant was growing in a rocky portion of a deciduous forest in Connecticut in late May. There were no flowers. The leaves and stem had a dense pubescence. The leaves were heart shaped and had a citrus-like scent. Based on it location, its colonial nature and leaf shape, my assumption would be Asarum canadense. However, these individuals exhibited dentation. The literature indicates leaves of A. canadense being entire.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Three dense clumps of this grass with narrow, stiff leaves are growing together in the woods in Lincoln, Massachusetts. The flowers remind me of another grass that was identified as Avenella flexuosa.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  What is this plant please? They're all over my flower beds and lawn. Those 2 green balls (left in pic) one has a stem still attached, are full of seeds. What is it, how do I get rid of them?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Open woods, Lincoln, Massachusetts. I see superficially similar flowering stems on cultivated sedges in Carex section Phaestoglochin.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  What kind of plant is this I found taking over my backyard garden. Seems invasive and chokes off plants around it. How do I get rid of it?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Edge of woods, Newton, Massachusetts, May 18, 2020. The simple key suggests Amelanchier (shrub, alternate deciduous leaves with small teeth, flowers in raceme, and it doesn't look like cherry or blueberry).

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi, I've encountered a strange plant on my property that seems to grow near the poison ivy I discovered two weeks ago... That was another surprise discovery to say the least... I can't figure out what it is and if it is a version of poison ivy or something else entirely. I am uploading pictures of it in various stages of growth, please help me figure out what this is. Thank you so much!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Sedge growing at the edge of a clearing, Lincoln, Massachusetts. Flowers starting mid-April. Tallest stem 45-50 cm. All flowering stems apparently identical, about as tall as leaves with at least two mostly or entirely carpellate spikes below staminate. Although near water (beyond the stone wall) this elevated area is not wet.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi, I’ve discovered this plant growing next to poison ivy in the back of my yard, and it seems to be sprouting everywhere. Can you help me identify it? I would much appreciate it!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello there, I came across this beautiful grass yesterday. It is located in Salem Sound, Salem, MA. I am greatly hoping you are able to identify it for me! Thank you very much, SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I moved into a new house about a year ago. There’s a mix of old plantings - some are native (clathrate) and some not (burning bush). The shrub pictured here is at at the edge of the driveway. I don’t remember flowers last year. No berries. The old leaves have a slightly spicy, scent when rubbed. Not quite bay, not quite piney resin. It retained some leaves over the winter but most dropped. Current height ranges from 2-5 ft. I want to make sure it is not invasive. Thanks!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, I'm wondering if this might be Hydrastis canadensis. Seen in a rocky, rich, mesic forest in Rowe, MA.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Graminoid growing in open woods, Lincoln, Massachusetts.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This small sedge has only one stem with flowers. I think it's Carex pensylvanica because some is growing a few hundred feet away. (See ask the botanist answer from May 14; that plant has no carpellate basal spikes hidden among leaves.) I was wondering if small individuals of species that normally have basal spikes might lack them, or if they are always present. Open woods, Lincoln, Massachusetts May 18, 2020.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  The next few plants were all photographed today, May 16, 2020, next to a fast moving stream in a deep gorge in the town of Jamaica in southeastern Vermont. Unfortunately none of them are blooming yet, but I thought all of the leaves were fairly distinctive.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have this houseplant I inherited from a friend but not sure of its name. I hope you can help me. Thanks.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I encountered this woody plant with pinnately compound leaves on 2 different sites in the last 2 weeks (5/2 in Haverhill, NH; 5/16 in Lincoln, NH). In both cases they were on the sides of old logging roads. They look like they could be a Sambus species but I'm not aware that Red or Black Elderberry would be on the verge of flowering this early.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found this in my local woods at the edge of a wooded wetlands area in Concord, MA. I couldn't find a good match in GoBotany. And checking my search engine for "five leaf whorl" didn't help. Can you ID this from the picture? Thanks.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Part of an early blooming sedge which I asked about in mid April. Is it getting to the stage where it can be identified?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Massachusetts. I was thinking Rubus (compound leaves, spines) but I did not find a convincing match in the key.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Two plants with similar leaves growing next to each other. The smaller has red leaves, the larger has flowers. Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Massachusetts. Edge of trail in woods.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Using the simple key I got to Barbarea vulgaris (yellow flowers, deeply lobed alternate leaves, and the ridged stem matches). Common in sunny places next to a trail (service road) in Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Massachusetts.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have some questions about sedge anatomy -- what are the proper names for the different parts of the flowering stalk? In the earlier picture there are two groups of flowers separated by stems. Are they two "spikelets"? There are two types of structures emerging from beneath the scales. (Is "scales" correct?) One is fairly straight and yellow, initially appearing as a pair of tubes joined together. Closer to the base the emerging structures are whitish, more flexible, and fuzzy.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Can you tell what type of plant this is from the photo. Northeast- new york

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Do you know the name of this. Upstate new york

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I'm very interested in nature and biodiversity photography where some of them I knew just its local names. So, I really wanted to know all the names of what I have taken.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Tree in SE Massachusetts, about 25ft tall. Leaves seem to have hairs on both top and bottom. Flowers have a distinct sickly-sweet smell. I only have old dried-up fruits from the previous season to look at, but they're definitely fleshy and the interior looks somewhat like an apple, so I'm thinking some kind of crabapple? I think it seeded in naturally, but there's a chance it was planted intentionally. Any help with the ID would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Dear Botanist, I am hoping this pretty white violet can be identified. It is located in Salem Sound, Salem, MA Thank you, SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Good Afternoon Dr. I have taken pictures of what I believe to be Carpet Bugle, Ajuga reptans. I would appreciate your comments. Thank you in advance. PS this specimen was going in my lawn in Malden, MA.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Dear Ace Botanist, This tiny purple flower (about a quarter inch) with round leaves olives in a garden in the middle of the woods in the North Quabbin area. Reminds us a bit of fringe polygala, but it isn't that. Thank you, as always, for your help!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi!It's not often the GoBotany searches fail me, and it's driving me nuts not knowing what this is! Located in Sudbury, MA, edge of a wooded area. Tree form, slightly serrated leaf edges, mostly 3 leaves/cluster but more at tips/new growth. Reddish veining, upward curl, yellowish tinge to underside. White petioles, single red scale leaf bud. Exposed roots callous over white & smooth, similar to birch. Unique vertical veining along sapling trunks, orange tint to bark at joints / damage. Thanks!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Small tree growing beside a path in open woods, Lincoln, Massachusetts May 11 2020.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  My plant: Pachira aquatica, recently shed its healthy leaves and wilted away. I was told it was overwatering which caused its stress. I have unplanted the plant from the pot dried it’s soil, let the roots air for 36 hrs and then I replanted it with minimal water and plant food. I am determined to nurse this plant back to good health. Please help, with instructions to nurse the plant to good health. Thank you in advance for your help.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Glenn here again. Here is a closer photo of the forget-me-not flower. Further info, I am in Easthampton, MA and this is a fairly moist area of my yard near a wetland. Thanks again!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi, I bought a house with a crazy vine plant that the previous owner grew into a tree on a metal frame. Problem is the previous owners were deceased and i don't know what kind it is and how to care/maintain it. It's has to be 40-50 plus years old. Now my second problem is some kind of bug is killing it now as well. Here are some pictures of it in full bloom, after winter and a close up of the middle and the bug damage. I live in Ontario, Canada.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi! I would like to know which shrub is this? I found it in park of Varaždinske Toplice (Croatia). Thank you in advance!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi Friend. I saw what appears to anemone canadensis in Canterbury, Merrimack Co, NH. It was next to a public trail on private land. I don't know whose land it was. Does that mean I can't share the photos with you? Thank you.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have these growing in my back yard. Seek ID's them in the Forget-Me-Not genus, but cannot ID the species. I know that the Scorpioides species is a banned invasive in MA, but there are other species that are not invasive. Do you know what species it is? If it's not the invasive species, I will leave it there as it actually is nice looking. If it is the invasive species, then I definitely want to get rid of it. Thank you.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have this growing next to my driveway in Massachusetts. It looks like it wants to grow up into a tree and it would be too close to the driveway. If it's a native species I'll try to transplant it farther away. There is some Quercus coccinea nearby. Other native trees in the area include red oaks, white oaks, maples, Populus, hickory, birch, and dogwood. There are also non-native ornamental shrubs and small trees.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  The brown structures that look like open pine cones puzzled me at first, but they must be an unfamiliar-to-me form of the galls made by Rabdophaga gall midges on Salix. I don't remember seeing flowers on this tree over the course of a year. Perhaps they are inconspicuous. Lincoln, Massachusetts May 6, 2020 in wet ground next to pond.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I recently posted last year's flowers of this tree and they were not clear enough to identify. Here are better pictures, taken May 4-5 2020 in Lincoln, Massachusetts. The tree is at the south edge of a clearing. Once the other trees leaf out it will only get a little direct sunlight when the sun is high.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This young tree has spherical galls similar to ones I've seen on white oak, so that's my guess. Lincoln, Massachusetts May 5 2020.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello! I recently moved to Middlesex County, Massachusetts. I have two plants I am seeing in the woods behind my home that I would like help identifying. Thank you!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This tree is growing in my yard in Massachusetts. I've been calling it an unknown hickory. Can species be determined at this stage of growth?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  A shrub growing out of a crack in a rock. Open woods, Lincoln Massachusetts May 5, 2020.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I think at 2.5 meters tall, with flowers and leaves emerging at the same time, and located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts this has to be Vaccinium corymbosum. The key requires mature leaves and fruit. The shrub is in the middle of the distant shot in front of the straight tree leaning slightly left. It is at the edge of a clearing.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Between road and woods, Lincoln, Massachusetts. Vaccinium angustifolium?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi! I was walking along a small stream in my backyard in Connecticut and saw these small leaves growing underneath a bush a few feet away from the stream. Any idea what they are? I just thought they were pretty and wanted to know what they were.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Dear sir, I found a series of plants in a small lake or pond near home in Kommu Banda Thanda, Telangana, India. I recently started research on the use of plants in strengthening and reinforcing soil in a water body. So please provide me with the names of these plant to continue my research in order.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi there, I found this in the woods near Stowe/Underhill, VT yesterday, May 2, 2020, and I couldn't find it in your database - but maybe I missed it. Can you help me identify it? Six-petaled, maroon, yellow interior, brown/purple leaves. Thanks, Amanda

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello there, This beautiful plant randomly grows in my friends' yard up in the Lakes Region of N.H. She gave me a plant to grow in Massachusetts. I am very excited... and looked through many plant books to find what this may be. I am hoping that you can simply ID it by the leaves. A cutworm took off one of the leaves. Thank You, SueLB

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Dear Ace Botanist, I am wondering what this creeping, three-leaved, spiney invasive ivy is in my yard? The tiny spines on the runners distinguish it from the considerably less obnoxious wild strawberry which also grows here. I'm in central Massachusetts just west of the Quabbin reservoir facing north. Thanks for your answer!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Good afternoon Dr. I am hoping that can identify the images below. I recognize that it belongs to the mustard family. It has inflorescence similar to Cardamine ssp but the base leaves consists of a rosette typical of Draba ssp. Also, the ovary forms a silique similar to Cardamine ssp. I would appreciate you assessment. As always, thank you for your expertise!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Good evening again Dr. I am happy to report that I have been able to identify the mystery mustard, Arabidopsis thaliana. The pics in WoNE did not have the detail I needed although it did show the rosette, the images of the flowers were inconclusive. Hope all is well with your family, best wishes. Ed

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Found near road where water flows. Leaves were spread around the base; whorled like.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Small little plant on a bed of moss near riverside in central mass. Older leaves tinged purple. Leaves have small hairs.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Found in western mass; I think it is a serviceberry. Tree was small, around 15' covered in lichen. Leaves are tinged red. Which looks to be different than serviceberry. So, unsure.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Plant ID; found along roadside in western mass. Purple tonged base. Mamy leaves attached to stem.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Plant ID; found along riverside in western mass; I assume it is quite common in New England. 5 leaflets; serrated. Stem is purple tinged as is underside of leaves. I'ts a small plant.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Here’s the second of my three plant ID requests from our yard in Portsmouth NH. Found in wooded area near wet area and wooded area long the road. It is woody and looks like it is segmented or something with a bud at the end. Hopefully you can see it camouflaged in with the leaves. If it helps any, we do have lots of invasives and poison ivy and we also have a lot of very young shagbark hickory saplings. Not sure if this plant falls into any of these options. Thank you for your help.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Last one from our yard in Portsmouth NH. This picture was taken now (late April) and is in the woods and along the edge of the woods where the lawn begins in our yard. It seems like it spreads underground by a long root/rhizome type thing. Lots of it popping up. Any thoughts? Thank you.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Is this from red oak? I've seen them around the woods in Lincoln, Massachusetts the last few days. The wind has been strong enough that I can't associate them with individual trees. One was under a dogwood. But red oak is common.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This plant, which I suspect is a Gallium, has a prominent purplish tinge. Is it G. Molluga? Is G. Molluga edible?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi Arthur, I'm torn between if this is Viola sororia or Viola sagitatta. It was growing in my yard on a wetland edge. The leaves seem pretty heart-shaped, but aren't very long-stalked. The leaves and stalks are very pubescent and the petal hairs are very long. Thanks for any help!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  For the last few years I have been trying to ID Salix flowers, but as forewarned on Go Botany, this is proving to be difficult. Can you thiverify this plant, I came up with S. candida. - Bruce

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, I found this plant near a woodland in Dumaguete City in central philippines. I have not seen anything of this kind . Although it looks similar to Trident Maple but the Philippines is a rain forest. Could you please help me identify this tree? Thank you. Lorenc

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, Could you please help me ID a few plants found in our yard in Portsmouth NH? This first one I found near the edge of a wooded area in our yard. There is a large patch of these plants that have leaves that look like maple leaves. My first thought was Viburnum acerifolium. Any thoughts? Thank you.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Unlike the sedges in more shaded areas, this one is a dense clump with flowers no higher than leaves. Lincoln, Massachusetts April 26, 2020.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  What is this plant?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  There are several of these growing along the Town Bog in Lee NH - upland from the bog. The leaves are opposite and have finely toothed margins. The habit reminds of of a dogwood, but I just can't i.d. it. thank you

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have this in CT and my mom has it on Minnesota. Can't identify. ??? Good or bad?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I took this picture in the Alpine Garden on Mount Washington, June 20, 2013. I didn't take a picture of the whole plant, only the flower. The AMC field guide has a Geum and a Potentilla with similar yellow flowers.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Our family has recently started renovations on my boyfriend's family farm situated on 150 acres in central NY. There are soooo many plants and I want to know about them all. Let's start with these, found growing near a large leek patch. My questions are what are they? Can they be used medicinally or for food and if so how and what benefits do they provide? Thanks in advance.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  A small shrub growing in a dry part of Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Concord, Massachusetts. Flowers but no leaves yet.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  i'm perplexed as to what is wrong with my holly bushes. attached is photo. i put 7-dust on to help with the black flies that have been on them. i would be grateful for any information. Thanks

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, Could you please help me with my school project? I have to study the germination process day after day and investigate several factors that influence this process. So I planted (red) radish seeds and I noticed that some of my plants have a purple leaf. Could you please explain why? (location: Belgium). Thanks in advance.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have some of this popping up around my house in Massachusetts. I didn't plant it but maybe the previous owner did.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have a patch of this outside the house I bought a couple years ago. I don't know if it's an ornamental or growing wild.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  In the woods in Lincoln, Massachusetts, April 28, 2019. This is a distant picture of a branch over 20 feet in the air.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Thanks for replying back. If you could assist me in finding a local botanist who can help me with identifying the species of the bamboo I shared, I shall be very grateful. Thanks in advance. Plus, You guys are amazing. Love ya all Dr. Zahid

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I saw this plant yesterday in SE Vermont along a trail in a mixed hardwood forest. The leaves looked like an emerging two-leaved toothwort plant but the two leaves were dark red , not green. Unfortunately I did not get a photo. Could this have been toothwort and the leaves later turn green?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, I saw this plant in a central Massachusetts woodland the other day and I would love to know what it is. Thanks!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi! Could anyone tell me what species are these two plants?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Growing at the edge of a stream in the alpine tundra of Mount Washington, June 20, 2013. Is it Veratrum?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Woodland area but I can’t identify this !

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, walking trail area near Farmington River in Farmington, CT. This caught my eye because of the deep red against the moss background. This was basically below water run-off and the area was mossy. This was the only clump I noticed along a two mile path with intermittent wet/dry sections. Thank you, L. White

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Sedge growing in an occasionally sunlit spot next to a tree in the woods in Lincoln, Massachusetts.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  On Mount Washington not far below tree line (above 4,000 feet) July 27, 2013. I have heard suggestions of Erechites and Solidago sensu lato.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Sedge growing in the woods in Lincoln, Massachusetts. It wasn't bothered by a late snow. Photos April 18-19, 2020.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I would like to understand the internal workings that cause a tree to produce pollen. Is there a hormone that is up/down regulated that starts this part of their life cycle? Much google scholar/wiki searching has come up short. Seen in Red Cedar and Live Oak. Thanks!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, I have got fond of planting bamboos recently. There is this one bamboo kind that I bought at a local nursery and I want to know if this is the kind I want in my garden. I am a doctor by profession and I studied identification points but it requires more detailed knowledge. So it brought me to ask you if you could help me in identifying the species of the bamboo I have grown. Pics are provided. I shall be very grateful Thank you. Loc:Pakistan

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  My calla lily's white leaf covering over the bud has turned brown, it's outside planted in a container. What am I doing wrong???

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Lincoln, Massachusetts. A survey of nearby wetlands reported Dendrolycopodium obscurum there. This is a drier location. I don't really understand the difference between obscurum and hickeyi.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  At the edge of a trail in the woods in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Leaves coming out on April 11, 2020. Last year I saw a Berberis, probably thunbergii, along a road about a quarter mile away. Is this another?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Something green coming up in a field in Rock Meadow (park), Belmont, Massachusetts on April 12, 2020.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Small tree growing along a trail in Beaver Brook Reservation (north), Waltham, Massachusetts April 12, 2020.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi there, this plant has me stumped. It was located at the top of Bare Mountain in Amherst, on dry exposed rock with thin soil. Any help in identification would be appreciated! Thanks, Emily

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello there, I am looking for the dried fruit of the common Rue. Do you know where I can purchase these from? Thank you, Melika

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Greetings! This shrub 3 feet high is in my dampish yard, wooded north hillside east of the Connecticut River in the North Quabbin region. Purple marble-sized cluster flower, opposite, compound toothed leaves. In bloom now, has been for a few weeks. I cannot find it in Petersons Trees & Shrubs or any of my wildflower guides. Uploading 2 photos of flower. Many thanks for solving this mystery!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  hello, im in ohio, and found this in the woods while gathering wild onions. its 2 leaves are smooth yet slightly rubbery, it has a dark red stalk almost the color of red velvet cake, the bottom of it has the skin of an onion and the inner parts of one as well, i found it growing in a patch.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, these weeds are growing in the lawn of one of my clients. It is located on Cape Cod. I thought it was black mustard, Brassica nigra but the more I look at it, the less confident I am of my ID. Any help would be appreciated.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hope you can help out with the identification of this plant Location is Central Ma. (Worcester County) habitat, woodland area near a small stream. There were no buds visible at this time.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Habitat: Terrestrial (open area). Location: Gedu (Bhutan) GPS: 26.915727*N, 89.526693*E. Elevation: 2065 masl. Request: Help me identify

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I have been trying to identify this shrub (or small multi-stemmed tree) since I moved into my new house late last summer. Smooth gray bark, simple leaves. I now see white flowers emerging from What I thought a month ago were pussy willow catkins.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, I was wondering if anyone knew what this plant was. It was found in northern Virginia, in a wetland area at the beginning of April. From searching the web, it seems somewhat similar to Onoclea sensibilis but none of the pictures of that have the red rim seen on the leaves. Any help is appreciated.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Good evening Dr. While walking through the local cemetery April 7th I encountered clusters of small white flowers. Physically the flowers appear similar to Pseudognaphalium ssp. I would appreciate your thoughts. Thank you in advance.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Can anyone identify this? It’s located in Rochester, New York.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi, this is blooming right now (first week of April) under an oak tree at the edge of a dry wooded area behind our back yard in Tolland County, Connecticut. Not sure if it is a native wildflower or something that may have escaped from someone's garden at one time. Thank you for your help!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, this was observed in late summer in Somerset County, Maine. The plant was observed along a road ditch. The plant was a small shrub 4-5 feet in height. My assumption would be Kalmia angustifolia, however the light blue color and dense hair on the leaves would suggest otherwise. Thanks

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello, this abundant plant is found in slow moving forest streams in S.E. CT. The plant is aquatic and flattens outward to form almost a mat. Thanks!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi! This is growing in my daughter’s backyard in Medway, MA. Photo taken on 4/5/2020. Can you help us identify it? Thank you!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found a patch of what I thought might be Toxicodendron rydbergii. Its form was shrubby and upright with no aerial roots. Drupes appeared glabrous and, although fruit in March can't give an accurate number of flowers, most clusters were significantly fewer than 25 (most fewer than 12-15). The drupes were pedicellate, which is inconsistent with T. rydbergii - but none of the images of T. rydbergii fruit I found online - including on Go Botany - appear to be sessile. Can you explain? Thanks.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I came accross this growing in the middle of a river at Perdanales State Park in Central Texas about 45 miles West of Austin. I've been in Texas for 45 years and never recall seeing this. Not sure if it is native or not. The boanists around here are stuped. Any ideas?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Good morning, Here is another picture of the flowers of my mistery plant. They have a yellow tint before they open. Let me know if this helps. Thank you for your assistance. Julian.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello. I think this is Lonicera morrowii (Morrow's Honeysuckle). Do you agree or do you think it's something else? seen in a NY woods. quite a lot of it. thank you in advance.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Good afternoon Dr. I am hoping that you can steer me in the right direction. Last year I observed rosette of leaves in a neighbor's yard and have not been able to identify the plant. The pubescence was impressive, but I have been unable to find a similar image on the web. Thank you in advance for you help :o)

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Posting a sighting. First time. Not sure where to indicate its location or how to put a pin on the map. How do I do this? Found in Chelsea, VT on 3-21-2020. Public land.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I am not quite sure from your response if you were unable to identify my plant. It is from New England. I live in Maine. It originated from my yard where I got the soil from. I was told that it was a Asteraceae...

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi, This small colony of aquatic plants was found in SE CT in a freshwater forested wetland. The plant had heavily dissected leaves. It appears that there are two types of leaves, very fine, hairlike and wider leaves with a single central vein. My opinion would be Ranunculus flabellaris. This was found in early March and there were no flowers present.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi again, this herbaceous plant was observed in a freshwater forested wetland. Located among "mounds" of sphagnum. This plant was found in mid-March (SE CT). Based on the leaf shape and thick waxy leaf, i would assume this is an early season Caltha palustris. However the C. palustris seems to grow more in clumps than dispersed stems.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This may be too early in the season for proper ID, but the time of year, growth habit and habitat seemed unique. In late Feb. this grass was growing in a very shallow pool in a freshwater wetland. The leaves were 12" in length and less than a CM wide. The tips were rounded. Found in SE CT.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This is a tree in NY. opposite, slightly hairy buds, new growth is green, three bundle scars. i thought it might be a maple, but they mostly have glabrous buds. seen in woodland area. Any ideas? thank you.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Good Afternoon from New York! I couldn't find another website that was as thorough, so I'm hoping that even though you're New England based, I thought you might still be able to help me. I'm absolutely no botanist. I bought a plant from a local BJ's store and it was labeled as a succulent. But I'm not quite sure it is. I was hoping you would be able to help me identify it so I can best take care of it. I scoured the internet but I'm still not positive what it is. Thank you for your help!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Could you identify this plant. It grew in my Aloe Vera pot as well as in my Hyssop pot I had transplanted indoors for the winter. It is now up to 3 feet tall. the entire plant has thin hairs. The seeds look like and blow around as dandelion ones do. Thank you.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This woody plant was doing its best to hold the dune at Sandy Point beach on Plum Island in Ipswich, MA. The first photo shows the winter bud from an adjacent similar plant since compromising the dune for a closer view wasn’t an option. My First guess was Prunus maritime from the overlapping scales, acuteness of its shape. The reddish hue bark had some longitudinal lenticular tissue but not an abundance. Any insight or direction for its ID is most welcomed.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  What are the pollinators for Medeola aka Indian Cucumber? Why do they have such interesting shaped styles?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi - I found a shrub by a stream in Concord a month back - apparently flowering in January. Any idea what it is? Tom

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I was trying to determine what species of Cardamine this might be (C. diphylla?) -- assuming that it is a Toothwort. I actually took this photo while hiking the mountains of western North Carolina near Barnardsville, but I know the range of various spp. in this genus stretch up to New England. I'm sorry that this is the only angle of the plant that I captured. Was a woodland herb, lower elevations, blooming May 2 by the trunk of a tree. Thank you!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Arthur, Are you aware of long-stalked holly, Ilex pedunculosa, spreading into the landscape from ornamental plantings? A single tree which I believe is a young long-stalked holly was found in the southern section of Crane Wildlife Management Area, Falmouth, MA. I am aware of a planted specimen at MAS Ashumet Sanctuary which is nearby.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hi, I live in Canada and found this plant in a pot outside a friend's shop. I took a cutting for a herbarium project but was unable to ID the plant. It is winter here so no flowers are present, and its leaves have turned red. It was in a pot so not sure how tall it grows or if it's part of a shrub. So far I've gotten these guesses but no one is sure: -Pieris japonica -Ascarina rubricaulis -Photinia x fraseri--Red tip photinia Thanks

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  This fern is growing on a steep shady side of a rocky hill in my yard in Essex County, Byfield, MA. I believe it is Polypodium virginiaum as opposed to Polystichum acrostichoids due to it not having a leaf stem and not having the stocking toed leaf shape. If it is P. virginiaum how is appearance of the fern different than P. appalachiacum (spelling check needed)?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Thank you for your reply! A friend is fortunate to have a small patch under her old growth trees. I thought I saw a few tiny bits in another part of her yard. In Susan's post about lycopodium could those be the small shiny leaves at the base of the main plant?

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Can you identify this tree with red berries. I am in southern Vermont and saw it today while on a walk. I tried to get a photo of the bark but it came out too blurry to use, so I'm hoping the photo of the berries themselves is sufficient. The second photo shows some of the berries above what I believe is an epiphyte. Can you tell me more about that as well? Thank you so much.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Do Pyrola spread by seeds? Can they be successfully transplanted? TY in advance

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  A Woody twining vine or climbing shrub. Young leaves are coated with red hairs, mature leaves are dark green and hairless.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I often come across Dendrolycopodium plants like the one in the photos below, which have trophophylls near the base of the stem that come off the stem at close to a 90 degree angle, but the stem does not feel prickly at all. Is this just a form of D. hickeyi that I'm seeing? (the trophophylls on different ranks of lateral stems are all the same length). Does the lower stem need to have both widely spreading trophophylls AND feel prickly to be D. dendroideum? Photos taken in Andover, MA. Thanks.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Hello. Can you tell me if this is a slime mold? if not, what do you think it is? it's growing on the seed pod of a laurel. in Westchester, NY. thanks in advance.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  What plant is this? Washington state.

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I found this beautiful leaf "flower" growing on a bush along the sidewalk in April of 2018 on Long Island, NY. It was mostly barren and just beginning to bloom at the tips of its branches, which makes identifying this plant even trickier. I'm an amateur photographer and love to learn about the subjects I shoot, so any help would be very much appreciated!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  I went to the market today and find for the upper part of the coconut tree specifically its growing bud wherein the heart of palm can be harvested. I just want to know if it is truly from the coconut trees. These are the pictures that I have taken. The seller said that they are actually from coconut tree but I need to verified it for my research process needs. I am hoping for your response and help. Thank You and God Bless!

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Please help me identify this plant. Found in Cameroon in the grass land and grows upland. Is a creeping plant. Hope this information help. Thanks

  
  Read Answer

• Question

  Can you help with the ID of this plant? Originally I thought it was one of the glassworts, but now I'm leaning toward Sesuvium. though GoBotany doesn't show the one species listed to be in this area (Deer Island, Amesbury) The flowers seem to match, though in this case they seem to be forming on the tip of the stem, rather than the side.

  
  Read Answer