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Questions and Answers

2022

• Question

  ID? Found growing is a shallow swale in a wooded wetland in central MA. Photo from November, 2021. Thanks!

  
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• Question

  Bath,ME. Marsh in someone's freshwater marsh backyard right in town! Lots of cattails, invasive loosestrife and this grass/sedge? Up to 5' tall when stretched out.

  
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• Question

  Hello, in today's Plant of the Day (Symphyotrichum lanceolatum), the lead description indicates there are "two subspecies and several varieties." In layman's terms, could you explain what a subspecies is and how that differs from a variety? Does this have anything to do with a plant's geographic location, unique habitat, or particular genotype? Several folks in my wild plant group are curious about how the terms are applied. Thanks very much!

  
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• Question

  Hello, I believe this is a species of lobelia. Could it be Lobelia spicata? Photo taken July 23 in Moshassuck River Preserve, Lincoln, RI. Thanks, as always!

  
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• Question

  Hello again, I inadvertently hit the "Submit" rather than the "Upload Image" button. Here are the accompanying images. Sorry. Location: Lincoln, RI. Photos taken in July. If you could point me in the right direction, I'll try and sort out who's who. Much appreciated. Thanks.

  
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• Question

  Hello, I believe this is a species of alder. Would I be far off in thinking this is speckled alder (Alnus incana)? The bark seems to exhibit the white lenticels which is, I think, indicative of this species. Thanks!

  
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• Question

  Hello, wondering if this is yet another Ranunculus, this one perhaps not native? Leaves are definitely hairy; the leaf base is cordate. Found in the same floodplain area as the American gooseberry (North Providence, RI). Wondering also if the photo with the the two cordate leaves is the same plant as the first, but with with different leaves, as the species is, I believe, dimorphic? Thanks!

  
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• Question

  Hi, I don’t have a question about plants, but ‘m doing a spreadsheet about the plants can be founded on here. And I’m wondering about the abbreviation which are not explained in the Conservation Status of the plant. For example: code C

  
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• Question

  Hello, I fear this might be eastern black currant (Ribes americanum). The habitat is right, stream floodplain -- it's growing in a swampy area at the end of a reservoir. On slightly higher ground, but a stone's throw from the ribes, is a stand of mature white pine. (The woods is mostly white pine, with some birch, beech, oak and cedar at slightly higher elevations.) If this is R. americanum, should the park staff be informed? Not sure what to do. Thanks. (North Providence, RI.)

  
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• Question

  I think these are ash seeds. Can species be determined? They were scattered widely on a windy day (November 8, 2022) and it was not obvious which trees they fell from.

  
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• Question

  Hi! I'm researching for a writing project. What are the approximate percentages of book/online learning, lab work, and field work? Thanks so much!

  
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• Question

  If I pull burning bush up by the roots, is that at all effective in elimenating it? I am trying to avoid pesticides.

  
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• Question

  Hello, I submitted a query as to the identity of this plant, but I now believe it is rattlesnake-root, perhaps either Nabalus altissimus or N. trifoliatus. And what I thought looked like "spines" on the leaf margins are actually teeth. I gather what sets these two species apart are the # of flowers in the flower head and the # of involucral bracts. Is that correct? Does the plant I photographed have 2 sets of involucral bracts or are those long petal-like parts ray flowers?Thanks.

  
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• Question

  Could you help me identify this plant, please? I think it's European buckthorn, but the sprout I have has alternating leaves, while the common invasive buckthorn has opposite. Am I way off or is it another buckthorn? Thank you!

  
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• Question

  Hello, Would this be the vegetative form of jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum?) Found in moist woods in Lincoln. RI. Thanks.

  
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• Question

  Hello, wondering who this might be. They were growing in a small pocket of mud on a rock along the edge of a rivulet channel in a preserve in Lincoln, RI. Leaves have short spines on the margins and winged petioles. Roots appear to be exposed and growing down the rock (in photo that includes dog's leg.) Would appreciate if you could point me in a direction. Thanks!

  
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• Question

  I have a wetland in front of my house which consists mostly of Alnus incana (rugosa). Town wetland restrictions apply since across the street is a pond,so I don’t want to kill it but manage it. My question is can the alder be cut back, since it has become quite tall and many break in the winter, and will it regenerate by either sending up new shoots or regrow from the old trucks that have been cut? I have not been able to find any info on this anywhere and the head conservation in town is sure.

  
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• Question

  Hello, This is a strange one but, is there a seed or plant that can stay dormant or not bloom in a New England-ish zone 4/5 for years until the right conditions are met. Maybe something that should have been planted further south and would need an unseasonable warm spring to germinate or sprout, for example. It would have to be hardy seed or plant, I assume. Many thanks!

  
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• Question

  I am looking to plant a Leyland Cypress in the backyard on a 12-foot incline above a sometimes wet area. I just noticed crawdad mounds on the incline. Would this indicate the area is too wet for Leyland Cypress?

  
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• Question

  Reupload with the picture managing to attach this time: "I believe this is tilia americana (American Linden Tree) and not one of the 3 or so close look-alikes. However, I want to make sure this is the native version before I start spreading seeds."

  
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• Question

  I believe this is porcelain berry. It climbs up my trees and smothers them. I have been cutting the vines but it seems an endless struggle. Is there a better way to get rid of this horrible pest?

  
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• Question

  Hello, wondering if the small ovate leaves in the left foreground of this GoBotany image also belong to Ranunculus hispidus and are the juvenile form of the plant? Might this plant be found on land that once supported a limestone quarry? Thanks.

  
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• Question

  From your most recent response: "water loss of the apical organs". What exactly do you mean by this phrase? To my crude understanding, you seem to be suggesting that the leaf buds suck. Really? A fifty foot column of sap solution? That is one muscular leaf bud!

  
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• Question

  I believe this is tilia americana (American Linden Tree) and not one of the 3 or so close look-alikes. However, I want to make sure this is the native version before I start spreading seeds.

  
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• Question

  Hello, wondering if you would know who this is simply by leaf shape and rosette pattern? It's growing along the edges of multiple trails in Neutaconkanut Hill in Providence, RI. I can't remember what plant was growing in such abundance in spring and summer. Hawkweed is what I remember. It's not garlic mustard, though that's present. Some kind of crowfoot? Thanks.

  
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• Question

  Again, in reference to my original question, 'How does an 80 foot maple tree open its buds in the spring', you respond that it is done by capillary action and the partial vacuum created by evaporation at leaf pores. Capillary action is limited to a lift of 32 feet; partial vacuum only works when leaves are open. These are why I specified an 80 foot tree and how it could open its buds when there are no leaves to evaporate from. So I now ask: is there actually an answer to my original question?

  
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• Question

  Hi, I spied this small tree/shrub growing next to a roadway that cuts through a wetlands area in Topsfield, MA. The photos were taken on October 3, 2022. It has little pink flower/fruits. I'd like to know what species, and whether or not it is native to the area.

  
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• Question

  My apologies. I recently asked how an 80 foot maple opens its leaf-buds in the spring, which was too general a question, but your answer '...sap flowing from the roots to the buds...' shows me the question I should have asked. How does the sap get from the roots to the buds, what makes it flow uphill?

  
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  How does a large deciduous tree, like an 80 foot big-leaf maple, open its buds in the spring?

  
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• Question

  Hello, I'm following up with more info on the Osmorhiza ssp I photographed in Lincoln, RI. The styles do appear to be 2mm, but I'm not certain I didn't include some of the beak in that measurement: it's difficult to tell where the beak ends and the style begins. I went back today to have another look at the plants. The leaves, when crushed, do smell like fennel (anise), the stems are hairless or sparsely hairy, and the undersides of the leaves have stiff sparse hairs. Maybe O. longistylis? Thanx

  
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• Question

  Hello, This aster is growing from a crack in my back steps. Wondering who it is. I'm vacillating between Symphyotrichium racemosum, Symphyotrichum laterifolia, and S. ericoides, but of course. it's probably none of these. Asters are so difficult! Thanks.

  
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• Question

  Hello, another aster (RE: help with aster IDs from Providence County, RI) Thanks. I believe this one may be Symphyotrichum undulatum (wavy-leaf aster

  
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• Question

  Hello, another aster (re: help with aster IDs from Providence County, RI) Thanks!

  
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  Hello, This aster was going in my mom's driveway in Somerset County, NJ. Would it be possible to get an ID with these limited images? I won't get back there until December, by which time the plant will be dormant. Thanks.

  
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• Question

  Good afternoon, I've been trying to ID a couple of asters for a while now, and have been staring at involcular bracts until my eyes are blurry, but am making no headway. Hoping you can point me in the right direction. Location is Providence County, RI. Thanks!

  
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• Question

  I am 99% sure I found the only ever record of Solidago squarrosa in Plymouth County, MA (that I know of, someone might have found one before me). But how would I go about sending this info to someone here to update the map? I have already made an iNaturalist post for it a while ago: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/130711880

  
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• Question

  Good evening, I found what I'm pretty sure is a sweet-cicely in a wet area of woods in Lincoln, RI today. I surmise it must be bland sweet-cicely, because neither O. berteroi nor O. depauperata occur in RI, and O. longistylis is rare. Does this look like it's Osmorhiza claytonii to you? Thanks for your assessment!

  
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• Question

  Hi! I live in zone 5a. I'm interested in phytoremediation. I have an old house that likely has lead paint and contaminants in the backyard soil. I've heard that sunflowers and other plants may help remove toxins and heavy metals in the soil. I'd like a list of some plants that may help with this purpose. P.S. I hope to pay for a soil test soon and in the meanwhile don't plan to use these beds for edibles - I have raised beds away from the house in the back!

  
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• Question

  Hi i am from pakistan, i need help regarding phytosociology, plants communities in communities how many maximum variety of plants can adjust. My Super...... Say that in communities you can not arranged species variety greater then 3. If he is wrong then tell us and also give links, reference or citation. Thank you so much

  
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• Question

  I am looking for information that specifies how dandelions are positively identified against their look alikes (hawksweed hawksbeard cats ear etc. ) including plants who are not in flower. A lot of the information is general and there are a few clues but I feel I want to know how I could look at a plant for specific indications that it is not one of the other species. Thanks!

  
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• Question

  Hello Mr. Haines, thanks as always for your expertise. This is a solo tree, with huge, simple leaves among taller red oaks in Lexington, MA conservation land which I have been watching for a while. No flowers or fruits seen so far. Can you confirm this is Magnolia acuminata? No other individuals documented in the wild in Lexington (in iNaturalist).

  
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• Question

  I was out walking in a beautiful preserve today, the Hirundo refuge in Old Town. The Pushaw stream runs through it. I stopped by the water's edge ... and saw a plant I don't recognize growing right at the edge among some rocks. When I tried to grab a leaf to photograph it, the entire little plant came up in my hands. So I got a pic of the whole plant before reseating it back in its place. Can you help with ID please?

  
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  Hello, I am trying to determine the identity of this beggar's ticks. I can't decide beween B. frondosa and B vulgata, but am leaning toward the Devil's beggar's ticks because of the deep yellow-orange pigmentation at the apex of the corolla. Could that be it, or might it be something else? Thanks!

  
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  Would like identification of this fern growing on a boulder by a brook. Thanks!!!

  
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• Question

  Hello, I neglected to upload images to accompany my inquiry regarding the flax-leaved stiff-aster. Thanks.

  
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• Question

  Hello, Found this aster with hyssop-like leaves. Is it likely that I've photographed Ionactis linariifolium, or somethng else? Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy. Providence, RI. Thanks.

  
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• Question

  Could you please help me identify this plant I could in my yard in east Tennessee? It is a creeping plant that has small yellow blooms throughout summer. It doesn’t die back in winter, but the leaves turn red.

  
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  Hello, Could this be white goldenrod (Solidago bicolor?) Or perhaps some kind of aster? Found on the trail in Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy, Providence, RI Thanks.

  
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  What is the difference between repens and stolonifera? They seem to both refer to creeping plants.

  
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  Hi there, here are some supplemental photos of the plant you identified as likely Setaria pumila (yellow foxtail), from my yard in Somerville. I tried to get some close up shots, but wasn't sure which part you needed. One shot is of the inflorescence, under a microscope. The shot isn't great, but I thought seeing the "hooks" might help. The others are taken though a 10x jewelers lens with my iPhone. Do these help confirm the ID?

  
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  On 18 Sept at Race Point (Wash.Co.Maine) I saw several Spiranthes in the wet grassy spot near a tiny pond. I think they are S.cernua (I used the key in your Flora NA) but they are bedraggled by age and recent rain. They don't have any green visible at top and iNat suggested S.arcisepala, but the lateral sepals don't droop below the labellum (except in the browned ones).Can you tell from this photo?

  
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  Hello! There are several of what I'm fairly certain are bittersweet plants climbing the fence in my backyard, and I have been uncertain if they are Asian Bittersweet or American Bittersweet. Now that they've begun to fruit I'm unfortunately leaning towards Asian Bittersweet. My wife especially adores them and I want to make absolutely certain of the ID before I do anything with them.

  
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  My daughter has a cucumber tree in her backyard in Boone, NC. Are the leaves/fruit harmful to dogs if ingested

  
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  I have what I hope are better images for what I think is showy goldenrod, hoping for a certain ID. Taken 9/17/22 in meadowlike backyard, western Franklin County, Massachusetts. Thank you!

  
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  Here's the second grass I'm trying to determine if native, from my yard in Somerville MA on Spring Hill. There seem to be two versions, one where the seed stems come off the grass in an even radial pattern, and another where they seem to come off to one side, and then the next group higher up comes off to the other side.

  
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  Hi there, trying to determine if these grasses in my yard in Somerville, on Spring Hill, are native or not. I'll do them in two groups. The first seems to be a type of bristle grass, but I'm not sure if it's Knotroot, Green Bristlegrass, or something else.

  
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  I'm struggling to definitively I.D. this small bladderwort - I can't decide between U. gibba, U. minor, or possibly U. geminscapa. It was growing at the boggy/peaty edge near a bunch of bulrushes on Lake Arrowhead, York county, Maine. Perhaps you can guide me as to what to look for, and how to tell them apart? Much appreciated. Debbie

  
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  do you know of any good youtube video collage classes on Paleo-Botany?

  
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  I recently saw an article on Cross Pollination between a Chinese Hops plant and a cannabis plant. apparently scientists are looking at its potential in manufacturing terpines and flavinoids as well as CDB. i was wondering if its possible to use this method to re-create the closest common ancestor of Hops and Cannabis, before it split back 60 million years ago, get a closer look at what that plant ancestor might have looked like?

  
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  Hello, found this while planting lupines into a restoration site in Barrington, RI. Looking to confirm that I photographed forked bluecurls (Trichostema dichtomum). Site is dry and sandy. Lots of sweet fern, bayberry, and round-headed bush clover in the area. Thanks.

  
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  Sorry didnt keep it or photo inside as I thought I could just find picture to match.. Anyway when I cut open the inside flesh was very firm and to me like an unripe pear in texture, there was a very small dark area at the center, couldnt make out anything like a seed though. I dont think there was any hole like i would see in an oak gall that hatched. I remeber seeing a second one nearby also on the ground, didn’t examine that one.

  
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  trying to identify this fruit on the griound; thought it must come from a tree, but not sure which.. there are shagbark hickories here, but I see them as green and not so round, ?Immature one? Shapleigh, Maine, mixed woods

  
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  Re: My previous question about the presumed borage-family wild plant, thank you kindly for you reply. Looks like you have a kissing-cousin of my CA resident plant in Maine: https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/heliotropium/curassavicum/ ]

  
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  You were correct about Agalinus. This picture was taken in Central New Hampshire. My apologies for not stating the location as well as my poor photography skills.Thanks!

  
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  Would you please help me identify the little tree on the left? It showed up by itself in my yard. The other was in a mix of plants at the NPT plant swap two years ago, at the end of the sale.

  
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  Which species of segitaria?

  
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  Growing in wet soil at the bottom of a dried out pond in Massachusetts. Bidens?

  
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  This grew in my dry cattle pasture along with brake ferns, hay scented ferns and northern lady ferns along with various goldenrods. It is only about 6 inches tall, the flowers are no more than 3/4 inch and the leaves are opposite and very narrow. Possibly a type of beardtongue or skullcap ?

  
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  What is this that's growing behind my house by the woods, is it poisonous?

  
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  Good Afternoon. I would appreciate some help in identifying a blue-green grass which looked to be ornamental. It appears to be consistent with the genus Leymus spp. The leaves are about 30-40 cm with a blue cast to them. The inflorescence consist of pairs of florets attached on opposites. Thank you in advance Califyank :)

  
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  Hi there, Having trouble identifying this ground-hugging spreading wild plant with lovely clusters of tiny white & purple flowers (borage family?). 3 plants seen in a dry field in southern Marin County, CA. I have never seen this plant anywhere locally before.

  
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  Is this Chinese Bushclover? NE Georgia, USA

  
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  Wondering about this tree growing in former farm field on the edge of a wetland. Stands roughly 30-40 feet tall out of a hedge, so I can't get any photos except of the lower bark. (The different textures of the bark are what are confusing me, as seen in second photo)

  
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  There's a black fungus growing on a Stropharia rugosoannulata (wine cap) mushroom bed (on hardwood woodchips and rye straw) in a friend's yard in western Mass in a rural area next to a farm and at the edge of a woods. Could you please help us figure out what it is? One photo is the fungus on a piece of straw and the other is a 4'x6' bed with the black fungus all around the edges. Is it ok just to toss it all in the nearby woods or could it harm trees and other plants if we do that? Thanks.

  
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  I think I might have Agalinis purpurea growing on a floating stump in our cove on Lake Arrowhead in southern Maine, Limerick (York county). Can you confirm? Or point me in the right direction, please? Thank you, Debbie.

  
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  New to Plant Share. These photos taken last May at my rental property in Manchester NH is of a fern would like to have IDed. I think iNaturalist misidentified as a Lady Fern. Been disconnected from iNaturalist, phone issue deleting app, and am not certain if that ID. I think in the second photo, the fern in foreground is a Sensitive Fern. A lot of that and others on the 4+ acres property. Hoping and assuming both are native to this area. Sorry for changed orientation photos.

  
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  Viburnum acerifolium growing along the Red Hill Rd. Moultonboro NH in light shade on a fairly moist bank.

  
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  THank you Arthur for the id of the Utricularia radiata seen in the small lake called Beaver Pond adjacent to the Beaver Pond Rd. in Tamworth NH

  
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  I have found what I think is wild bean. I am in north central Massachusetts. The plant is on my property and is along the shoreline of a lake. Is it found this far north?

  
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  Hello, I saw your response to CarolBEE on Aug 30 regarding an Epilobium and am wondering if I might have the same species. I've been trying to grow narrow-leaved fireweed (Chamerion angustifolia) for a bumblebee project, and this plant with the white flowers showed up in one of the pots. I have a hard time tossing any plant that beat the odds and germinated (unless its invasive), so this guy will join my strays, but I'd like to know who it is if possible. Thanks.

  
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  Hello! I'm hoping to get your thoughts on the identification of a fern found growing in a swamp (central MA) dominated by Ilex verticillata or laevigata. Initially, I thought that it might be Osmunda regalis. However, the shape of the fronds and the venation did not quite fit this species. Physically, it seems to resemble Cystopteris, but the habitat doesn't seem to fit that ID perfectly. No bulbils or glandular hairs noted on Rachise. Perhaps C. fragilis? Thanks as always! -Sam

  
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  Is this common purslane? Is it good for pollinators? Love your website- I want to plant more wildflowers for pollinators. Thank you!

  
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  There are a few of these small, multi-stem trees in Lexington conservation land which I have been watching for over a year. I think it is Euonymous atropurpureus however some of the images I have seen for that species have purple flowers and fruits and this does not--maybe the fruit will change color later in the season? Three of the photos are from August 31, the photo of the flowers is from early June.

  
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  Is this common purslane and is it a good thing for pollinators? Found on lawn 8/31, Greater Boston

  
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  I'm trying this upload again seeing as my last attempt was empty (gasp!). I think I have lesser St. John's wort in my moss/lawn, and wanted to check with you. Thanks, Debbie.

  
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  Hello, In the absence of flowers, is it possible to tell who's living along the edge of the brook---Caltha palustris or Ficaria verna? Found in Lincoln Ri. Thanks

  
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  This small plant is growing in my very moist moss area. We live on the shores of Lake Arrowhead in Limerick, Maine. I would be very grateful to get the ID verified or point me in the right direction, Thank you Debbie

  
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  This small plant is growing in my very moist moss area. We live on the shores of Lake Arrowhead in Limerick, Maine. I would be very gratefull to get the ID verified or point me in the right direction, Thank you Debbie

  
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  This plant is in a milkweed patch and I thought it was a milkweed because of its leaves. It is about five feet tall and there is a shorter version elsewhere in the garden. It has tiny white flowers that no insect seems interested in so possibly not native? It got bushy as it got taller. East slopes of the Berkshires, relatively sunny location. There is a purple monkshood in background

  
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  Hello, I'm following up my inquiry about common dodder (Cuscuta gronovii) with photos of the (now) open flower. The flowers are so small, it was hard to get a good angle. Fingers crossed there's enough visual info to confirm an ID! Thanks!

  
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  Hi there! We have a houseplant at work that is so weird! We are all trying to figure out what it is and how to save it. The leaves are all yellow and some of them are squishy at the base. I pulled it out of the pot to see if it has root rot and it doesn’t appear that it does. The plastic tag in the pot only says “tropical plant.” I’ve attached a photo. Small leaves grow out of the tip of the “fingers, but you may not be able to see them clearly. What is this and what’s wrong with it? Thx

  
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  My hydrangeas in northwestern suburb of Illinois failed to produce flowers this season due to these weird changes in the buds. I also see these changes in my other plants. Are you able to tell me what’s going on with these plants?

  
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  Hi! I had trouble finding this guy through the key. I found it growing in a coastal woodland habitat. Thanks for all your help despite my living outside New England. (LI, NY)

  
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  Can you tell me what I found growing in a pollinator garden? Thanks.

  
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  Can you tell me what species this is? I found it growing in a large pollinator-friendly garden that stretches around the perimeter of a park. I'm assuming it's native to New England because I've only observed native species in the garden so far. Thanks for all your help.

  
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  I think this may be something in the genus Prunus, based on the paired glands on the leaf petiole. There is a large clump at the top of the berm at Hellcat on Plum Island. None of the plants are over 3' high, but that likely is because the area is cut down periodically. I don't see any flowers or fruit, but that may be due to the plants being sexually mature. The plant is host to the Ugly Nest Caterpillar Moth, as one photo shows. Thanks.

  
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  Hartford, Maine. Jimsonweed is what it said online. It was growing along the edge of my driveway. Didn't see anymore.

  
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  These plants are growing on a stretch of property that has an unused leach field under it and the area grew in with all sorts of stuff. It's partly sunny. The plants are tall, some about six feet, some less, with a big white-ish flower. This is in western Mass on the eastern slopes of the Berkshires.

  
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  This is a resubmit with photos! These plants started growing this spring in a dry spot in my garden under some milkweed. I have never seen them before. I saw some in a few other spots. Maybe they were in some compost I bought from a farm. I pulled some out but was curious and waited for flowers, but there have not been any. They are about four inches tall, so slow growers. Eastern slopes of the Berkshires in western MA.

  
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  Hello, Photographed this back in July when I was looking for Virginia marsh-St John's-wort, marked it for some kind of dodder, and put the photo aside. Now wondering if this is common dodder (Cuscuta gronovii), and why if it's regarded as a native invasive species, it's so rare in RI (as to warrant an "S1" ranking.) Why wouldn't it be more abundant? Or is it? Probably a good thing it's not though. Thanks!

  
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  Hello, Wondering if you recognize this interloper who's been showing up in my pots. Native? Non-native? Invasive? Aspen? Birch? I propagate native perennials to donate to the native plant sale and am trying to decide whether this guy merits limited pot real estate. Much thanks!

  
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  I have not seen this plant before. It showed up this spring at the base of some milkweed plants in my garden. It is a dry area. I use compost I buy at a farm so maybe that was the source. I have been waiting for them to flower, but nothing yet. I live in western Massachusetts, eastern slope of the Berkshires. They did not grow very tall (about 4 inches) at this point.

  
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  I have this plant growing in my garden. I have tried different sites and I am stumped! Your help would be appreciated! Thank you in advance! This garden is in mid Maine. Near the woods. Maine Mimi

  
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  This is growing in a sunny spot near my house in Massachusetts. There is a cluster of flowers developing at the top of the stem, only one of them open, 1 cm wide. Leaves are alternate, about 12 cm, without teeth or lobes. Height approaches 1 meter. The original stem was bitten off by deer. It survived future attack because mountain mint grew around it.

  
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  Growing in wet ground next to a stream in the woods in Lincoln, Massachusetts. A computer program suggests Ribes. If it is, I can't go further because the key wants flowers or fruits.

  
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  Hello, Wondering if this could be Spiraea alba? Found along the edge of a defunct road in a meadow area in Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy. That area doesn't seem particularly moist, however. So perhaps it's something else? Thanks.

  
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  Hello, I believe this is a Ranunculus, but am not sure who it is. Possibly hooked crowfoot? The leaves are lobed, but not compound; stem is somewhat hairy. Found in Moshassuck Nature Preserve in Lincoln, RI. There are 2 specimens here; the one with leaves in the background was growing along a (wet) upland trail (lots of jacks in the area); the one with moss was found along the brook. Thanks.

  
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  Hello, I hope it's OK to ask more than one question a day. Could this possibly be narrow-leaved fireweed? Sorry for the poor photos; I have an inpatient dog with me most times... It's growing in the middle of a path toward the entrance of the park, so it's probably been stepped on repeatedly, stunting growth, maybe? Leaves have teeth. Thanks for any suggestions you may have. (Moshassuck Nature Preserve, Lincoln, RI)

  
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  Alliance, ohio

  
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  Hi there. I found a plant on the edge of my driveway that seems to be either Russian olive or autumn olive. I am in Rockport, ME - Knox county. The known distribution of either doesn't cover my county in Maine. Thanks for your help.

  
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  Hi! I just moved to Northwestern Connecticut, Litchfield county, and there’s a mess of this in the front garden. Curious what it is. Thanks in advance!

  
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  Hello, Found this on the margin of land between the trail and a brook in Lincoln, RI. Looks remarkably like a plant we drove 40 miles to the Ben Utter Trail in Exeter, RI to see earlier this spring. Is this Indian cucumber-root (Medeola virginiana)? Thanks.

  
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  Hi, First, thank you so much for your time in helping to identify previous requests for me! It is so appreciated! I am excited for your opinion on this plant. I’ve never seen anything like it. This was found in a wooded area of our land about 60 feet above a large pond in Plymouth MA. Looking forward to learning your opinion! Thank you!!

  
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  Hello, Is this a vine of some sort? Found in Moshassuck River Preserve. Lincoln, RI. Thanks

  
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  MY weed is everywhere in my lawn and is difficult to identify. Can you help Thanks

  
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  Can you help me identify

  
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  Hello, Could this be allegheny monkey-flower? I couldn't get a good shot of the inflorescence because of the sun. They are growing on a moist area of a cart road in Moshassuck Nature Preserve in Lincoln, RI. Cohabitants are royal fern, jack-in-the-pulpit, wild geranium, a gray-green sedge, and a tall-ish, lacy grass. (Any suggestions as to who the grass might be?) Thanks for all your kind help!

  
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  Hello, I realize I have become a frequent visitor to your wonderful service. I am, however, coming up on my final project for Biology II in just a few weeks. I would love to have your assessment of this plant. It is growing in long sections, adjacent to the beach at Nelson’s Beach in Plymouth, MA. The app SEEK identified it as Siberian Lyme Grass Leymus racemosus, yet others think it may be American Dune Grass Leymus mollis. Here is original https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/124239410

  
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  Hello, I had the Hypericum majus question. I've tried to get better photos, but this little guy is small, perhaps slightly over 40 mm high, the largest leaf is approx 5 mm long. It's hard to tell, but there seems to be a central, prominent vein running the length of the leaf. I'm propagating this species from Prairie Moon seed for a plant group, and was hoping to see what it looked like in a natural setting. I thought this little guy had a passing resemblance--wishful thinking on my part. Thx

  
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  Curious about this bush. Do not think the berries are efible. Saskatchewan Canada

  
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  Good morning, I asked the Hypericum majus question. I don't think it's H.majus, but more likely H. boreale or H. mutilum, probably H.mutilum? The bracts appear tiny, and don't look like leaves, which is, I understand, a distinguishing characteristic. Am I on the right track? Thnx.

  
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  I live in a gated CCRC east across the Rivana from Charlottesville, VA I believe must be a Spiranthes species but the leaves are large and the flowers small, simple, and sparse on the stem for this genus. The VA_PlantAtlas suggests these 4 species in Albemarle Co, Spiranthes cernua, Spiranthes lacera var. gracilis, Spiranthes tuberosa, and Spiranthes vernalis. Thanks, baumgrenze

  
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  Hi, I believe I found a species of Platanthera orchid. The location was a sphagnum black gum swamp in Putney, VT. There was one mature leaf about 1/2 way up the stem. I am uploading some not so good photos. Do you have any insight as to which species of Plantanthera this is or perhaps another genus of Orchid entirely? Thanks, Rich Grumbine

  
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  Hello! I am currently working on a school project that requires the identification of some plants and specimens. I am having trouble identifiying Figure A (type of moss & scientific name), and Figure D (type of tree) more than anything. I was not given information on the location of these specimens, but I am presuming the general area as within the Pacfiic Northwest. Thank you for any help!

  
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  What plant is this? I thought it was ragweed , but am not sure.

  
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  Hello! I was botanizing on the edge of a road, which divides a mesic woodland from a meadow. I came across a Potentilla species, but I was not able to tell if it was P. intermedia or P. inclinata. Judging by the location, I was leaning towards intermedia, but the calyx does seem somewhat lanceolate to me. I was wondering if you could help shed some light on this ID! I hope the pictures are of high enough quality. Thanks!

  
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  Hello, Looking to confirm that I have photographed naked tick-trefoil (Hylodesmum nudiflorum). Flowers are on a leafless stem which appears separate from the "main" plant. Seed pods are also present and (although blurry here) look consistent with those in the GoBotany photos. Found along a trail in Lincoln Woods, Lincoln, RI. Thanx.

  
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  Hello! I discovered these tall purple stalks growing in an area around my house. They were not purposefully planted, and currently seem localized around an oak tree. There are currently no flowers present. I live in woodland in the most southwestern parts of NH and have very sandy, acidic soil not much but the native plants tend to like so it's odd to see something new (and huge) like this. This is the tallest plant, close to 9' tall as of the picture being taken.

  
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  Hello, I transpl this years ago from somewhere in MA, but am not positive where. It bloomed today, is 6'6" now meas along the stem and about that every year. I don't let it get too dry. It is hollow-stemmed. I see that Eutrochium fistulosum can be that tall, but I don't see a pale cast to the stem, just a pale fuzziness in the framework of the flowers (sorry, lack terminology). It's not really purple, a little pale violet toward top. Leaf whorls all 5. Spotted-stem pic is 1 foot off ground.

  
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  Can you help with the identification of a vine? I found it growing at a forest edge in Farmingdale, NY (my apologies if the plant is not found in the northeast).

  
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  Hello again. Based on this limited sample, can you tell me what tree I found in Farmingdale, NY. Thank you.

  
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  Can you also help with identifying this plant? (Please excuse the insect). Thanks, Zac.

  
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  Hi, My biology final is due this Sunday and I’m in need of an identification of this plant if possible. Thank you once again for the fabulous help and explanations given! Such a help! Shannon

  
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  Hi, Would you have an identification for this plant? Again, thank you for your time and expertise? Shannon

  
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  Hi, it’s me again! So glad you are there! Are you able to identify this plant? I was amazed at the random few branches that were Scarlett red!

  
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  Once again, in need of help. Are you able to identify this plant? If not, would it help to take any additional pictures if I return to this site? Thank you!

  
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  in my years (planted pack of wild flower seeds a few yrs ago. i have what looks like snapdragon, my plant id program says it is linaria angustissima and research said it arrive here in the 1600s from europe. Because it is here so long is it considered native? Also i have planted mammoth sunflower seeds (name/origin unknow). research says they were native american then altered in Russia and sent back. Are any of the mammoth sunflowers native; they are my trademark in my garden. thank you

  
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  Hello, Wondering who this lovely, diminutive fern with the dark midrib might be. Growing at the base of a rock in company with some kind of Galium (?). Maidenhair fern? Moshassuck River Preserve, Lincoln, RI. Thanks!

  
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  Hello, Is this Triadenum virginicum — Virginia marsh-St. John's-wort? Found at a reservoir edge in North Providence, RI growing with coastal sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) and maybe purple loosestrife(?). Thanks.

  
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  Wondering if this is Hypericum majus? It was growing in the same little inlet as the Virginia-marsh St John's-wort. (North Providence, RI) Thanks.

  
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  Hello, looking for confirmation on this ID. Showy tick-trefoil? Found on a sunny trail in Moshassuck River Preserve. Thanks.

  
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  This plant was found in Hanover, NH near an ephemeral wet area. Using the Simple Key, I'm guessing it is a north wind bog-orchid, but it doesn't quite match some of the photos. Is there another option that I'm missing? Thanks for the help!

  
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  Central ME

  
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  Last year I planted a black eyed Susan. This year a strange plant came in the same place. Could this yellow flowering plant with huge leaves be some mutant variety of the Black eyed Susans?

  
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  I just want to say thank you for your valuable input!!! I can go forward with my biology project with more confidence. Thank you for offering such a wonderful service!

  
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  Can you help me identify this? Thanks -Zac

  
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  Dear botanist, Are you able to identify this daisy-like flower? Thank you for your help! Shannon

  
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  Dear Botanist, Would you help to identify the attached observation?

  
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  Dear Botanist, Mat I have your assistance in identifying the attached observation? Thank you so much for your help. My biology final is due in two weeks, and I am supposed to have observations ID’d by the naturalist community. Thank you in advance! Shannon

  
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  Dear Botanist, May I have your assistance in identifying the attached observation? Is it Black Raspberry? Thank you for sharing your expertise! Shannon

  
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  Rhododendron viscosum, Muddy Cove Pond, Dighton, MA 02715

  
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  I just found a blooming epipactis, helleborine orchid. I can’t decide whether to keep or remove. Can you please identify pros and cons? I’m in East Wareham Massachusetts, zone 6. I am very close to Cape Cod Canal. Maybe 4 miles as the crow flies. Thank you.

  
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  Hello, Found these on a walk at Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy in Providence, RI. Wondering if they all tick tre-foil, the first two images possibly Desmodium paniculatum, and the next two images Desmodium perplexum, and the last two, Hylodesmum glutinosum? Only the last species is in currently in bloom. Thanks

  
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  Hello, After submitting my question, I played around a bit more with GoBotany's Simple Key. Is it possible I photographed Calystegia sepium (false hedge bindweed)? Thanks.

  
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  unknown plant. additional info: growing since 2022 in Florence MA 01062 in locally sourced soil/compost mix. 3 leaves at each node suspect it's woody. leaves are bright green finely toothed ovals, matte surface on top with shiny undersides, veins lighter than the rest of the leaf, size 30mm x 55mm. stem and new growth are slightly reddish. mulched in pine/hemlock barks. may have arrived as a piece of root or stem rather than a seed. about 12" tall and growing.

  
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  We are having trouble identifying this tree. We have been told it may be native to India. Any help is appreciated!

  
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  Dear Ace Botanist, Looking for help with this little guy. I've visited the site several times hoping to find the plant fruiting, but it must be a late summer bloomer. It's growing in a shallow stream bed in a wooded area in Lincoln, RI Thanks once again for all the expert guidance. It's so nice to have a place to go to get our native plant queries answered! Thanks for your time.

  
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  Hi, I have posted a photo(s) of this mystery plant that grows in the cracks of my patio rocks. I live in Southern VT Leaves are "needly/awn" like. Flower are green/yellow and look to be 4-petaled. The plant grows to 4" in height. Thank you!

  
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  Dear Ace Botanist, Thanks for all your help with my previous inquiries. I'm guessing this is an aster, a Symphyotrichum, but I'm not sure who. it shows up on the edges of the wooded trails in Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy in Providence, RI. I didn't realize asters bloom this early. Maybe it's something else? Thanks again.

  
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  thistle looking bright yellow flower, super spiny leaves but no actual spines probably not native but wondering if its invasive? growing in a sunny/sandy/dry spot by the road in southern connecticut

  
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  Dear Botanist, Would you help me to identify this plant? I think it is a moss, but neither Seek nor iNaturalist has an identification. I've included one picture of the tree this was on - though I don't know it's id either. I hope the pictures are clear enough. Would LOVE your help! Thank you so much! Shannon

  
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  This grass showed up in my neighbor's garden in Topsham, Maine. Can you help us identify it? Fearing it could be Phragmites (though it doesn't look it), it has already been trashed, just in case. But we would still like to know its identity. (Sorry, photo uploads sideways.)

  
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  unknown plant. What I know: 3 leaves at each node I strongly suspect its woody. leaves are bright green finely toothed ovals, matte surface on top with shiny undersides, veins lighter than the rest of the leaf, size 30mm x 55mm. stem and newest growth are slightly reddish. growing in a rich soil/compost mix that was brought to site, and mulched in pine/hemlock barks. may have arrived as a piece of root or stem rather than a seed. about 12" tall and growing.

  
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  Any idea what these tree is ? Until now, I have never been unable to identify any plant in my Region (Central New Hampshire). Woodland, upland, glacial till soil. About 20 feet tall

  
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  Hello, I'm not sure why this image uploaded sideways. Could this be spotted water-hemlock? I was hoping it might be purple-stemmed angelica, but think that's unlikely.(Found in Lincoln, RI) Thanks

  
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  Hello, this odd looking plant sprouted in my perennial garden. I am not sure if it is a sapling of shrub/ tree? Would you help me identify it please. Thank you.

  
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  I just posted Campanula trachelium It is not a North American Plant. It is very aggressive and now I'm trying to eradicate from yard. Have others reported this plant and its bad behavior?

  
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  Hello! I wanted to make sure it's okay if I share photos outside of the New England area. I would be sharing plants in Georgia. Thank you for your time. I happened across your site trying to identify an American Spikenard in my yard.

  
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  Can you tell me if this is the native type of yellow rattle? Spotted in Sharon , MA 7/1/22

  
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  thanks for all the help so far. can you tell me what produces these berries?

  
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  Hi, Would you assist me in identifying this pretty wildflower plant? It is growing amongst many other coastal plants and was found at Woodneck Beach, Falmouth, MA on Cape Cod. It is adjacent to a saltwater marsh area adjacent to the beach. Thank you. Shannon

  
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  Hi, Would you help me to identify this plant seen in a grassy area adjacent to a saltwater march which is adjacent to Woodneck Beach, Falmouth, Ma. on Cape Cod. Thank you so much for your time and assistance. Shannon

  
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  Hi, Would you help me to identify this plant (weed?) found growing out of the rocky landscape at Woodneck Beach, Falmouth, MA (Cape Cod). It's base looks just like a giant weed, yet it has these interesting stalks coming out of it. This is for a Biology II project I am doing. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise! Shannon

  
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  Hi, Would you help me to identify these grasses found in a very long row along the entrance to Woodneck Beach, Falmouth, MA. (Cape Cod). The grasses were about 5-6 feet tall. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with so many!

  
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  Are you able to help me identify this grass? It is located at Woodneck Beach, MA which is on Cape Cod. The grasses covered a long stretch of the entrance to the beach and were quite tall - perhaps 5-6 feet. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with so many!

  
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  Hello! General question about flowers here, would food residue (such as crumbs, a small amount of oils, particles, etc.) interrupt the growth and germination of flower seeds?

  
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  Dear ace Botanist, I am trying to figure out what kind of sumac tree (30 feet tall) is growing in a wet, wooded area in north-central Massachusetts. Stems are fuzzy, and it has several younger ones springing up. Attaching a flower photo (loose spikes, up to 6 inches high). Clearly not staghorn sumac! Thanks for your help solving this mystery! Sharon Tracy PS the photo seems to have uploaded sideways! Sorry.

  
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  Hello again, Thanks for your help identifying the Symphyotrichum patens. I'll look back in on it in the fall when it's in flower. I was wondering if there's enough in these images to identify this Carex species. Could it be Carex radiata or perhaps Carex rosea? Found in Neutaconkanut Park in Providence, RI (as was the aster). Thanks again

  
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  Dear Kind Botanist, I was wondering if you could please help me identify this shrub? I realize your specialty is New England plants but I’m unable to find another reputable online source….this shrub is located near Parry Sound Ontario on an island on the Canadian Shield (granite). It’s located under some old pine trees. In a large patch. Woody stems. The “flower” is somewhat hard. Thank you very much!

  
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  Thank you for helping me to learn Amelanchier and botany in general. I returned to the plant today and took these pictures, with visible hairs inside the ring of sepals, it seems. The red diamonds show stems from this clump, and there are several other clumps within the range of my phone-cam from about 20 feet away, standing just within a growth of cattail along this tidal river. Do the hairs definitively identify this as A. arborea, or are there still other possibilities?

  
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  Hello, I was wondering if you might know who this is? I realize my photos aren't the clearest, but I was hoping the perforate leaf would provide a clue. Thanks in advance.

  
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  Hello, thanks for your response to my Amelanchier question. If you will accept a follow-up post, I returned to the plant today and took these pictures of the fruit. I guess I don't detect hairs within the ovary crown, if I'm looking at it correctly (the picture isn't perfect though), but there seem to be fibers on the ends of the developing fruit. Regarding the petal length, I didn't measure them at the time, but they struck me as being a little shorter than the presumed A. arborea in my yard.

  
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  Hi Mr. Botanist, I was wondering how one could distinguish between Athyrium angustum and A. filix-femina? I am located in Westchester County, NY. Thanks in advance.

  
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  A 2 meter tall plant beside a path in the woods. Lincoln, Massachusetts, June 2022.

  
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  Is this a species of viburnum? Thanks for any help -Zac

  
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  And might you be able to identify this guy? Thanks -Zac

  
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  Hello - I'm a bit late in the season with this, but am trying to understand the differences within Amelanchier here on upper Cape Cod. This one taken May 10 was above the Mashpee River steep wooded bank, maybe 7-8 ft tall, somewhat exposed to weather perhaps despite some oak and pitch pine cover. I have what I believe is A. arborea wild in my Mashpee yard, but this one might have had more stems/trunks, maybe.

  
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  Would you happen to keep a listing of your past "plant of the day" postings on the main GoBotany webpage? I'm trying to identify one of my front yard weeds with tiny flowers and leaves with hastate base. If I could see a list from the last 5 weeks or so, I would recognize the name (which, unfortunately, I have forgotten).

  
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  Located in Meriden, CT. Is this a native plant?

  
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  I have a lot of hawkweed in my yard in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. The plants are generally over 50cm tall with at most very small leaves above the base of the stems.

  
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  What is this? Native or not? Thanks, Julia P S my son is becoming a field botanist out west! check him out: @kylephyte on Instagram.

  
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  Good morning, In Egypt western of Suez canal, I noticed those fungus in my backyard and I hope you can help me identify its name and if it is harmful for plants (specially its roots) and humans or harmless. Thank you for your attention.

  
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  mixed woods edge of wetland, York cnty Maine, interested if you might know just from leaf, I was intrigued by the parallel veins.. in orchid family? hope to return later to see what it turns into?

  
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  what is this flowering plant I found growing near the base of an oak? I found it growing in a picnic area of a park?

  
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  Is this large yellow-loosestrife? Thanks, Zac.

  
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  Could you help me identify what’s happening to my bush bean plants? Is it disease or a bug? How do I treat it? Sorry if this is a novice question. Please see image

  
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  What is this Western New England field plant?

  
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  Dear Botanist, this yellow flowered plant, about a foot high, is in a small meadow in the North Quabbin woodlands in MA not far from NH. Many thanks for identifying it for me.

  
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  could you ID this plant ? No leaves - just came up after mowing a patch of mugwort in central NH. stem is hairy

  
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  Hello! I have a question about planting a kalmia angustifolia near a large established juniper bush. I note that these plants are allelopathic to conifers. I was going to plant it a few feet away, but I won't if it will impede the juniper lifecycle or cause it harm. Would a kalmia angustifolia harm a juniper bush and if so, how? Are the allelopathic chemicals distributed by the root system? Is there guidance for a safe distance to plant it away from the juniper?

  
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  Hello, I recently wrote to you asking help with identifying a plant in my yard and you requested more information. I believe the plant was planted by the previous owner of my home. I am located in Fairfield, Connecticut. It does not produce fruit or flowers. Sorry, for some reason it keeps posting 2 of the pics sideways. I hope this helps to solve the mystery! I will upload the pics of it again. Thanks so much!

  
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  Hello, Could you help identify these plants? (Hope it is alright to group them in one inquiry.) All were found in a limerock preserve in RI. Thanks, SLD

  
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  Good morning, Botany Brainiacs! Spotted this morning along an offshoot of the old Hamden/Hampshire Canal near the MA/CT line. In the past this area was only wet during spring thaw, but increasing run-off from new construction uphill has turned the spring flow to a raging torrent, which has carved a gulley all the way down to the water table! There's a short stretch that is now wet almost continuously, and new plants appearing we haven't seen here before. Any ideas on this one? Thanks! :)

  
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  ID? From a forested wetland in Central MA. Thank you!

  
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  Can you identify this plant/bush for me. It is in my back yard, in Gloucester Massachusetts. Tiny white blossoms that attract bees. Very sharp thorns. small thin almond shaped green leaves. Fred Broer

  
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  Can anyone identify? I know what everything else is in my back yard garden but not this. Photo only uploads sideways; sorry! Thx.

  
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  Hello, Can you please identify this plant that is in my yard? No one has been able to identify it. Thank you!

  
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  I hope these photos are sufficient for an ID. My guess is showy goldenrod, but I know I could be woefully wrong. Photos taken September 30th, 2021 in western Franklin County in Massachusetts. It was in my meadow-like backyard among other goldenrods, and it was the last kind to bloom.

  
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  found in the woods of Mendon, Ma near a brook I think this is a Purple Fringed Orchid.

  
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  Hi! I'm wondering about this varigated trillium we saw while we were hiking in northern California. The woods were full of great white trillium, and then we stumbled on this varigated plant. In my 30 years of hiking the Pacific Northwest, I've never seen one. Is it rare? Do you know about this one? Thank you! Sincerely, Samantha Gobba

  
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  ID help, please. I don't recall having planted this, but the number and location tell me I did, and did it early this year. It has sticky stems and milky sap in stems and leaves. I'm in California, but if I planted it, it could well be a wild New England plant — or from anywhere else. What is it?

  
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  This plant seems new to my garden this year but I've had trouble ID'ing it. It seems to grow pretty quickly and is roughly 3 feet tall. I would appreciate it if someone could ID this plant. Thanks!

  
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  Can someone help identify this flowering plant that I saw along the side of the road near Marlborough MA?

  
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  Not so much "plant" related but this seems like the best place to ask. Was wondering if anyone knows what these white strings are. I was hiking through a national park in Tasmania and these strings were scattered everywhere on the forest floor for miles. I didn't get many decent videos but it seemed to be originating from all the different types of mushrooms, and then spreading into all of the other organisms (moss, bark, trees etc.)

  
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  Tulip tree is apparently a dicot or eudicot. But its flower has 6 petals and 3 tepals if you count the 3 petals under the 6 main petals. I just carefully inspected 8 flowers from 3 tulip trees and confirmed the above observation. Now the 6 or 6 + 3 petal arrangement is typical of a monocot plant. Am I making a mistake in my observation or is the 3 x n rule for monocot frequently broken? Thank you so much for you time and help.

  
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  Hello! I found this plant in a forest in northeast MA, on the edge of a trail. It looks a little like prince's pine or some kind of shinleaf to me, but I don't think it's either. Any chance you recognize it?

  
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  Trying to identify this plant in Brookfield VT forest.

  
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  I believe this to be Meadow Bistort located in Dorset VT however it is listed as "absent" in Vermont. Can you confirm or give me a correct ID?

  
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  Hello, Thanks for your help idenifying the Nabalus I sent in. I'm curious if this leaf is also from a Nabalus (found in the woods in Providence, RI). Also, I was wondering if you could help idenity this odd-looking plant found in the woods in Lincoln, RI Thanks so much.

  
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  Ground cover in a clearing in Lincoln, Massachusetts, near houses.

  
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  Stumped with Brassicaceae from Stevens Island, floodplain, Oxford Cty, ME, in open meadow on the northeast side near main river channel. The plants were stiffly erect, 20-80 cm high with racemes of flowers growing near the top of the stems. The open flowers were about a quarter inch wide, 4 petals, white (with some hints of purple/rose). The stem and leaves glaucous; stem leaves strictly upright and auriculate-clasping the stem. ??

  
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  Hello. I'm stumped by this plant. Looks kind of like Impatiens, but the leaves are opposite. thanks in advance.

  
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  Hello! I've been having a hard time figuring out what this plant is. It's growing in a bed full of rocks by the house, where almost nothing else grows, and at the edge of a flowerbed. I'm in western Massachusetts. I haven't seen any flowers on it yet, which obviously makes it trickier!

  
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  I can’t identify this plant. Woody area. Central Maine

  
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  Hi, i'm trying to identify a shrub that i see all over the cape cod national Seashore around the ranger's station. I've also seen it in residential landscaping around Chatham ma. Any help identifying it would be greatly appreciated.

  
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  Hello, I am from a little town in Massachusetts called North Brookfield. Since I was a young girl, I have been looking for a four leaf clover. I am now in my mid thirties and a mom of three young children anr barely have time to shower let alone scan for these lucky charms. I had the opportunity to spend a couple days outside recently and was excited to scan the grass. Astonished, I came across what I believe to be a four, five, six, and seven leaf clover. Can you help me?!

  
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  Located in MA. Just got a few Red Brandywine tomato plants that don’t look super healthy. Before I plant them in the raised beds, would like to know if there are any major diseases going on here. There are yellow leaves, a few leaves with some gray/black on them and one or more leaf that appears gradient dark then becoming more light towards the tip. They also appear puffy. I can include more photos if helpful. Thank you for any help you may be able to provide. Melissa

  
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  I just have a question about Urishol. I see too many conflicting things online bout it. Does the plant have to be damaged to release the oil? If you do get it on you what is the best way to get it off everything? I use 91 percent alcohol and spray it on items I believe to have gotten in the oil even if I haven't touched it or know its there. . Are there any items out there that can be sprayed on that you know to work well. I need your help I am terrified to even go in the woods at this point.

  
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  Hi, Here is a closer pic

  
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  Hi, i'm trying to identify a shrub that i see all over the cape cod national Seashore around the ranger's station. I've also seen it in residential landscaping around Chatham ma. Any help identifying it would be greatly appreciated.

  
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  Small tree at the edge of wetlands, Lincoln, Massachusetts.

  
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  Hi There’s a large section of my wooded property where Rubus idaeus is spreading and thriving. My research has come up with conflicting information and I’m not sure if it is a native of my area. I am in the southwest part of Connecticut. Can you confirm that it is ok to let spread and that it is not invasive in my area? I have been fighting to keep barberry, garlic mustard and burning bush off my property and don’t want another invasive species to take their place. Thank you Danielle

  
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  Hi, my name is Chloe and I'm here to ask questions for my high school research project. The first question is what kind of work do you do as a botanist? The next is what do you like and dislike about your work? The last question is what is your advice for future botanists? Thank you!

  
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  Dear Botanist, I have two Prunus americana in my back garden and am worried about how hard they will be to maintain and how large they will get (shooting sucker babies all over the place). Also, I was told that my plum tree needed a friend in order to make plums, which is why I got the second tree. Some website say Prunus americana self-pollinates, other say they cross pollinate, and others say they self-pollinate but will produce even more with a friend. Which is it? Thank you, NI

  
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  Dear Botanist, Can you tell me what plant this is? I found it in the woods in Lincoln, RI near dogwood, wild geranium, hay scented fern, Christmas fern, and greenbriar. Thanks, Sherry D.

  
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  Hi there, Woud it be possible for you to identify this sedge found throughout the woods in Lincoln, RI? Thanks so much! Sherry D.

  
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  I bought this shrub like Eleagnus umbellata, and now it has bloomed for the first time and the flowers don't look like eleagnus and I can't identify the plant. If you enlarge the picture, you can see that it has a kind of thorns near the leaves. Thank you very much!

  
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  Hi, Can you tell me if this is a color variation of Trillium erectum (alba?) Or something else? Seen in Southern Vt. amongst "other white and red Trillium". Thank you, Star

  
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  Hi! I have an indoor lucky bamboo plant that has white bud like sprouts on the stems. Could you please tell me what are those? Do bamboo plants grow buds or flowers? I live in Alberta Canada. Thank you

  
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  Continues from my last post about possible elderberry. Flowers are off now. But when on were white and smelled amazing. Maybe poke berry ?

  
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  Hello I’m sending some more pictures over. The blooms have gone. The bloom structure might be a little different than elderberry is it pokeweed maybe ?

  
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  Hello! Could you please help me to identify the plants that grow near my neighbor's house? Is it Japanese Knotweed? I live in Northern Massachusetts. Thank you.

  
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  Hi! This is on the forest ground next to my driveway in Epping NH. It looks similar to elderberry snd the flower smells amazing. I feel like the leaves are slightly different though. Can you help?!

  
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  Orleans, MA Seen in profusion in a grassy farmland (dry) field on May 8, 2022. Seems to fit the description of Myosotis discolor, especially the flowers with yellow centers but yellow or white petals turning blue. Leaves are basal and alternate on the stem, and clasping (about 1 cm. long at the base) and the edges have long bristly hairs. The distribution map only shows this species in central MA though. Are there other species that fit this description? (Sorry about the sideways photo!)

  
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  Seek id’ this as green-dragon/Arisaema dracontium. I’ve not seen it before this spring. My property abuts a large wooded conservation area & there is a decent patch spanning the property line. The area has a high water table, deep shade with oaks, white pine, black haw & a recent explosion in the # of low bush blueberries. Did Seek get it right?

  
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  I have several if these coming up in the yard. I picked Ranunculus pensylvanicus (Pennsylvania Buttercup). Agree?

  
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  Found this plant in Middletown, CT. Partially wooded area, marshy wetlands nearby (~200 feet away). I’m wondering if this is Putty-Root or just something similar looking, I didn’t see a basal leaf but it was also next to a path, could’ve possibly broken off.

  
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  popped up in the garden in coastal ct

  
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  Tiny plant growing on wet gravel/dirt path near old beaver pond, Jonesboro, Maine. There is Houstonia caerula nearby. I can't tell what is sepal and what is petal, or leaf. The plant photo might be upside down. Leaves/sepals/petals seem pubescent. seems pubescent. Stem is yellow-green as are the flowers (if those are flowers). Could it be Linum radiola (I've never seen that).

  
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  Hello ‌ Can you help me identify these two species?

  
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  Found this plant in Berlin, CT - a wooded area with wetland close by (about 300ft away). Uploading a photo of the flowers and leaves for better ID. So far no apps have been able to match it. Thank you!

  
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  I had a plant pop up in my flower bed last year that got to be 6ft tall with really large heart shaped leaves that were velvety. We identified it as a velvet leaf and the web said it was bad. It also said it was an annual. So why has it come back again this year. I live in north west Tennessee and I'm really confused because the web showed it having blooms and pods. This one didn't. Is possible that it's not a velvet leaf?

  
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  Hello While walking at the Macdonald Conservation Area ( Readfield ME.) I think I spotted Huperzia Lucidula. Shining Firmoss. The area is woodland and was on the wet/damp side. Could you please confirm? It took me while to find a possible ID. Thanks

  
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  Hello! Could you tell me if Rudbeckia nitida is a synonym for R. laciniata? Some sites seem to link them as one.

  
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  Verigated vine with tiny white flowers.

  
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  Hi so i recently found this growing in my yard, i’m not sure what it is but i love it. Kinda resembles some succulents if seen. It looks like it’s growing with the moss like covering a big area. It’s behind my pool deck, on the side of my house where i don’t get much sun and along the fence line. i’ve tried to put some ina pot and bring it inside cause i love the way it looks just want to know more about it if you knew anything ! I’m living in lincoln RI in the salesville area

  
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  I'm on a mud season trip to Colorado and New Mexico, so I haven't seen these plants in question firsthand, but the Androscoggin Land Trust's stewardship director was checking out a possible property acquisition that includes part of Curtis Bog in Sabbatus and she found what looks like Epigea repens, but with blue flowers. I've only seen white or pinkish flowers. You ever seen blue? Or do we have something else here?

  
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  Hi! so i found this growing in my yard this year i’ve never checked before but i have a small dog now so i always go out and make sure there’s no ways he could get out, i found these everywhere ! Bright green Looks like it grows like a moss cause it’s every where behind my pool deck and the line of the fence. i live in LINCOLN RI so it’s kinda a wet area.

  
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  Which microrhizae are used by Pyrola picta in Southwestern Washington.

  
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  Which microrhizae are used bu Pyrola in germination

  
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  Are any mail order nurseries offering any species of Pyrola or Chimaphyla?

  
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  Hello! I have a question about the length of time it takes for fruit to ripen: do you know of any specie, anywhere, that takes longer than one year to go from flower to fruit? I've been looking for a direct answer to this, but haven't found one yet. Thanks!

  
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  Hi, I had heard/experimented with inserting a big nail on a Papaya tree to bear fruits. This technique worked when we tested it in Central India (Madhya Pradesh). I also found that this technique works in other places as well. I would like to know the science behind this and how the plant internally reacts after the nail was insetred. Pls, explain in deatils. Thanks.

  
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  Hi there, I have a rose of sharon question. I did a pretty heavy pruning this year and I noticed that after a few days, some of the freshly cut branches developed a dark, fuzzy substance on them. I was wondering if anyone knew what this could be/be caused by and what to do about it to ensure I have a happy, healthy plant. Any help would be great.

  
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  Hello, I need to know the synthesis of the white powder of the branches in the plant aloidendron dichotomun (Aloe dichotomun or quiver tree), or any other information related to the white powder composition. Thank you!

  
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  Hello, Can you identify this plant, bush, tree? Thank you.

  
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  My photo didnt attach so here is the question again. My great grandmother was given a cutting of this plant 30 years ago and never knew the species. She grew a full plant from it. She has since passed away and we would like to know the species. Searching it by image on Google yields a different result every time, as so a couple of 'plant identifying' apps. It seems the flowers and leaves are similar to lots of other plants. We are in Tasmania, the southern most state of Australia. Thankyou.

  
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  Hello! The photos attached are all from the same willow plant found in a wetland on our property in Stowe, VT. The catkins have a rosy hue. Unfortunately, I do not have photos of the leaves as I just noticed the plant. Is there anyway to tell from the photos if this a native species, or even to identify the specific species? If not, what can I look for when this plant leafs out in order to ID? Thank you!

  
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  In my region zone 8-9 we don't plant Quercus sober or Quercus ilex inside the lawn, so that the water from the sprinklers wont cause the tree to rot, but Im wondering if there is a way to plant inside the tree dripline with lawn grass?

  
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  My great grandmother was given a cutting of this plant 30 years ago and never knew the species. She grew a full plant from it. She has since passed away and we would like to know the species. Searching it by image on Google yields a different result every time, as so a couple of 'plant identifying' apps. It seems the flowers and leaves are similar to lots of other plants. We are in Tasmania, the southern most state of Australia. Thankyou.

  
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  I'm not sure this is a plant, it smells like a carcass, surrounded by flies, and appears out of nowhere. But it doesn't happen everyday so I don't know where else to ask. For your information, there is a female turtle living in our small garden so maybe it's a product of it, maybe from its eggs or else. However, it's still confusing about how an unfertilized egg grows from inside the soil. Please help clear our confusion, please. And sorry if this turns out to be not botanical. Thank you :)

  
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  Trying to identify this plant that has popped up in various places in my yard. It has a crown like strawberries do, if that makes sense. I’m completely new to gardening/plants!

  
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  How can I get some arabidopsis seeds?

  
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  Good morning. Fotos from Franklin Co, MA. Any idea as to what plant(s) this is? Thanks.

  
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  Hi there! I was wondering if you had any insight on the American elm tree? Suppose I am trying to detangle the roots of the tree from an invasive plant (Japanese Knotweed), when would be the optimal time of year to do this? How long can elm tree roots be exposed? Is there a time constraint at all? I live in a 4 season climate.

  
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  Could you help me identify this plant? It was found in a marshy area in North Bennington, Vermont. I originally thought that it was a Juncus, but I am unable to see tepals.

  
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  Do you know if Agalinis maritima var. grandiflora is a hemiparasitic plant? Where could I find more information about how a hemiparasitic plan functions?

  
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  We bought a bamboo and have potted in a huge pot. Since that day it started to become dry and falling out. It’s also winter here. So there isnt enough sun light. We water once a week but still it doesn’t look good

  
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  Hello, although this plant is in my yard, I am assuming it is wild as it has popped up last summer. Quickly spreading I attempted to identify it via google lens books etc. Last evening, whilst cleaning up branches from snowfall, I noticed this elusive plant peeking through the snow! It is still quite green! Naturally, I had to investigate & upon touching this clump, it came loose. Curiouser then ever, again trying to identify I found this site! I do hope someone can help. NE PENNA

  
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  I have a Ficus Elastica Tineke. I recently just brought it home from a local seller. She tells me she mixes 30-10-10 fertilizer with distilled water and waters her plant every Saturday. My first watering, I watered it once with tap water and no fertilizer. Now the leaves look like this. Pls help :(

  
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  Hello....Iam an undergraduate in Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Nepal. I'm recently working on stinging neetle plant and found some species. I wanted to know it's taxonomy for further research and works. I also want to study its physiology, nutritional value and health benefits on human and other animal species....I need your help. Also, If you could give some guidance and some help ...

  
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  Hello I am a senior in high school and I'm currently working on a project that's about growing a non-native plant in an unfamiliar climate. I am trying to grow the Croton petra in my home and the project requires that I get an expert's opinion/advice to aid my research. Although this is not a New England plant, I was wondering if I was able to interview somebody via email to help give me the guidance I need to appease my teacher. This is a cute lil cite, your time is greatly appreciated!-Lauren

  
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  Hello, I have a question about Sorbus aucuparia. In the Sorbus key it says it can be distinguished from other species by the fact that the adaxial surface of its leaves are villous, but then in the page https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/sorbus/aucuparia/ it says that the lower surface of the leaflets are hairy. I thought adaxial = upper surface of the leaf, so is there a mistake somewhere?

  
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  Hello, I've been baffled by this yew for years. I originally dig it up in Plymouth MA in 2008 in a wild-ish situation, and am thinking it's either an English or a Japanese Yew (but Japanese is not on your range map). It's upright, not sprawling like canadensis. Also, re: the first bud pic on your cuspidata page really a flower bud, as indicated, or is it a leaf bud? Thanks for any clues.

  
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  Hi there, I'm trying to identify these showy plants that grow very tall along roads in VT. I appreciate your help!

  
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  I found this vine recently on a boulder in upland woods in Woburn, MA. Is it Vaccinium vitis-idaea? Thanks, Tom

  
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