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Native Plant Trust: Go Botany Discover thousands of New England plants

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Questions and Answers

2025

  • Question
    Hi Ace Botanists! Earlier this year you helped me identify that my Garden In the Woods-purchased Conoclinium coelestinum (Blue mistflower) was nowhere to be seen under a patch of invasive Campanula rapunculoides (Creeping bellflower). I pitchforked out the bellflower tubers and have been plucking single and alternate leaves as I see them. You have helped me save this patch! Are these little ones likely rhizomatous remnants from the same individual I planted last year, or did it self-seed?
    Answer
    Dear waggledance, good morning. It would be hard to answer your question without being there to observe what is occurring in the soil. Given the large number that have seeded, it certainly seems plausible that these self-seeded, especially because they occupy a patch (not just a few lines along a rhizome). I am glad to read the patch was saved! Best wishes.
  • Question
    South Bend, Indiana. Off Ironwood Drive, just north of Douglas. How prolific is this plant in the area?
    Answer
    Dear Chris, good afternoon. I can't see the plant well in the image you sent. Do you have additional images? If so, please post or feel free to email them to me (ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello, Picture This repeatedly identified this plant as Silky Dogwood. Before I post it as a sighting, I wanted to check with an expert. It was in my yard in Woodbridge, CT, at the edge of our wooded lot. The soil is clay and in that area, varies between moist and wet.They are appearing in some spots where we have been euthanizing multiflora rose. Their companions: spice bush, sensitive fern, goldenrod, winterberry, jumpseed, & arrowwood viburnum. None were blooming. Thank you!
    Answer
    Dear LydiaFT, good morning. The confident answer is that we can't tell. This is certainly a dogwood (genus Swida), and we can rule out some species, but we can't tell with certainty which species this is from the images provided (Picture This isn't giving you a realistic answer). However, one way we can determine it is Cornus amomum (silky dogwood) is to cut one of the two-year-old branches and look for brown colored pith (the other dogwoods have white pitch in the center). Feel free to continue the conversation through email (ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello! I was gardening the other day when I saw this plant (VT Mettowee Valley). I had seen them the previous year as well, but everything grew up before I could see them flower. They were found in a wild upper floodplain meadow dominated by goldenrod, Carex sedge, Joe Pye weed, sensitive fern, hedge bindweed, angelica, and goutweed. My mind went to the guess that they are some kind of orchid. Or perhaps Lily of the Valley? Thank you!
    Answer
    Dear Ijaloś, there are no images associated with your question. Without them, I won't be able to assist. If you are having trouble uploading images, feel free to attach them to an email and send them to ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org and I will try to help you.
  • Question
    I thought this was a Senna, but it's woody, and the flowers are not yellow. Something invasive?
    Answer
    Dear JuliaB, good morning. You have photographed Amorpha fruticosa (false indigo-bush), a non-native woody plant that is native to the United States (but has spread to the northeast and is introduced here). The dark purple flowers with only one petal developed (banner petal) is diagnostic for this member of the legume family. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Pictured is a low-growing heath family plant (planted about 15 years ago, and not something I have seen in the wild around here). I *think* it is a Gaylussacia/huckleberry but doesn't seem to match any of the three listed in GoBotany. It has never bloomed.
    Answer
    Dear bkatzenberg, good morning. I consulted with a fellow botanist and we think this may be Gaultheria shallon. Perhaps you could examine descriptions of that plant and check to see if they fit for yours. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello ! I have a question in general about plant's germination and energy source of plants. The question is that " is any energy source is required for plant germination in initial ? And why the seeds are germinating faster compare to normal still water ?"
    Answer
    Dear shadow.prince_x, good morning. Many (most) plants do require some type of energy to initiate germination. This is usually the endosperm, the triploid (3X) material in the seed. Many seeds and seed-like fruits go through a process of activating release of essential minerals that are held by a molecule called phytic acid, which holds on to minerals (like phosphorous) until germination when the plant will need these minerals for growth. Some plants contain very little endosperm (for example, the seeds of orchids) and need to rapidly establish mycorrhizal connections in order to receive nutrition from the fungal partner. If you research what endosperm is, you will learn more about this part of the seed and how plants utilize it.
  • Question
    Hi. I am trying to identify a few native grasses at the Medfield Charles River State Reservation. Can you confirm the grass with purple seeds is Purple Top (Tridens Flavus)? I am also trying to identify the tan wheat-like grass growing with it. Are you able to identify what that grass is? Thank you!
    Answer
    Dear dteany, good morning. Identifying grasses from images is very difficult, and I need images of leaves, ligules, close up of flowers, etc. From what I can see, the plant with purple coloration may be Poa pratensis (blue grass). You can confirm it belongs to this genus by carefully teasing one of the spikelets apart and looking for cobwebby hairs attached to the base of the florets (these can be seen with 10x magnification.) The light brown grass I cannot see details well enough. If you get additional images (and closer images) I can likely get you the genus. Best wishes.
  • Question
    May i ask what trees is this ? From Philippines
    Answer
    Dear fearlyta, good morning. I'm sorry I cannot help you. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of northeastern North America. My expertise does not extend to the Philippines. I hope you are able to find someone or an institution closer to you that can assist with your plant questions. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Mystery plant along path in Concord MA, low area beside Sudbury River. Can you tell what it is?
    Answer
    Dear debleedesign, good morning. I can't tell you with confidence, but it may be a species of Nabalus (rattlesnake-root). If you are able to return, tear a small section of the leaf and look for a white latex to appear. If not, let's consider possibilities. Feel free to continue this conversation at ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org and we will figure out your mystery plant. Best wishes.
  • Question
    According to all the web sites, Helesia Carolina is not found in Maine. I beg to differ. I live in Greenbush Maine and this sure looks like that plant. Could it be?
    Answer
    Dear ckozerow, the websites that state Halesia carolina doesn't occur in ME aren't making an assertion to that fact. What they are stating is that this woody plant has never been found before. Hopefully I'm making clear the distinction between these two points of view. The plant you have posted a picture of is a species of Malus (apple), though I can't tell you which one based on the image you uploaded. If you ever do find Halesia carolina growing outside of cultivation (i.e., wild) in ME, don't hesitate to contact me directly (ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org). Best wishes.
  • Question
    I and others have some confusion regarding the native presence of tradescantia in New England. In brief BONAP indicates a scattered presence of both ohiensis and virginiana, ( actually more than scattered depending which species) in contrast to GoBotany The Flora indicates a very limited presence of ohiensis confined to MA and CT, but the maps on the same GoBotany species page picture its complete absence from New England. And no virginiensis. Could you clarify? thank you lawrence
    Answer
    Dear ethnobotanist. Continued research on these species suggests that none of the species of Tradescantia are native to New England. It is most likely that they are all introduced from points further west and south. The issue with maps on Go Botany may be something on your end. When I view the maps on Safari, everything seems to be working normally. I hope this is helpful.
  • Question
    Bluntseed sweetroot?
    Answer
    Dear Tiannamamma90, there are no images associated with your question. Without them, I won't be able to assist. If you are having trouble uploading images, feel free to attach them to an email and send them to ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org and I will try to assist.
  • Question
    I saw this volunteer along a neighbor’s fence. I wondered if it was a native plant, but it’s not.
    Answer
    Dear jginley0214@gmail.com, good morning. I would need to know where this is growing (which state). Location is a really important part of the identification process. If you have additional images of the plant (or can get them), including the leaves, that would also be helpful. Feel free to email me (and images) to continue the conversation at ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org and I will try to assist.
  • Question
    Found in Hollis NH
    Answer
    Dear Plants12345ABCDEFG, there are no images associated with your question. Without them, I won't be able to assist. If you are having trouble uploading images, feel free to attach them to an email and send them to ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org and I will try to assist.
  • Question
    What is this? It looks similar to spicebush but the bark is different and it doesn’t smell. Found in Hollis NH
    Answer
    Dear Plants12345ABCDEFG, good morning. The plant you have photographed is an ash seedling (genus Fraxinus). It appears to be white ash, but I can't see details well enough in the images to be certain. I hope this is helpful nonetheless.
  • Question
    Hello again Ace Botanist Sir... Sent some photos of a native rose yesterday for identification. Have been looking at the desrctpitions for clues but still condfounded so here are some addtional pictures with greater detail that might help if more detail is required... The excessive pricklyness of the stems is leaning me towards Rosa acicularis — bristly rose Cheers
    Answer
    Dear pmhood, good morning to you. What I can write to you is that this is not Rosa palustris. That species would have stalked glands on the hypanthium surface (below the sepals), similar to other members of the Rosa virginiana complex. It does not look Rosa acicularis (that species is quite glandular on vegetative surfaces, such as the stipules, which I cannot observe in your images). The leaflet blade shape reminds me of Rosa blanda, but I would expect fewer prickles on the stems/branches for that species (though some specimens do show prickles like what you have photographed here). I would like to help you further with this, but it might require a conservation. Contact me at ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org and we will determine what species you have photographed. Best wishes.
  • Question
    What is this please
    Answer
    Dear dmdow923, good morning. I can't tell you with confidence what species you have photographed. I would need a closer image of the leaves and the branchlet surface. It resembles a species of Vaccinium (blueberry), but I need additional images to confirm that and tell you which species of blueberry it is (assuming I have the correct genus). If you have additional images or can send me some, feel free to use my email (ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org) and I'll try to assist you further.
  • Question
    Hi! I have a spot that I have been visiting for several years. (Central VT by the white river) There was the largest jack in the pulpit ever. Its leaves were bigger than my hands. It made berries the past two years . This year- no sight of it! I was devastated. There are tiny ones but I guess I want to know if it was just old and died? What happens to old plants? Do they get smaller? Do they disappear? I’d expect to see some leaves of a comparable size by now since many are blooming.
    Answer
    Dear monsoonkid, the variety of life spans and strategies used to perennate by plants is extensive. Further, many plants can remain dormant in some seasons, persisting as underground storage organs. The plant you observed may not have died, but simply is "resting", if you will. I would encourage you to look for it again over the coming growing seasons. It may well return.
  • Question
    Viburnum in full bloom 5-14-2025 in woods adjacent to Flume Pond along Buzzards Bay in Falmouth, MA. Long silky hairs along veins on back of leaves. Keys to V. dentatum or rafinesquianum but not clearly to one or the other. Surface of flower (around ovary under scope) shows no cilia. Other Viburnums here right now are only in early flower bud - a week at least away from flowering (like the Dentatum with round leaves).
    Answer
    Dear cknox, good morning. You appear to have photographed Viburnum dilatatum or V. wrightii, two non-native species from Asia that have minute, unstalked glands on the leaf blade surfaces. I can't tell you which one for certainty without additional images or a collection that I could inspect. Feel free to reach out to me directly (ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org) and we can get this plant identified for you (note: if it has passed flowering, that is acceptable, many of the characters that identify these two species are present throughout the growing season).
  • Question
    Re: Viola striata. Yes, teeny, tiny hairs on the margins of the sepals. Thanks!
    Answer
    Dear JuliaB, good morning. I would not be able to assist you without images. If you are having trouble uploading them, feel free to attach them to an email and send them to ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org and I will try to assist. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Established backyard area of Japanese Angelica? Very large colony including saplings, sprouts, and mature tree. Previous homeowner had the area cut down and herbicide applied but sprouts are still coming up from the stumps. Also, encroaching on the perimeter of the house. Need help identifying and removing! VERY aggressive sprouting. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, Kathy Easton, Ma Bristol County
    Answer
    Kathy, good morning. Please reach out to Erik Sechler <fsechler@NativePlantTrust.org>, he is the ecological programs coordinator and has experience dealing with invasive plant management. He should be able to offer you some direction. Good luck.
  • Question
    Hello Mr. Botanist, Is this Viola blanda? See pictures. Thanks, JuliaB
    Answer
    Dear JuliaB, good afternoon. You look like you may have photographed Viola striata. The plant in the pictures has an aerial stem (Viola blanda does not). I can't see the margins of the sepals, given the resolution, but they should have tiny hairs (cilia) along the margin. If you look with some magnification, you should be able to see them to confirm the identification. If the sepals are eciliate, then we need another hypothesis. Feel free to contact me at ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org to continue the conversation.
  • Question
    hello, I just want to know what your default nomenclature for Viola pallens is. It’s obvious from the gobotany page. -however I’ve heard its really macloskeyi ssp. pallens, ( listed as synonym on your page) and now Viola minuscula for most of the country except western regions. Any thoughts? thank you
    Answer
    Dear Ethnobotanist, for a long while, Viola pallens was considered to be a subspecies of the western Viola macloskeyi. Recent research reaffirms they are distinct species and should be treated as such. However, examination of the type material to which the name Viola pallens is based on shows that it is Viola palustris. So, the next available name was Viola minuscula (published in 1906). The recent for the number of name changes for this violet are based on recent phylogenetic studies and misapplication of names due to a misidentification. I hope this is helpful.
  • Question
    Hi Ace Botanists! =) Last summer in my yard I removed a bunch of invasive Campanula rapunculoides (bellflower) and replaced it with some Garden in the Woods Conoclinium coelestinum (mistflower). The mistflower was healthy, grew quickly, flowered and filled its patch. But this year when I look at where it was, all I see is bellflower, I think. I've spent some time with the GoBotany key and wikipedia, as well as iNaturalist. I guess I will wait for the flowers before pulling it up?
    Answer
    Dear waggledance, good morning. Conoclinum coelestinum has opposite leaves, but these are alternate (based on your nice images), which suggests Campanula rapunculoides. The leaf outline is a better match for the latter species. Because these bellflower has underground stems (i.e., rhizomes), it can be difficult to remove. It is capable of resprouting from the rhizomes. Good luck with your yard.
  • Question
    what plants are low maintenance for planters with full sun
    Answer
    Dear greenhouse, this resource from Native Plant Trust can help you find species that fit your criteria: https://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/Plant-Search. It is called Plant Finder. Good luck with your efforts.
  • Question
    I'd like to plant a native eastern white oak in northern NJ. Trouble finding one and often can't distinguish from various introduced white oaks and crosses. May have had good set 2 years ago and last fall, but the squirrels dug them out / nipped them. Prior year, collection came up English oak. Is there a good source, or reference to good sources? White oak acorns would need to be shipped quickly when in season, since they sprout so soon after falling.
    Answer
    Dear MentalNomad, distinguishing oaks in the mid-Atlantic states can be difficult due to the number of species that are present. It is clear from your question that you need to get out of the urban/suburban areas to avoid issues with Quercus robur (English oak). It should be possible for you to find large, native stands of Quercus alba (eastern white oak) for planting. But, you will need to make your collections in the fall (as you are aware) because members of the white oak section do sprout in Autumn not long after they fall from the tree. You will need to plant them at that time. This is one reason that black oak section is easier because the length of time for collection of that group of species is all fall and winter. I hope you are successful in locating a source. The online Go Botany dichotomous key will provide you with distinctions for these species and images to help you sort them out. I suggest that you examine this Native Plant Trust resource (https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/).
  • Question
    Can Hippeastrum change/turn into Crinium Americanus one year and then turn back to the Eastern the next year
    Answer
    Good morning. No, the species can change year to year. But, it is possible that both species are present and don't emerge simultaneously. Sometimes a two different species are present in the ground and one remains dormant and doesn't appear each year. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Why is Martynia annua excluded from the Proboscidea genus?
    Answer
    The two genera you mention are different morphologically, as they differ in calyx and pollen morphology (among other features). But, your question should be switched around, why is Proboscidea excluded from Martynia. Martynia was the first named genus in the Martyniaceae, and it has priority before of its earlier publication date. So, barring any nomenclatural issues (e.g., conservation of a name, rejection of a name), if the two genera were found to be a single taxonomic unit, the name Martynia would be used (not Proboscidea). I hope this is useful to your study.
  • Question
    Hello! I'm a passionate nature enthusiast from southwestern Connecticut. I'm trying to set up a native pollinator garden in my backyard this year, and while researching which plants to include, I started to wonder if I could help threatened species by growing them on my property, and possibly find local land restoration initiatives to participate in. I'm currently in college and looking for a career path as well, as someone with documented disabilities. Where can I find the information I seek?
    Answer
    Dear bumble_boline, good morning. I appreciate your consideration of pollinators and I think it is admirable you would like to create a garden. The planting of species of conservation concern has considerations that need to be taken into account. For example, sourcing these plants to promote native genotypes is imperative. And, it is possible for planted rare species to migrate off site and create new populations that can create philosophical issues surrounding conservation efforts. None of this is to curb your enthusiasm, but to try and elucidate issues that arise with the cultivation of rare species. Feel free to continue the conversation--my email address is ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org. Best wishes.
  • Question
    two unusual species that are ‘wild’ and in association that perhaps need mentioning. Sweet Bay Magnolia (probably). 2-3 plants. Evergreen-ish. Fragrant when bruised. Appropriate leaf and stem morphology?. Bald Cypress. 1 plant Knees. Needles.Deciduous. 'Wild?’:on Concord (MA) conservation land on the S. side of a protected swamp. The land seemsto be managed for less common NE species—It was William Brewster’s bird-watching camp- so early 20th century protection- or introduction?
    Answer
    Dear durantenge, good afternoon. Both of these species are planted in that area (certainly for the bald cypress). While sweet-bay is native to MA, it is not found in that particular area (to my knowledge) outside of intentional plantings. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi so I’ve been walking around my backyard using the plantnet app trying to identify some plants, and this one came up as wall lettuce. I just wanted to confirm this because I looked it up and saw that it’s not commonly spotted, so that would be cool!
    Answer
    Dear okmarchy, good morning. Wall-lettuce (Cicerbita muralis) has a different leaf blade outline than this. I think this is a case of the plant app getting tricked. That written, I don't have enough to go on to tell you who this plant is. If it produces any flowers/fruits, please send me another image so I can assist you. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Our school campus in Indo-nepal boarder has these variety of tiny flowers. Please mention their scientific and common names. The plants grow near maize fields..
    Answer
    Dear sekhar_sir, good afternoon. Unfortunately, I am not an expert in the flora of Indo-Nepal. I can only recognize higher ranks (and not species). The first image, the plant with white ray flowers, looks like a species of Galinsoga (quickweed), a member of the composite family. The second image, the species with yellow ray flowers, is also a member of the composite family and is grouped in the tribe Lactuceae (with genera such as Hieracium, Taraxacum, and the like). The last one, with white or pink flowers with yellow centers looks like a woody member of the vervain family, but I cannot tell you for certain and what genus it belongs to. I apologize, but this is the best I can do from half way around the world. Best wishes.
  • Question
    My parents recently grew this plant they received, does anyone know what it is called? I ate some of the fruit and liked it but have no idea what it's called. I was also told that this plant is in abundance in Southern China near though I have yet to verify that.
    Answer
    Dear Albedrt757, good morning. I don't know the name of this plant that you have posted images of. However, I do know that it is a member of the Solanaceae (nightshade family), and that it is likely a member of the genus Solanum (nightshade), the same genus that eggplant, tomato, and some other well-known nightshades belong to. I hope you are able to learn the full identity of this mystery plant.
  • Question
    This is a violet growing in the low, wet corner of my yard. Photos taken on May 14, 2024. I thought I had photos of the capsules later on in the year, but I can't find them sadly. I believe it is Viola affinis and I used the Flora Novae Angliae key (which I just bought :-) ) Some features that match up are: leaves narrow-ovate, uniform teeth along margin, sepals lanceolate, peduncles glabrous, and of course its habitat.
    Answer
    Dear ryan3476, good morning. Your violet is a bit of a puzzle. The ciliate sepals and ciliate leaf blade margin (nicely visible in your images) put this in the Viola sororia complex. I can't tell whether or not the spurred petal is pubescent (it is often difficult to see in images that don't specifically try to tease this out). I would have happily called this Viola sororia s.s. except that the leaf blades are more narrow (relative to width) than I typically observe. I don't know what part of New England this violet was photographed from, which would make a difference based on which species are likely to be present that may have contributed (through hybridization) to the features we observe now. You can reach me at ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org if you want to discuss this violet further. Best wishes.
  • Question
    hello. nashville, tn. i received a bromeliaceae plant for valentine's day. today 3/3 she is looking ill. not as vibrant as before. it also has some discoloration spotting that wasn't there when i first got it. i've let water sit in the center cup for 2days and noticed it wasn't draining so i took some water out. it now has white fuzzys mold like. please help save her.
    Answer
    Dear chunkymonkey7, often plants that get a white wild on them are being covered by something called "powdery mildew", a fungus that can harm the plant. There are multiple ways to deal with this, including clipping and removing affected parts, or using vinegar (mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a quart of water and place it in a spray bottle to mist the affected parts). You can also add baking powder (1 tablespoon to a quart of water) and mist that onto the plant. For prevention, keep the plant in an areas with good air flow and don't over water. I hope this helps.
  • Question
    I am hoping for some input on 2 shrubs I encountered on the shores of a salt pond on Martha's Vineyard. They were both about 12' high and very full. Pics 53 and 56 are one shrub, and 54 and 55 are the other. Is this enough information, and is there a standard format I should follow when submitting a request? Thank you very much for any inout you can provide!
    Answer
    Dear Wineyarders, the images you have sent are not of high enough resolution for me to help you with confidence. Can you please attach these to an email and send them to ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org? That would allow me to confirm my hypotheses (I do believe I know what at least one of the plants are, but I need to see details of the winter buds more clearly). Best wishes.
  • Question
    My name is Anas, and I live in Somalia. I found this tree in 2019, and I only have its seeds. The tree has been cut down, and I don’t know its name, I only have its seeds.
    Answer
    Dear Ayaxduliye, good morning. I'm sorry to learn that the tree has been felled. I am not familiar with the flora of Somalia, so even if an image of the tree's seed had uploaded I likely would not have been able to assist you. If you visit https://sweetgum.nybg.org/science/ih/ it can help you find plant museums in your area that will have staff that can assist you (by email and shared digital images). I hope you find the name for your tree. Best wishes.
  • Question
    What is the name of this plant
    Answer
    Dear sapna123, good morning. You appear to have photographed Fagus grandifolia (American beech) in the winter when the marcescent leaves have senesced and dried but still remaining on the plant. Best wishes.