Question: Help! Every new plant ID app needs an explanation. How do I get started?
answer: We’ve all been excited to plant something new, only to forget its name and details over time. Thankfully, we now have a variety of tools at our fingertips, literally. But with so many choices, how do you know which apps to trust? And are the answers reliable?
Embracing new technology can be daunting, especially when it comes to identifying plants in your garden. With a few simple tips, you can confidently use plant identification apps and tools to ensure your plants grow. Knowing exactly what you’re growing allows you to take proper care of it, from planting to pruning and everything in between. Additionally, identifying invasive exotic plants, weeds, and potentially poisonous plants is valuable information for all gardeners.
Start using the Plant ID app
Plant identification apps are generally very accurate and are constantly being improved. However, it is important to remember that plants can look different at different stages of development, and even slight differences between varieties or hybrids can cause confusion. Given the fact that human error (such as a blurry photo) can affect the results, it’s clear why you should be careful.
Here are some important points to keep in mind when using plant ID tools.
Don’t rely on just one source: These apps can be helpful, but they shouldn’t be your only source of information, especially when identifying wild edible plants. Always cross-reference with other reliable sources to ensure accuracy and safety.
Include images of flowers and fruits whenever possible. The science of classifying plants (taxonomy) is based on common characteristics of the reproductive parts of plants, so it’s important to include flowers and fruits in images uploaded to the Plant ID app.
Understand how the app works: Most plant ID apps use machine learning algorithms to recognize species from images. Accuracy depends on the quality of the images and the type of plant species covered by the app. Many apps focus on common or well-known plants and may not be able to identify rare or unusual species.
Consider geographic relevance: Some apps are suitable for certain regions. For example, an app developed in Europe or the US East Coast may not be as accurate at identifying plants native to California.
So what options do we have? Here’s an overview of some of the key tools available: (All apps below are free).
Apple visual lookup: Integrated into the Photos app on iOS, this feature lets you tap on a photo to get information about objects in the photo, such as the type of plant. It’s user-friendly and works seamlessly within Apple’s ecosystem. Take a photo and use the photo to identify the plant. Once you open the photo, look for the “i” icon at the bottom of the screen. If the visual lookup feature is available for that image, you’ll see a small glitter or star-like icon next to the “i.” Swipe up on the photo or tap the “i” icon to see visual lookup results.
Google Lens: Google Lens is available through the Google app, Google Photos, or Google Assistant on Android and iPhone. It is a versatile AI tool for analyzing and interpreting visual data. With the Google Lens app open, point your camera at a plant or upload an image stored on your phone, and Google Lens will provide relevant information. This app can be used to identify any object, not just plants.
i naturalist: This app is popular among nature lovers and citizen scientists. It can be used not only to identify plants, but also to identify other living things such as insects. Upload a photo and get plant identification through AI and community input. A great tool to learn more about plants and wildlife.
Search by iNaturalist: A more beginner-friendly version of iNaturalist, Seek allows for instant identification through camera views. Great for getting plant IDs quickly and easily.
plant net: Focused specifically on plants, PlantNet uses a vast database and AI to identify species based on photos. It is also a powerful tool for gardeners who want to contribute to scientific research.
leaf snap: Designed primarily to identify trees, LeafSnap uses visual recognition software to identify species by their leaves. It is especially accurate for trees in North America.
Once you’ve identified your plants using one of these apps, we recommend validating the results. Check the plant names suggested by the app against trusted databases such as the USDA Plant Database (plants.usda.gov) and www.calflora.org, a nonprofit database of native and exotic plants found throughout California. Please. Look for consistent descriptions, images, and growing conditions for your plants.
Using multiple apps can also help verify your identity. If you’re still unsure, take the time to observe your plants and note characteristics such as leaf shape, flower type, and growth habit. You can submit your findings to the app’s community for further validation. Additionally, you may submit photos to the Master Gardener Information Desk at mgsonoma@ucanr.edu or drop off specimens at the UCCE Sonoma office at 133 Aviation Blvd., Ste. 109, Santa Rosa. More information about our business hours can be found on our website at sonomamg.ucanr.edu.
final thoughts
Thanks to technology, identifying and caring for plants in your garden is easier than ever. Next time you’re not sure about plants, why not try one of these apps? Sustainable gardening practices start with having the right plants in the right places and knowing how to care for them. Correct plant identification is an important element in sustainability.
For more information and helpful video links about the applications discussed in this article, visit https://bit.ly/3B8QOoq from the University of California College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Contributors to this week’s column are John Dennis, Clio Taraji, Diane Judd, and Joy Lanzendorfer. University of California Master Gardener Program in Sonoma County https://sonomamg.ucanr.edu/ Provides environmentally sustainable, science-based gardening information to home gardeners in Sonoma County. Send your gardening questions to scmgpd@gmail.com. You can get answers to your questions either in this paper or at the information desk. You can contact the information desk directly. 707-565-2608 or mgsonoma@ucanr.edu.
