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Questions and Answers

2014

  • Question
    My daughter picked this off of a tree in a wooded area of our backyard in Westford, MA. The front is such a pretty variagated green and the back I don't know how to describe except to say that it isn't flat and looks like it would be soft to touch with many little growths! Mushroom or fern-like or what exactly? !
    Answer
    twexler, you've photographed a polypore fungus. The underside (where the pores are) has deteriorated a bit, so it now looks more like soft spines or teeth than pores (which is usual for this species). It looks most like an aged Trichaptum biforme (violet-spored polypore), who has lost its purple coloration (it only demonstrates this when fresh, not in age). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Could you tell me what this flowering plant is? Found on the edge of a wooded trail in late July, in a mixed wood forest in central Maine. Thank you very much!!
    Answer
    Dear firstlight, your plant is Spiraea tomentosa (rosy meadowsweet). This is a shrub in the Rosacease (rose family) that is common in wetlands and soils that are at least seasonally saturated (i.e., the ground may not be wet year round). Best wishes.
  • Question
    A few perigynia are curiously elongated in a specimen of Carex scabrata (collected in Maine 2007). I don't see any insect damage. Just wondering what would cause this, and how commonly it might occur.
    Answer
    Thokozile, I'm not sure in this case, but sometimes distortions of this kind are a response to fungal or insect infection. It is good to recognize these aberrant perigynia so that measurements aren't made on misleading ones. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Good afternoon! Could you please help with this shrub? I found it in Pittsfield, MA near Berkshire Community College bordering a sloping wet meadow. I was leaning towards Rhamnus cathartica, but I've never seen the bark peeling like that. Thank you!
    Answer
    Dear KDC, yes, you are correct. This is a species of Rhamnus, and from I can tell, Rhamnus cathartica. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I am sorry, uploading was giving me a problem yesterday....the photo of the plant referenced below (sedge in central Maine) is here. Also, thank you for identifying the Ilex. Are you certain of this? I know that shrub well, but am used to seeing it in much wetter habitats (this was quite a dry, upland site). Also, it was not as leggy and tall as it usually looks. It was close to the ground and quite bushy. Perhaps that growth habit is better suited to an open exposed site?
    Answer
    Dear firstlight, the image you've posted is a species of Sparganium (burr-reed). It looks like Sparganium americanum (American burr-reed); however, I can't see clearly enough to state that identification with 100% confidence. Yes, the image you posted of Ilex verticillata might seem misleading based on the ecology you mention, but they are not always found in close proximity to water and do occur in varied locations sometimes and some sites that seem quite upland can have seasonally saturated soils. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Found this lichen growing on my property - southern Taconic range in NE Dutchess Cty. Can you help me identify it?
    Answer
    Dear dsternberg, it looks like a species of Umbilicaria (rock tripe), though I am not a lichenologist. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild tracheophyes (i.e, vascular plants) of New England. However, we do try to answer all questions that are posted here. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I am guessing this is a sedge. At first I thought it was buttonbush based on the inflorescence. I've tried using the key, no luck. Found in central Maine at the edge of a small stream. Thank you!
    Answer
    firstlight, there is no image attached to this message, so I can't help you any further. If you can upload an image, I would be happy to assist.
  • Question
    I found this shrub on the edge of a blueberry field in Lincoln County, Maine. Can you please help me identify it?
    Answer
    firstlight, the shrub you have photographed is Ilex verticillata (common winterberry), a member of the holly family. It is a common shrub of wetlands in the state of Maine that has red fruits persisting long into the winter. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Can you ID this one please? Found on under power lines, in mesic soil, in Johnston, RI.
    Answer
    Dear dmcgrady, you've photographed a species of Ambrosia (ragweed). I am not able to tell from the images if this is Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed) or A. psilostachya (perennial ragweed). If you have these images in high resolution formats, feel free to send them to ahaines@newenglandwild.org and I might be able to make some details that I can't see in these pictures. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I'm wondering what type of plant this is. It was found near Amherst in a wooded area.
    Answer
    Dear Bio462student11, you have photographed a species of Persicaria (smartweed). It is likely either Persicaria maculosa (lady's-thumb smartweed) or Persicaria longiseta (Oriental lady's-thumb smartweed). I would need to see details of the stipules to answer you with confidence--but hopefully narrowing down to those two chooses can help you complete the identification. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Any ideas? Found in Amherst,MA
    Answer
    Dear faryan, the plant is Mitchella repens (partridge-berry), a member of the madder family (Rubiaceae). It remains green all winter and has an edible fruit with two circular scars on it (where each flower was attached to the common ovary). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Another plant, might be a willow. Found in Amherst/Hadley boarder.
    Answer
    Dear faryan, this plant is Elaeagnus umbellata (autumn-olive), a non-native species introduced from Asia. If you look closely, you will notice the leaves and branches have silver or brown scales (especially the lower surface of the leaf, which is completely covered with silver scales).
  • Question
    Found on Amherst/Hadley boarder in MA, any ideas?
    Answer
    Dear faryan, you appear to have photographed a species of Chamaecrista (sensitive-pea). I'm not able to tell which of the two species in New England you have from the photograph, but hopefully that will allow you to examine the Go Botany identification keys and complete the identification (alternatively, you can post additional images). Best wishes.
  • Question
    I asked a question about a "mystery grass" found on a dune in Rhode Island. I think I figured it out. It's not a grass! It's Asiatic sand sedge (Carex kokomugi Ohwi).
    Answer
    Michael, great! Glad you were able to confirm the identification. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Found this grass like plant near Ningret National Wildlife refuge, Rhode Island, growing in a dune environment adjacent to Ammophila breviligulata (dune grass) and Solidago sempivirens on Nov. 16, 2014. No seeds present, just a spindly remnant of an inflorescence. Round stem so assuming grass not sedge. I'm stumped.
    Answer
    Dear Michael, without reproductive material it would be difficult be to confident, but you may have photographed the non-native Carex kobomugi (Japanese sedge). If you can find any remnant inflorescences, it would be helpful.
  • Question
    Illinois, This plant was my mothers and was she gave it to me. I've had it for years and recently white flower buds started to show at the top of the plant it has a strong smell and sap.
    Answer
    Dear Xeomn, Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Though we are often able to assist with questions regarding cultivated plants, there are some that are unfamiliar because they are originating in distant parts of the world. In this case, I'm not able to offer you an identification. Best wishes.
  • Question
    We found this plant growing in our backyard this fall, It developed small yellow and orange flowers, and has begun fruiting. While flowering, I though it was a Lantana which is common in Phoenix, Az, but lantana do not fruit.
    Answer
    Dear lizzie, in this case I'm not going to be able to help. Arizona is far enough away from my region of expertise that some species are unfamiliar. I suggest you contact the facts at the University of Arizona (http://ag.arizona.edu/herbarium/home), where they would have local plant expertise. Beset wishes.
  • Question
    I received these Vines but were not what I ordered. Would you happen to know what they are? Thank you.
    Answer
    bozemeier, they appear to be Menispermum canadense (Canada moonseed). This is a liana (woody vine) that sometimes is confused with grapes (but moonseed does not have tendrils, among several other differences). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello! In the back of my house (Westford, MA) is a large wooded area... I think this has only been woods for the last 50 years and prior was part of cultivated farmland. My daughter found this plant (picture of its leaves, still green today Nov 15) on a plant less than a foot tall she thinks it is from some type of fern. The coin in the picture is a quarter for sizing... Could you tell us what the plant actually is?
    Answer
    twexler, your plant is Chelidonium majus (greater celandine). It is a non-native member of the poppy family that has been introduced to New England. If you pay close attention, the next time to pick a portion of the leaf (as you did to get this image), you will see a yellow latex exuding from the break. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi, I found this plant growing wild in the front yard in Westport, MA. and I'm hoping you can identify it for me. The berries and leaves look very similar to an elderberry plant that I recently purchased but the shape of the berry clusters is different. If they aren't elderberries, are they edible? Thank you!
    Answer
    Dear aniv6, it appears you have photographed a species of privet (Ligustrum), a member of the olive family (Oleaceae). There are four different species of privet in New England, and their identification relies on some details of the flowers and kinds of hairs found on the branchlets. Best wishes.
  • Question
    This plant with yellow flowers was found in Sunipee, NH near Ryder Corner Road. This area is a plaustrine wetland, but there were upland species mixed in. This picture was taken September 23, 2014. Any idea what it is?
    Answer
    Dear SRE, your image is a species of Sonchus (sow-thistle), a member of the Asteraceae (aster family) related to Taraxacum (dandelion). From what I can tell in your image, it appears to be Sonchus oleraceus (common sow-thistle). Let me know if I can help further.
  • Question
    hello! i would just like to ask you if you would know what plant this is? I have 3 other plants I would like to know thx. this is my first one. I will post the other 2 plants soon. and again thank you
    Answer
    Dear kevint, the bright flowers appear to belong to Bougainvillea (which is also the common name), which are species in the Nyctaginaceae (four-o'clock family). These are widely cultivated species. Best wishes.
  • Question
    its me again and could you identify these 3 plants? thank you! I found them in the hotel i was staying in. In jogjakarta, indonesia.
    Answer
    Dear kevint, Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England (i.e., northeastern United States). Cultivated plants of Indonesia are, unfortunately, far out of the range of species that we can help with. Though we do sometimes recognize the plant species, we can't always provide confident answers for such questions. I would suggest you try to locate a botanical garden or other such resource closer to your bioregion. Best wishes.
  • Question
    hello! i would just like to ask you if you would know waht plant this is? i have 3 other plants i would like to know thx
    Answer
    kevint, I don't see any image attached. Please try again so I can help you.
  • Question
    I found this image and the title is "beautiful-hibiscus-flowers-in-park" but I was not quite sure the flowers are really hibiscus. Could you please identify what flowers are they?
    Answer
    Dear m_no17, the image that has been supplied is not of sufficient size for me to provide a detailed response. That said, I can see certain details of the flower that do suggest this flower can belong to the genus Hibiscus or something closely related from the family (Malvaceae, mallow family). I hope that helps.
  • Question
    What is pollen tube made up of
    Answer
    The pollen tube is an extension of the pollen grain. It is composed of pectin, hemicellulose, cellulose, and callose. It grows rapidly from the apex and is designed to transport gametes from the pollen to the ovule.
  • Question
    I'm having extreme difficulty finding a way to identify this flower/plant and am hoping you know it or can point me in the right direction.
    Answer
    Dear Dee2edwards2000, your image appears to be a cultivar of a species of big-bracted-dogwood (genus Benthamidia, the group that Kousa big-bracted-dogwood and flowering big-bracted-dogwood belong to). This form is sometimes referred to as "magic dogwood". It is a Mexican species (urbiniana) named after Dr. Urbina.
  • Question
    This plant is on a roadside. Mid spring to early summer. The flower is small less than an inch in height. Any help identifying this plant would be appreciated. Tomsaw418
    Answer
    Dear tsawyer418, your plant is Trichostema dichotomum (forked bluecurls), a member of the Lamiaceae (mint family). The arched and in-curled stamens are a diagnostic feature of most members of this genus (there are some exceptional species that don't show this feature). Best wishes.
  • Question
    I found this fruit the last summer in Turkey
    Answer
    Nazim, there is no image attached so I cannot help you with your question. If you are having trouble posting an image, you can send it to "ahaines@newenglandwild.org" so that I may view it. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I have been hunting for wild ginseng and have dug up a few plants. Attached is a picture of a root of a plant that I believe to be ginseng and I'm hoping that you will be able to tell me yes or no. One individual told me it was sarsaparilla root. I found these plants on the eastern side of a mountain in the Appalachian Mountains in PA in a very rocky, steep area with all of the plants around it that is described on line as being neighboring plants. The leaves were in groups of 3-5 on each prong
    Answer
    Dear Bennyboy15857, those do not look like the roots of Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng). They may be the proximal portion of the stem and rhizome of Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), but they are not a perfect match for those I've seen in the northeast. Be sure if you are digging ginseng that you are replanting the fruits (i.e., following conscientious protocols to steward the populations). This plant is under threat due to over collection by those who don't practice traditional methods of ensuring continued harvests. Best wishes.
  • Question
    A co-worker found this bush near a building on a hill. He said it is about 7 ft tall and has/had feathery leaves. No other clues.
    Answer
    Dear Kate, it looks like a large plant of Asparagus officinalis (asparagus) that is turning its usual yellow color in the Autumn. I can't see the plant close enough in the image to tell for sure, but this distant shot does look like that species.
  • Question
    I found this plant tonight in a large field while flying my RC airplane. I thought it was mint, but upon picking it, I was surprised that it smelled more like the oregano I had grown in my herb garden this summer. So I was wondering, is this some kind of wild herb? Or is it just a simple weed??? It has pretty purplish edges to the leaves. It's very aromatic. I live in West Virginia.
    Answer
    Dear Firebird 63, members of the mint family have a wide range of odors, from peppermint, to spearmint, to pennyroyal, to basil, to thyme, to oregano, to rosemary. All of these are mints (i.e., members of the Lamiaceae). Some mints even have fruiting or citrus odors. Without flowers, I will not be able to help you with the identification any further than this. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I found several seedlings and one foot-tall specimen of this plant in an upland dry oak/pitch pine forest in Farmington, Ct. It appears to be Viburnum nudum, but I usually associate it with wetlands. Vaccinium corymbosum was growing nearby. Can you confirm from this photo?
    Answer
    Dear Steve, as best I can tell, the seedling you have photographed is Viburnum nudum or a related species. It has all the features I would expect for this species. Sometimes these plants do show up in odd locations. I can't be confident of this determination, but agree with you it appears to be that species. Best wishes.
  • Question
    there is no location except was delivered to a funeral, this pic is all i have ,and the thing that looks like grape is not part of plant we would like identification of the plant please
    Answer
    Dear drgfir, your plant appears to be a species of Croton in the Euphorbiaceae (spurge family), most likely Cordiaeum variegatum (garden croton). These cultivated plants are originally native to southern Asia. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I believe the plant I asked about is white aster, Symphyotrichum ericoides. The flowers helped to identify it. Thanks anyways!
    Answer
    Dear nchurch333, your plant (in flower) certainly looks like Symphyotrichum ericoides. The spine-tipped involucral bracts are a good morphological character for this species. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Do you know what this is? It was found on a small hillslope next to a road but I've seen it in multiple places.
    Answer
    Dear nchurch333, I can't tell for sure what you have photographed. I will need some more information, such as your location (I don't know what part of the world these plants are growing in). They are also vegetative at the moment--seeing reproductive material may be necessary. If you can post some images (with general location details) of the flowering plants, I may be able to assist you. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello, My name is Paola Stornant and I am growing sunflowers from a kit a friend gave me (it says it is a sunflower, so I am assuming it is) My sunflower bloomed last week. So yesterday I noticed 3 flowers were blooming from the back of the sunflower! I just thought this is a little unusual ... I have never seen anything like it. My question is if this has a name and if its usual or unusual. Thank you!! Paola Stornant from Houston, Texas. USA.
    Answer
    Dear Paozu00, your sunflower has merely produced three flower heads (called capitula) rather than one. This is common in many species, but relatively uncommon in the Helianthus annuus you have planted. However, it happens from time to time. Thank you for posting these wonderful pictures.
  • Question
    This was at a friends house and I have seen a few at our farm slightly bigger. I'm unsure of what it is and whether it is an invasive plant or not? We are located in Maine. Thank you.
    Answer
    HalfPineAcres, the large rosette of gray-green leaves is likely Verbascum thapsus (common mullein). They routinely produce large cycles of leaves like this in the first year, and will flower, fruit, and die in the next year. If you look at the hairs on the leaves under magnification, you will see they are highly branched.
  • Question
    Hello, I'm trying to identify this flowering shrub I find in South Kingstown, Rhode Island at Trustom Pond NWR. The closest I can seem to get would be Ageratina altissima, but I don't know if that is right or not.
    Answer
    Dear Diane, your plant is Bacharis halimifolia (eastern false willow). It is a member of the Asteraceae, composite family, that occurs along the edge of saline and brackish marshes and other near-coastal locations.
  • Question
    Hi, Could you ID this plant? It grows around Boquete, Panama. Likes both sun and shade. Found under trees. Has a non significant flower. Non-woody. It has a milky substance similar to Euphorias. Pinkish, green leaves and stems. Thanks! I think that I have seen it Oregon... Not sure though..
    Answer
    Dear maeleanore8, the image you posted is too small for me to identify your plant. From what I can tell, it could very well be a species of Euphorbia (spurge) as you suggested. There are species with white coloration on the leaves, such as Euphorbia marginata (mountain snow spurge), a species with prominent white borders. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi, Could you ID this plant? It grows around Boquete, Panama. Grows in both sun and shade. found under trees. Has a non significant flower. Non-woody. It has a milky substance similar to Euphorias. Pinkish, green leaves and stems. Thanks!
    Answer
    Dear maeleanore, you have not attached an image to this post, so I'm sorry I cannot help you identify the plant. Given your message and spelling of Euphorbia (as "Euphorias"), I may have already answered your question under another post. If not, please post an image and I will attempt to help. Best wishes.
  • Question
    We recently found this plant growing in a roadside ditch around the corner from our house in Huntington, MA 01050. The area where it is growing is somewhat damp all the time and retains a lot of water after a heavy rain. We tried to key it out with four wildflower guides we own, with no luck. Images are uploaded. Any ID help will be greatly appreciated! Thank you.
    Answer
    Dear kuvik, your plant is Agalinis tenuifolia (slender-leaved agalinis), a member of the Orobanchaceae (broom-rape family). This species is a hemi-parasite (i.e., it parasitizes other plants but also uses photosynthesis to acquire its food). Note the long pedicels (flower stalks) and the absence of hairs inside the corolla (these are good identifying marks for this species).
  • Question
    Hi. I think this plant is Potamogeton. vaseyi. I found it at Windling Trails, Farmington Ct. in a small still pond on Sept. 29, 2014. Does my photo verify it? Thanks, Steve Messier
    Answer
    Dear Steve, your image certainly looks like a plant of Potamogeton vaseyi, but I cannot see details of the stipules (which would be necessary for identification). If your plant has distinct stipules (i.e., not fused to the leaf for any distance), then I would say yes. Best wishes.
  • Question
    The plant pictured is in southeastern Ohio. It is a single plant currently about 8 feet tall with leaves nearly 2 feet in diameter. There have been no apparent flowers at least yet. Leaves are oppositely arranged.
    Answer
    ctaylor, thanks for the nice image and description of the plant. That helps me very much. Your plant is Paulownia tomentosa (empress-tree), a member of the Paulowniaceae. This is a species native to eastern Asia.
  • Question
    Hi, found in the Boquete area of Panama, has a milky substance like the Euphoria family, grown in both shade sun, non-woody, and no significiant flower,pink tinges to the leaves and stems. Gosh I should know this one :)
    Answer
    Dear maeleanore8, the image you posted is too small for me to identify your plant. From what I can tell, it could very well be a species of Euphorbia (spurge) as you suggested. There are species with white coloration on the leaves, such as Euphorbia marginata (mountain snow spurge), a species with prominent white borders. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Can you please help me identify this plant which has appeared in with my red peppers.
    Answer
    Dear Jaxx333, the plant you have photographed is Datura stramonium (thorn-apple). It is a weedy member of the Solanaceae (nightshade family). The distinctive fruits are a good identifying character for this species.
  • Question
    Hi - I sighted these grape-like fruits on a grape-like vine intertwined with Fox Grapes by the entrance to Ellisville Harbor State Park in Plymouth/Manomet, MA. They were growing on a fence and over some trees. The fruits ranged from white to blue to purple (ripest). I'd like to know what these are, and if they are edible. Thanks!
    Answer
    Dear larizzo, those fruits look like Ampelopsis glandulosa (Amur peppervine), a member of the Vitaceae (grape family). This species is native to Asia and invasive in parts of North America. Thank you for sharing the images.
  • Question
    What plant is this? Found in central long island?
    Answer
    Dear vbrink, this looks like a species of Lotus (bird's-foot trefoil), in the Fabaceae. Without being on hand to take measurements, it would be difficult for me to tell you which species it is. It looks like Lotus tenuis to me, given the narrow leaflets. Best wishes.
  • Question
    What is this plant? It's on Pea Island (ocean side), North Carolina.
    Answer
    Dear oskubaba, I see from another posting that you have identified this plant as Iva imbricate (seacoast marsh-elder). From examining images and the distribution records I have on hand, that identification looks correct. Nice job and best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello, So I am working as an intern, and we have been completing vegetation surveys and there are a few plants we can't seem to identify. Here is one we have been seeing quite often. We are working in central long island
    Answer
    Dear vbrink, the last two images of the robust herbaceous plant that is in fruit is Erechtities hieraciifolius (Americanu burnweed). This is a common species of disturbed soils. The seedling in the hand I cannot help with (sorry). Best wishes and happy to help further.
  • Question
    I'm in Roswell GA 30076 and I found this plant behind my building which are Condos. It was in a semi damp high shade area.
    Answer
    Dear grove33, the plant you have photographed appears to be Tradescantia zebrina. This is a species of spiderwort in the Commelinaceae. Common names vary by region, but this one is sometimes called "wandering Jew". Best wishes.
  • Question
    Sorry, I hit submit instead of upload and didn't include the 2nd photo I intended to for identification of the two plants. As I said in my first try, the bark of the plant on the right is grayish with a mottled appearance. Here are both of the photos this time. Thanks, lmc825
    Answer
    Imc825, the mountain-ash seedling I commented on in the previous post. The liana (i.e., woody vine) does appear to be Vitis riparia (river grape). Other species in New England would have the lower surface of the leaves prominently whitened or grayed by hairs or bloom. This is a native liana of New England.
  • Question
    Here are additional photos of the two saplings that you asked for to help you further in identification. The bark of the one with the pinnately compound leaves is gray and kind of mottled in color. Hope this helps. Thanks again.
    Answer
    Dear Imc825, this does look like a Sorbus (mountain-ash) seedling. The terminal winter buds on the branchlets should be dark and resinous (at least somewhat fragrant when bruised). If the branchlets and winter buds are pubescent with white hairs (abundantly so), it is the non-native Sorbus aucuparia (from Europe). If the branchlets are with few or no hairs and the winter buds have some hairs (but not densely covered throughout), it is one of two species native to North America. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Are there florets/seeds of Arrhenatherum elatius without the characteristic striped awn? could you please send photos of the florets without awns if there are any?
    Answer
    Dear akilaselvaraj, the lower lemmas of Arrhenatherum elatius always have awns (in my experience), but the upper lemmas of the floret sometimes do and sometimes don't. So, depending on which floret you are examining, it may or may not have an awn. If this does not help with your question, feel free to post further. Best wishes.
  • Question
    This plant looks like similax herbacea, but has absolutely NO SMELL anywhere. Not at the root and not at the pod. They are growing on our fence. There is a ditch within 5 feet, but it is only run off and not running water.
    Answer
    Dear Rubyslipperish, the plant is a species of Smilax, and does appear to be Smilax herbacea (carrion-flower), as I cannot see prickles anywhere in the images (which are found on all the woody species). Carrion-flower does not have an ill scent in its foliage or fruits. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Here are more photos of the blue aster in my question Abadams2
    Answer
    Thank you for posting additional images, that is very helpful. It is likely Symphyotrichum patens (late purple American-aster).
  • Question
    This is a blue aster in my massachusetts garden.part sun.dry and was purchased at garden in woods 15yrs ago. i want to get more! They suggested I ask you as they are not sure. Unlike a.novi, it always is the SAME blue, is not upright but horizontal and usually 18-24 inches max. blooms in sept. thankyou!
    Answer
    Dear abadams2, the plant looks like Symphyotrichum patens (late purple American-aster). The clasping leaves are characteristic of this species, along with the ray flower color and details of the involucral bracts (the green bracts below the flowers at the base of each flower head). You can confirm this identification by looking at the involucral bracts with magnification--they should have stipiate-glands (i.e., tiny hairs with an expanded gland at the apex). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Last question of the day (I think!) We have seen these acorns with red, round, firm "berry-like" attachments. I cannot find anything that explains this
    Answer
    Diane, these are galls on the oak. They are frequently made by a species of wasp. They are commonly produced on the leaves, but infrequently on the nuts. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I cannot find what this plant is. Location: Trustom Pond NWR, Wakefield, RI Thank you!
    Answer
    Diane, this is Eupatorium perfoliatum (boneset thoroughwort). It is a member of the Asteraceae (composite family). It is identified (in part) by its opposite leaves with fused bases so that the stem appears to pierce through the leaves. Notice also the flat-topped array of flower heads with white flowers.
  • Question
    Good morning! I have a tree that is growing in Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in Wakefield, RI. I'm attaching a couple of photos, lighting is not particularly good (sorry). What is interesting is the circular "lacy" growths, I'd say "flowers" but I don't know if that is what they actually are. Can you help? Diane
    Answer
    Diane, you'rve photographed Aralia elata (Japanese angelica-tree). This is a species native to Asia that has been introduced to New England. The "growths" you refer to are the inflorescences (the arrays of flowers), some of which have matured into fruit. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I came across two different saplings when I was clearing some low growing vines from the wooded edge of my yard in southwestern Vermont. I noticed a couple of days later that deer had grazed the ferny looking ones. Can you identify them for me so I can decide whether to leave them or not? Thank you very much.
    Answer
    Dear Imc825, the first image, a plant with pinnately compound leaves, I cannot identify without additional images. It looks like a species of Sorbus (mountain-ash), but there are other species it could be. I would need an image from the side (not from above) to confirm for you. The second image appears to be a species of Vitis (grape). Again, I would need additional images to confirm which species you have. This is a liana that will climb up into canopy given enough time. Best wishes.
  • Question
    What is this tree? I have never seen one like this in Massachusetts. It was planted in a town common in Cohasset, ma (south shore).
    Answer
    Dear katieh, the tree is Koelreuteria paniculata (golden rain-tree). This woody plant is native to Asia and is a member of the Sapindaceae (the soapberry family), the family to which maples and buckeyes belong to. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi - would love to know what this plant is. Many thanks in advance! Evan
    Answer
    Dear Evan, I'm sorry that I'm unable to help with your identification. Go Botany is website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Though I'm happy to entertain all plant questions, cultivated species are outside of my realm of expertise. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, woodlands, wetlands, Windham, NH. This plant is what I would call furry or fuzzy.
    Answer
    tracyd123, this is the first-year plant of Verbascum Thapsus (common mullein). In the second year it will form a flowering stem, fruit, and then die. If can have the means to look at the hairs with magnification, you will see that they are branched (in this case, stellately branched), which is a good identification character.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH. Bright red berries on bush about 3' high.
    Answer
    tracyd123, this is a species of Ilex (winterberry), a member of the Aquifoliaceae (holly family). Without details of the fruiting sepals, I cannot tell you for sure which one it is, but most likely it is Ilex verticillata (common winterberry).
  • Question
    This was taken by a friend in citified Chicopee, Mass. The fruit looks like an unripened tomato and growing up thru the sidewalk cement. Is it an edible fruit?
    Answer
    tracyd123, yes, it certainly looks like Solanum lycopersicon (garden tomato). These spring up occasionally in odd places. I was recently at the base of a remote cliff in western Maine and found a tomato growing there (possibly seeds from a hikers sandwich fell out and germinated--who knows?). Best wishes.
  • Question
    I followed your instructions for specie ID of Lycium. The leaf blades were under 50 mm, calyx numbered 4 consistently, 3.5 mm, 2 lobed, lobes 1mm. Thanks, that was fun.
    Answer
    brucepiper40, there are some conflicting characters in the list you present. By that, I don't mean you have done anything incorrect, but that the plant is displaying some characteristics of different species. This is not uncommon with cultivated material (i.e., it doesn't always match the dimensions of wild plants). It is likely you have Lycium chinense (Chinese matrimony-vine, also called Goji). Best wishes.
  • Question
    What is this plant? We have it in lots of places in our yard in Pepperell. Thanks!
    Answer
    Dear snarf, the plant is a species of Persicaria (smartweed). Without some close-up details, I cannot tell you with confidence what species it is. Given the habitat and the dark blotches on the leaves, it likely could be Persicaria maculosa (lady's thumb smartweed). Best wishes.
  • Question
    This sprung up at my bird feeder and I never seen it before. Dont know if its from birdseed or what. The panicles seem to be the male portion with green pods at their base. Just out of curiousity I'd like to know what it is. Thanks!
    Answer
    Dear majikman1, the plant you have photographed is Ambrosia trifida (giant ragweed). It is a common species of cultivated fields and agricultural areas and does sometime become a "contaminant" in bird seed. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I need you help identifying a plant that looks like berberis, except that it has blue flowers in September. I have seen it growing just above high high tide on rocky coastlines in Hull and Salem. It has the habit of Barberry, some thorns on older stems, and a red drupe.
    Answer
    brucepiper40, you have photographed a species of Lycium (matrimony-vine), a member of the Solanaceae (nightshade family). There are two species that have escaped in New England, but I cannot tell you for certain which species you have without some careful measurements. The identification key for the two species is as follows: 1a. Calyx usually 2-lobed with each lobe 2- or 3-toothed near the apex, 3–4 mm long; corolla lobes subglabrous, the lobes obviously shorter than the basal, connate portion; leaf blades 20–30 × 3–6 . . . . . . . . . . . L. barbarum 1b. Calyx 3- to 5-parted to near half way to base, 4–5 mm long; corolla lobes pubescent near the margin, the lobes as long as or longer than the basal, connate portion; leaf blades 15–50 (–100) × 5–25 (–40) . . . L. chinense
  • Question
    Taken roadside, woodlands, wetlands, Windham, NH. These are very tiny.
    Answer
    tracyd123, these capitula (flower heads) belong to Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (calico American-aster). This species has small capitula with short, white ray flowers and disk flowers with relatively long, recurved lobes. This is a common species that can tolerate shade.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, woodlands wetlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    tracyd123, the blue flowers in this image below to Hosta lancifolia (narrow-leaved plantain-lily). The leaves (which I do not see in the image) can be seen on the Go Botany, they are all basal, with prominent, nearly parallel veins, and entire margins.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    tracyd123, you have photographed Celastrus orbiculatus (Oriental bittersweet). This is a liana with orange capsules found in small cymes in the axils of leaves.
  • Question
    Here's a close up of what I think is Lady's Thumb? Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    tracyd123, sorry, I cannot confirm this with confidence. Your image could be of Persicaria longiseta (Oriental lady’s-thumb smartweed). To tell what species you have for sure, I would need a close-up image of the tubular sheath found at each node (which will have a ring of bristles at the summit). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Wild grape or canadian moonseed? Strong grape scent. When grape is opened there are two seeds. Found in a park in Mansfield, CT.
    Answer
    jrhodes, your image is of Vitis labrusca (fox grape). Notice the dense layer of gray or red-gray hairs on the lower surface of the leaf blade (not present in Menispermum canadense). Also, grapes have tendrils produced opposite the leaves, no other family of plants displays this character (including Menispermaceae). This gives you a way to grapes apart from moonseeds.
  • Question
    Is this spice bush? Found in a park in Mansfield, CT.
    Answer
    jrhodes, you have photographed a species of Ilex (winterberry), a member of the Aquifoliaceae (holly family). I cannot tell you for certain which species without a close-up photograph of the fruiting sepals, but it is likely you have Ilex verticillata (common winterberry).
  • Question
    Found in Mansfield, CT.
    Answer
    Dear jrrhodes, your image is Swida amomum (silky dogwood), identified this time of year by its red-brown to red branchlets (with brown pith if you have a chance to examine this) and blue fruits. Often confused with Swida sericea (red-osier dogwood), this species has white pith and usually white fruits.
  • Question
    could u please identify this plant
    Answer
    Dear 1212, none of your posts have images associated with them. One method you can use is to attach the images to an email and send them to gobotany@newenglandwild.org. Best wishes.
  • Question
    could you please identify these plants for me.
    Answer
    Dear 1212, there is no image attached to this message. If you intended to attach images and are having difficulty, please post a comment here so we can find a method of having your plant images reviewed.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, woodlands wetlands, Windham, NH. Is this Lady's Thumb?
    Answer
    Dear tracyd123, I can't tell you for certain that this species is Persicaria maculosa (lady's-thumb smartweed). To do that, I would need some details not visible in this photograph. It is certainly a species of Persicaria and could be the species you have suggested. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH. Is this spotted touch-me-not?
    Answer
    tracyd123, yes, your plant is Impatiens capensis (spotted touch-me-not). We have two other species in this genus in New England, but neither of them have flowers with both orange and yellow coloration. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I found this plant growing alone in between a wood fence a metal fence i dug up and potted now need to know what it is i have tried looking online and all i found was a choisya ternata but leaves are not in 3's
    Answer
    Snowwhite, sorry, we can't help with this one. Go Botany is website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Though we are happy to entertain all plant questions, species from outside this area are not always known to us. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Can you tell me what this is i found it growing outside near a fence alone
    Answer
    Snowwhite, I'm sorry, we are unable to help. If you have any reproductive material (such as flowers), we might be more successful. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Here is a picture of a plant I found in Mooselookmeguntic Lake, ME.....about 4 a 5ft of water, growing between two large rocks. I was doing an invasive aquatic plant survey and want to know what to call it in the report. Any thoughts? Thanks.
    Answer
    Dear Plantperson, you have not photographed a tracheophyte (higher vascular plant), rather an aquatic moss. It likely belongs to the genus Fontinalis. I hope this is able to get you started on your research into what species this is. Though we are happy to try to entertain any plant questions, Go Botany is a site dedicated to wild tracheophytes of New England. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I wonder if you can ID this for me, please. It is growing in a rocky area on the RI coastline. Sorry, no flowers!
    Answer
    ganders, Your image appears to be of a species of Barbarea (yellow-rocket). Without flowers or a close-up image of the fruit, it will be difficult to tell if you have Barbarea vulgaris (garden yellow-rocket) or Barbarea stricta (upright yellow-rocket). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Please help me confirm the ID of this bush. It is on our property in Maine. I think it is Viburnum nudum (wild raisin). There are a few rounded teeth on the leaves, the petiole does have wings and the flower bud seems to be only partially cover by the scales. Nasami would like me to collect seed and I want to make sure the ID is right. Thanks.
    Answer
    Dear Plantperson, the plant in the image is Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides. The fruits will be ripe near the end of this month (September). Beautiful images, thank you for sharing.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH. Bright red berries - ? toxic?
    Answer
    Dear tracyd123, the red berries you have photographed likely belong to Solanum dulcamara (climbing nightshade). The leaves in the image to do go with those fruits. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi - fantastic site! Just stumbled upon it online... I have a question I'm hoping you can offer guidance on. I'm growing the following plants around my apartment in vases of water: english ivy, philodendron, spider plants, mint, jade, and basil. Would you be able to recommend the best general nutrient for me to use given this grouping of plants and given that I am growing them in water? Any help would be appreciated. Many thanks! egrove12
    Answer
    egrove12, sorry, we can't help here. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. The affiliated Garden in the Woods is growing plants in soil (not water), so there is little we can offer besides suggesting you find a local hydroponic shop to ask questions. Best of luck with your project.
  • Question
    Thank you for all your answers to my questions in the past--here's a couple more. The first is this tiny charming little blue/yellow flower--taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    tracyd123, this plant is Commelina communis (Asiatic dayflower), a native of Asia that has become naturalized in New England.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    tracyd123, this is a species of Euonymus (spindle-tree). The corky wings on the branchlets and very short petioles indicates this is Euonymus alatus (winged spindle-tree).
  • Question
    Taken roadside, woodlands wetlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    tracyd123, I cannot tell you what species has been photographed without additional images or a description of the foliage.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, woodlands wetlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    tracyd123, this photograph is of Viburnum acerifolium (maple-leaved viburnum). Note the palmately lobed leaves and blue fruits, good identifying characters for this species.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    tracyd123, this is Phytolacca americana (American pokeweed), a robust herbaceous plant that is usually found in open, recently disturbed sites.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH. I think this is Japanese knotwood? (from an article I read online recently).
    Answer
    tracyd123, yes, very like Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed). It has a hybrid with another species of knotweed that occurs in New England, but it is less common. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    Dear tracyd123, this is another image of Apios americana (groundnut). The name refers to the edible tuber that is found along the thin rhizome.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, woodlands wetlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    tracyd123, no image is associated with this question.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH. ? Indian Pipe or Fiddlehead Fern?
    Answer
    tracyd123, these are Monotropa uniflora (one-flowered Indian-pipe). These are non-chlorophyllous members of the Ericaceae (heath family). If these were ferns fiddleheads, they would have come up long ago (in the spring).
  • Question
    Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    tracyd123, you have photographed either a species of Pseudognaphalium (rabbit-tabacco) or Anaphalis margeritacea (pearly everlasting). I would need to see additional images to be certain of what species you have photographed. The white involucral bracts around the yellow disk flowers suggests the latter, but that species usually has more hemispherical capitula (flower heads). Sometimes photographing one individual doesn't capture the necessary variation in the population to be certain of an identification. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    Dear tracyd123, these are the flowers and leaf of Apios americana (groundnut). This is a member of the Fabaceae (legume family). Though it occurs in a variety of habitats, it is most frequent in riparian (i.e., riverside) forests.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    Dear tracyd123, you have photographed a species of Cirsium (thistle), but without images of the leaves and stem, I cannot tell you which species. I would encourage taking more images of the plants you are interested in or (if you have done this) uploading more images. In doing so, I would be able to help you further.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    tracyd123, these are the fruits of Vitis (grape). But I cannot identify the species with confidence because there are no images of the leaves. The size and number of the fruits suggests Vitis labrusca (fox grape), but that is merely an educated guess.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    Dear tracyd123, these are the leaves of sumac (Rhus). However, I can't tell whether they are Rhus hirta (staghorn sumac) or Rhus glabra (smooth sumac) because the image doesn't show the branchlets. If you can examine the branchlets for hair and bloom, you will be able to complete the identification. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Love this site. Thank you so much for past and future identification of our NH woodlands plants. This one taken in Windham, NH, roadside, wetlands woodlands.
    Answer
    Dear tracyd123, without images of the leaves, I can't be sure of this plant. The shape of the involucre (the series of bracts surrounding the fruits) suggests Erechtites hieraciifolia (American burnweed). Perhaps you can confirm this identification from your memory of the plant with comparison of leaf images.
  • Question
    Taken roadside, wetlands woodlands, Windham, NH.
    Answer
    Dear tracyd123, this image is of the fruits of Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-pulpit), a member of the Araceae. Beautiful.
  • Question
    Love this site. Thank you for all your help past and future in identification of beautiful woodlands plants. This one taken in Windham, NH, roadside, wetlands woods.
    Answer
    tracyd123, there is no image attached to this message, so I'm sorry I cannot assist with the identification.
  • Question
    Is this picture better?
    Answer
    Dear cranblarry, thank you for the additional image, it confirmed my hypothesis. Your plant is a species of Physalis (ground-cherry), a member of the Solanaceae (nightshade family). The cultivated tomatillo is a member of this genus with larger, less sweet fruits. The fruit (a berry) will be enclosed in the accrescent calyx (sepals that continue to grow during development of fruit). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Regarding our Strophostyles conversation, I thought I thought I should say what led me to think it was the perennial species, based on that species page: (1) flowers on longer stalks, (2)"hood" of flower less deeply indented, and (3) middle picture of leaves seems to match pretty well. Thanks for your help.
    Answer
    Dear chaffeemonell, all of those observations you have made a true of your plant; however, those characteristics are not always diagnostic. So, while some sources may use them, they sometimes fail to identify the plants. Here is a set of characteristics that are much more reliable: 2a. Bracteoles 1.5–4.2 mm long, lanceolate, acute at the apex, usually as long as or longer than the basal connate portion of the calyx; leaflets frequently with a lobe on one or both margins, the terminal one 25–36 mm wide and 1.5–3 times as long as wide; beak of keel petals slender, ca. 1 mm in diameter at the base, projecting away from the banner petal . . . . . . . . S. helvola 2b. Bracteoles 0.8–2.4 mm long, ovate to oblong, blunt, usually shorter than the basal, connate portion of the calyx; leaflets usually lacking lobes, but the margins sometimes sinuate, the terminal one 3–20 mm wide and 2.2–8 (–10) times as long as wide; beak of keel petals stouter, 1.5–2 mm in diameter at the base, oriented to be closely associated with the banner . . S. umbellata
  • Question
    This was taken in Windham, NH--roadside--marshy, boggy area. elderberries? wild sasparilla? or something else? toxic? edible? thank you.
    Answer
    tracyd123, this is Sambucus nigra (black elderberry). The fruits are edible, and though slightly sweet, have a somewhat rank smell/flavor that some people do not enjoy. Elderberry is most commonly used as an antiviral (a syrup is made from the berries) that has ample documentation of its efficacy. Best wishes.
  • Question
    This shrub or small tree is growing in what was once a manure pile at the edge of the woods here in southeastern Vermont. It has large leaves and pinkish flowers. It is the only one that I have seen in this area. Can you help me identify it and is it native or something that came from seed in the manure pile? Thank you. Lynne
    Answer
    Dear Imcass, this plant is Phytolacca americana (American pokeweed). It is a robust herbaceous plant (not a shrub or tree). The flowers will mature as dark purple berries. Phytolacca americana is a species that is common in agricultural areas where the disturbance keeps a canopy from forming and shading the plants.
  • Question
    Sorry--I thought my location on the last post pinpointed it. I am in Windham, NH--off a dirt road--in the wetlands--these berries were seen in a marshy, boggy area near the spotted touch me nots and joe pye weed. They're about 5-6" tall--i took a close up of the leaves as requested. I'm wondering if these are elderberries, and edible or something else and toxic? Thank you again.
    Answer
    tracyd123, I apologize for any confusion, but I don't know that photographs are associated with each other, so I can't assume that the location information for one photograph applies to another. Your plant is Sambucus nigra (black elderberry). It is not poisonous, rather, it has a long history of use as food and medicine.
  • Question
    Hello again - and thanking you in advance for all your help. Is this ragweed? Seen in Windham, NH roadside, woods.
    Answer
    Dear tracyd123, your photograph is of a species of Artemisia (wormword), most likely Artemisia vulgaris (common wormword), though the image doesn't provide enough details for me to be confident. If this plant is near you, you can compare images and the description found on the Go Botany website to confirm. Best wishes.
  • Question
    This plant showed up in my vegetable garden in Murrieta, California. It has a thick stalk and branches out in a spreading sort of manner. I have been afraid to touch it because I'm afraid it could be some sort of poison ivy. it just keeps growing and making little face-down yellow flowers--no vegetables. Do you think it could be poisonous?
    Answer
    Dear cranblarry, thanks for posting your image. Unfortunately, the photograph does not provide a view of the flowers. If you were able to post an image that showed the flowers (i.e., an image from the opposite perspective as this), I may be able to assist you. Best wishes.
  • Question
    This plant is growing in a rocky area on the shore in southern RI. It is currently in flower, but I also have a photo of it gone to seed. My first thought on looking at it was that it was like a campion, but that conclusion didn't pan out. Neither did my search in Newcomb's. Looking forward to your answer.
    Answer
    Dear Ganders, your plant is Epilobium hirsutum (hairy willow-herb). The four-lobed stigma, pink flowres, opposite leaves, evidently hairy stems, and notched petals are all good field characters for this species.
  • Question
    Hi my name is Jeremiah Welch, i am 13 years old. What do you think about my hypothesis? Last year my science class went on a field trip to Catalina Islands Marine Institute (CIMI). One of the things we learned there was that seaweed has fast regenerative cells. So my hypothesis is that if you extracted the DNA from seaweed and made a hybrid from the DNA of lets say a giant sequoia. Instead of taking 20 years it would only take 2-6 years because it would have the regenerative cells in it.
    Answer
    Dear miahpow, creative thinking for sure. But I think you are confusing the ability to regenerate (i.e., grow back from harm or age) with the ability to grow very quickly. Sequoias need a long time to lay down all of the cells that will form the trunk, branches, and leaves. The ability to regenerate would not speed this process up. Further, genetic engineering frequently has unintended consequences that were not considered when the idea was initially formulated. Best wishes!
  • Question
    Are these elderberries or wild sasparilla or something else? edible? toxic? thank you.
    Answer
    Dear tracyd123, your image does not provide enough details for me to make a confident determination. I also don't know where this image comes from (e.g., the northeast, Africa, Asia). If you can present some further details, especially an image of the leaf and the location of this photograph, I would be able to help you. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I have not seen it in the field but people I work with have brought it to me a few times in the last few weeks and I have been unable to identify it. The leaves are entire with scattered hairs on the underside. At every node there are two opposite leaves with a 'compound' leaf growing from the axil of just one of the leaves. The cut stem is very milky and sticky. Grows in dry relatively disturbed open habitat along the coast... seen with bayberry, beachgrass, and bittersweet.
    Answer
    Erin, the plant is a species of Apocynum (dogbane), most likely Apocynum androsaemifolium (spreading dogbane). This species has simple, opposite leaves that will exude a white latex when broken (as you noted). You can see images of the flowers on Go Botany: https://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/species/apocynum/androsaemifolium/
  • Question
    This plant seems to fit into the Strophostyles genus, and the flower shape seems to match best with S. umbellata. Found in the back yard of Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats, Newburyport, where we are making a survey of the wildlife, yet your description says it is too far north. Am I in the wrong genus?
    Answer
    Dear Chaffee, your plant is Strophostyles helvola (annual woolly bean). You are correct in identification of the genus. Strophostyles umbellata (perennial woolly bean) is different and has narrower (actually and relatively) leaflets, so the leaves have a very different look from the species you've photographed.
  • Question
    Here's one at the upper reaches of the tidal zone at Joppa Flats, Newburyport. Also found at Deer Island in the same zone. Rivals cattails in height. Stem to the touch seems octagonal. Reminds me of the mint family and some Rumex.
    Answer
    Dear Chaffee, your plant is Amaranthus cannabinus (salt marsh water-hemp). It is usually found on brackish river shores and similar locations (rarely found on inland waterways). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello. Thanks for the suggestions to look up a local herbarium. I've sent out a few emails and hopefully can contact someone locally. In the meantime I've got a plant from near central Maine (about 30 miles northwest of Bangor). The site is a forested swamp, and likely sees occasional human disturbance. I think it's part of the Geum family, but can't place exactly what species of avens it is. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!
    Answer
    kkl234, your plant is a species of Geum (avens), and resembles Geum aleppicum (yellow avens) in many features. I would not be able to tell you with 100% certainty without an image of the basal leaves and a close up image of the pedicels. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello. I'm trying to figure out if this plant is Alnus incana, Hamamelis virginiana, or something else altogether. It was found around 35 northwest of Bangor, Maine in a forested, disturbed swamp. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you!
    Answer
    kkl234, The leaves you've posted look like Alnus incana (speckled alder). This would also make sense given your location. Thank you for posting.
  • Question
    Hi! I'm a master gardener intern in RI and have been stumped trying to id this plant. It popped up in a perennial garden. It has single red stems with opposite serrated leaves and a red central vein (about halfway down). The leaves have a very fine red edge. It is past bloom and I don't know what the flowers looked like but they were in small clusters. I have been researching Eupatorium, E. perfoliatum, Ageratum as well as milkweed, dogbane and countless others. Thanks for any help you can give!
    Answer
    Kvincent1221, Diervilla lonicera (bush-honeysuckle), as you've already figured out. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I posted a question earlier and wanted to let you know I discovered the answer at long last. The plant is a bush honeysuckle, Diervilla lonicera. Thanks for offering this resource. I'm sure to be using it again!!
    Answer
    Kvvincent1221, I'm glad to read you found an answer to your question. I hope we see more posts here in the future. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi, i know little english.i sorry. İ living in the turkey. İ trying hobby plants. But i not know names to plants. what is this id plant? Thank you.
    Answer
    Dear damesi26, thank you for posting these beautiful images. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of the northeastern United States. Therefore, many plants posted from distant lands we cannot confidently identify. Your species is a member of the Asteraceae (composite family). Further, it belongs to the same tribe of plants as Taraxacum (dandelion), Lactuca (lettuce), and Cichorium (chichory). However, I can't tell you any more specifics about your plant. Best wishes.
  • Question
    As mentioned in the last couple questions I'm working through old field sampling photos to ID plants on some study sites (all from Maine and northern New York). I've used the dichotomous keys to help ID many of the plants, but am stumped on approximately 30 unidentified plants. Would you have any additional suggestions for ways to ID the remaining photos or know of anyone I could contact in Maine. I'd like to avoid asking so many questions and bombarding this site!
    Answer
    kkl234, you can try contacting a local herbarium, where people often enjoy helping people work through plant samples. The is a website called Index Herbariorum that can help you located nearby museums. In the mean time, we can continue to work through your images (please post one or two at a time to make it easy for me to reference your images in the response). Best wishes.
  • Question
    I want to find the name of this plant, which flowers at the beginning of August, with lemon yellow tubular flowers, and does not attract deer at all. I would like to get more but cannot identify it.
    Answer
    Dear woodenfloor, there are no images attached to this question, so I cannot help you. If you are having difficulty, please use the email gobotany@newenglandwild.org to send images for review.
  • Question
    One more question from the northern New York and Maine plants. This is another plant from a forested, swampy area, sampled at the end of June. Unsure what species it is. Originally thought it belonged to the violet family (a guess was made for northern blue violet), but I'm pretty sure that's not the case, particularly with the toothed margins. There were no flowers at the time of sampling, but it was a cold spring and most plants weren't flowering yet. Suggestions appreciated. Thanks!
    Answer
    kkl234, I can't be sure of the species from the images provided, but it looks like Symphyotrichum cordifolium (heart-leaved American-aster). It is a species that is frequent in many kinds of forested habitats.
  • Question
    I'm sorting through my field sampling photos from Maine and northern New York taken in May/early summer and found another set of problem plants. Is there any good way to differentiate between (1) Wild leeks, (2) Bluebead lily, and (3) Trout lily? I only have pictures to go on, and many of our sites (all swampy or wet) contain 1, 2 or all 3 species. Thanks so much for all the help; it's much appreciated!
    Answer
    kkl234, Erythronium americanum has mottled leaves and a capsular fruit that is triangular in cross-section. Allium tricoccum has green leaves that emerge from a bulb, its fruit is a capsule with black seeds (not appearing until later in summer). It will also smell strongly of onion/garlic when bruised. Clintonia borealis has green leaves that emerge from a slender rhizome and the fruit is a blue berry. I hope this helps.
  • Question
    About 15 years ago my friend's mother passed away. My friend kept her plant and gave me a clipping, but I don't know what it's called. It has lasted so long and we keep taking clippings and planting them. Can you tell me what it is?
    Answer
    Dear educ8r, without an image, I cannot help you. If you can post an image, I would certainly try. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I have seen two different ideas about Calopogon tuberosus pollination. One is when the labellum folds with a bee, the plants is pollinated be the bee wiggling free. The other says that the pollen is deposited on the bee's back, then it flies to the next flower and repeats the process. Then the pollen from the first flowers is transferred to the new one. Which is correct or is it both?
    Answer
    Dear juice152, this account comes from the Flora of North America treatment of Calopogon: Calopogon appears to exhibit deceit pollination (L. van der Pijl and C. H. Dodson 1966; L. B. Thien and B. G. Marcks 1972; D. H. Firmage and F. R. Cole 1988; J. T. Boland and P. J. Scott 1991). This occurs when pollinating bees land on the lip and try to gather pollen off the large hair-like protuberances that resemble anthers. The weight of the pollinator causes the lip to fall, dropping the pollinator backwards onto the column; pollinia adhere to the back of the bee and subsequently are carried to another flower. Soft pollinia in Calopogon had been noted to be an evolutionary reversal to facilitate pollination by hairy bees (W. P. Stoutamire 1971). Let me know if I can help further.
  • Question
    Sorry, i just asked a question about Common Ground Nut, i then read other questions and answers, and saw "escyr" asked a question I've been asking everyone for a few years now. While out riding motorcycles i too often smell a plant that smells peppery-spicy, and musky. I have smelled it in many different places in New Hampshire in the late summer. I can only name one place i always smell it, and that is on Route 4, in Danbury, NH (43` 30'48.6''N ~ 71`52'07.6 ''W) Hope this helps! Tiffanie
    Answer
    Tiffanie, I would need to see images of the plant. If you ever narrow it down, take an image and post it here so I can help further.
  • Question
    Out walking my property i found some Common Ground Nut. I was wondering if i could dig it up, and plant it in my wild flower garden, and what time of year this should be done, if it can be. Thanks, Tiffanie.
    Answer
    Tiffanie, I am guessing that you could carefully remove it (by unearthing the tubers) and transplant it. Apios Americana (groundnut) often grows in riparian forests where new silt is deposited each year. Sometimes, these species adapted to certain soils will grow for a time in another location but may not remain for many years. I have not transplanted it before, so I am sorry to say that I cannot speak from experience with this species. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I have another plant from both Maine and northern New York. It was found in forested swampy, moist habitats in May/early spring. I originally thought it belonged to the dogwood family, and then stumbled across Cornus slavinii: a hybrid between Cornus (or Swida) rugosa and sericea. I can't find any pictures or additional information on this hybrid, and was wondering if my plant belonged to C. slavinii. **In the third picture there is a viburnum in the background; not part of this plant!**
    Answer
    Dear kkl234, your plant is a species of Swida (dogwood), most likely Swida amomum (silky dogwood), though I am not able to tell for sure without open flowers, a picture of the pith, or a picture of fruits. You were correct in your original thought that this was a dogwood. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I recently saw a plant both in Maine and northern New York (seen in May/early summer). It's most often found in swamp habitats or moist areas. When the stem is broken, a purple-reddish pith is clearly visible. I originally thought it might be dewdrop (Rubus dalibarda), but it seems too large. Any ideas on what the plant might be would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
    Answer
    Dear kkl234, the plant you have photographed is Caltha palustris (marsh-marigold), a member of the Ranunculaceae. It is commonly found in wetlands, such as swamps, stream margins, and low fields. It flowers early in the spring with a profusion of yellow flowers.
  • Question
    I know this is a an extremely common plant along roadsides all over Maine, but would really love to know what it is. It has just started blooming within the last week. I love the dense edging it creates along the road and the over all purple cast it has later in the fall. I think because it is so common, most people and wildflower books overlook it. Thank you!
    Answer
    This plant is called Odontites vulgaris (red false bartsia), a hemiparisitic plant in the Orobanchaceae. It is native to Europe, but has become more common around Maine in recent decades.
  • Question
    Found this plant 8/12/14. Deer Island, Amesbury, MA. Couldn't find anything like it in the Dogwood family. Didn't see anything larger than a shrub in size. Chaffee Monell
    Answer
    Dear Chaffee, this plant is not a dogwood. Notice the short teeth along the margin of the leaf blade (dogwoods have entire leaves). This is a species of Philadelphus (mock-orange), a genus related to Hydrangeas. It may be Philadelphus inodorus (scentless mock-orange), but I would need other details to confirm that.
  • Question
    Thanks so much for identifying the Hypericum gentianoides !
    Answer
    You are most welcome John. Happy we could be of help in your botanical study.
  • Question
    Does breeding of plants make them express juvenile traits analogous to the way breeding does in animals? Is one trait a non-shattering seed head? As animals are domesticated,they often display juvenile traits they are not bred to show. Dogs were bred to be nice and they got shortened skull bones,a juvenile trait,unintentionally. Do plants do the same kind of thing? This would be where oats was bred to have big seeds and as a unintentional result got a non-shattering seed head too. Thank you.
    Answer
    pkbeep, plants and animals have very different genetics. Keep in mind, many species of plants are polyploids (i.e., have three or more sets of chromosomes), so the inheritance and expression of traits can be very complicated in these organisms. Some of the features observed in domesticated animals traits expressed in the juvenile stages (and are maintained in the adults). In the case of plants, the juvenile plant isn't reproductively mature, so it can't demonstrate a different kind of shattering of the fruiting structures. Though we do certainly notice certain trends in domesticated plants (as compared with their wild progenitors), such as reduced nutrition and phytochemical potency, it is difficult to make the same observations with domesticated animals vs. cultivated plants. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I have been unable to identify this flower with books or online resources. It grows on the edge of my driveway as well as in the lightly shaded woodland. It's flower has five petals and resembles those on St. Johnswort, which also grows in the area. The edges of some of the leaves are a bronzy red. Can anyone tell me what it is? Thanks
    Answer
    Dear Imc825, you have photographed Lysimachia ciliata (fringed yellow-loosestrife). Note the apiculus at the tip of each petal and the fringed margin of the petioles. This species is relatively common, though usually found in wet or seasonally wet soils.
  • Question
    Hi. Thanks in advance for what ever help you can provide. I found this in mid August growing in Framingham in full sun on sandy, silty mineral soil, not much organic material, well drained. It is a meadow that was mowed in June. There are many growing together in a small monoculture in a place that looks like not much else wants to grow there. About 4-5 inches high. None have noticeable leaves. The buds at the tips never seem to bloom. They don't seem to have an odor. Thanks....John
    Answer
    Dear John, the plant in your photographs is Hypericum gentianoides (orange-grass St. John's-wort). It is a species commonly found in dry, sterile soils. If you look closely with magnification, you will see small, scale-like leaves that have translucent dots (like other species of Hypericum).
  • Question
    I saw this plant in Southampton, Ontario. It's about four feet tall with wrinkly leaves. Do you know what kind of plant it is?
    Answer
    Dear edu8r, your plant is a species of Urtica (stinging-nettle). It is likely part of the Urtica dioica complex. Without some detailed observations, I could not tell you (from the image) if it were the native or non-native taxon. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I need help identifying a plant based on smell. You see, I ride a motorcycle and often I smell a plant that to me smells like pepper. It is a strong musky peppery smell that I enjoy. I would like to find out what this plant is so that I can plant some at my house.
    Answer
    Dear escyr, sounds like a wonderful smell, but from that description alone, I am not able to help you (sorry), especially without knowing what part of the world you are riding in. I would need images of the plants to be of further assistance. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I was in a wooded, fresh water wetland today in the very southeast corner of Connecticut (Greenwich), and came across this plant growing mixed in with stilt grass, white cut grass, and some other natives. The wetland did not have any standing water, some spots were a little muddy, otherwise the entire area was covered with herbaceous plants with an over-story of maples (some alive, some dead), creating a mix of sun and shade. The plant seemed to be growing in groups, and was about 3-4' high.
    Answer
    Dear cqbrown12, I am unsure of the identity of the plant in your images, but the pinnately compound, opposite leaves and ecology you mention certainly suggest Bidens (beggar-ticks). I would start there in your research to identify this plant. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Me and my sister found these two cute little flowers while at mt hope farm but can't figure out what they are. Any idea?
    Answer
    Navywife12, the first image of the legume flowers is Apios Americana (groundnut). The second image, with the orange and yellow flower is Impatiens capensis (spotted touch-me-not). Best wishes.
  • Question
    I uploaded these images once but did not know if you received them. This was a shrub about 8 feet tall and wide which I saw in Belastrand, Norway. Wonder if you can identify this plant for me? Many thanks. Plantwoman
    Answer
    Dear plantwoman, I responded to your previous inquiry about these plants, here was my response (sorry you did not receive it): plantwoman, your photographs appear to be of an Astilbe (false goat's-beard), a group of plants native to North America and Asia. These belong to the Saxifragaceae (saxifrage family). I do not know the exact species, but hopefully this gives you a good start on researching this plant. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I'm afraid the best I can do is a high resolution on that same image. Hopefully it helps. Thanks!
    Answer
    Dear jgoodwin, the plants in the image may possibly be a colony of Dichanthelium clandestinum (deer-tongue rosette-panic-grass), or a species closely related to that. Perhaps if you examine some images of this species on Go Botany you can confirm that. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Since you were so helpful before, I've got another one for you! This plant was found upland of a wetland area, adjacent to a parking lot in Lowell, Massachusetts. It's about 2.5'-3' tall. It looks most like the images of Climbing Dayflower to me, but that isn't found in our area. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks again!
    Answer
    jgoodwin, thank you for your email. The image is not clear, but the plants look like a colony of Commelina communis (Asiatic dayflower). If you have clearer images, I may be able to provide a more confident answer. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Please identity this plant. I saw this plant in Selangor, Malaysia. Is a wild plant
    Answer
    Dear Sarahlee, I do not confidently know the species of plant you have posted images of, but it appears to be a species in Verbenaceae (vervain family). It is similar to Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (blue porterweed), a plant that would be non-native (i.e., naturalized) in your part of the world. Hopefully those clues will get you started in your research on the identity of this plant.
  • Question
    I am trying to identify this invasive weed at my home in North Carolina. Here is the image: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204580460857298&set=a.4486353282740.2187258.1407408305&type=1
    Answer
    mlentz, I'm sorry, no image is posted. Without that, I can't help you identify your plant. If you are having trouble posting images, you can email them to gobotany@newenglandwild.org .
  • Question
    HH Can you please help identify this: A grass that has very long and wide leaves like lettuce (radish?), and even larger, their length is two handbreadth (apx. 45 cm). In the middle of where the leaves go out from is a very long and high stalk more than one and a half cubits (apx. 3 feet), from this stock the produce grows, and from the whole stalk grows something very much like cotton, except it isn't white like it. It's juice is beneficial to be given to drink to someone with urinary sickness
    Answer
    naanaach, I'm sorry, without images and knowing where this plant is found, I'm unable to help. If you are having trouble posting images, you may email them to gobotany@newenglandwild.org . Best wishes.
  • Question
    the name of this plant, please
    Answer
    Lisette, your plant may be Ipomopsis aggregata (scarlet gilia). However, without knowing where this plant was photographed and some details about the plant (e.g., cultivated or wild, leaf arrangement, and so on) I'm not able to provide you a confident answer. Thank you for using Go Botany.
  • Question
    This is a shrub about eight ft tall and wide that I saw in Balastrand, Norway in front of a hotel. Can you help me to identify it? Many thanks. Plantwoman
    Answer
    plantwoman, your photographs appear to be of an Astilbe (false goat's-beard), a group of plants native to North America and Asia. These belong to the Saxifragaceae (saxifrage family). I do not know the exact species, but hopefully this gives you a good start on researching this plant. Best wishes.
  • Question
    It's gonna be great if you able to identify the name of this plant for me. It's a wild plant that grows everywhere. I really wanted to know this plant name. Your answer will appreciated. Thankyou
    Answer
    Sarahlee, thank you for your email. You have mentioned that the wild plant in your photograph grows everywhere, but I do not know where that is. Without knowing where your image was photographed, I am very limited in my ability to help (there are hundreds of thousands of plants in this world, but any small region may have only a few thousand, making it easier for me to sort through those numbers). If you can help me identify where "everywhere" is, I may be able to help you further. Best wishes.
  • Question
    What is this plant
    Answer
    Lw970, I cannot help you because there are no images association with this message. If you do attempt to load images again, please share where the plant is from (without this information, I am limited in my ability to assist) and other features of the plant that could be useful to someone who hasn't seen it living. The more information you can provide, the better the chances of my providing a confident identification for you.
  • Question
    What is this plant?
    Answer
    Lw970, I cannot help you because there are no images association with this message. If you do attempt to load images again, please share where the plant is from (without this information, I am limited in my ability to assist) and other features of the plant that could be useful to someone who hasn't seen it living. The more information you can provide, the better the chances of my providing a confident identification for you.
  • Question
    seen in Hawaii
    Answer
    Dear Lisette, of the two images you provided, only one can I provide any information. The shrub with green-white budding flowers is a species of Swida (dogwood, formerly in the genus Cornus). I do not know which species as Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I was curious what this plant is. It is near my child's play area and I wanted to make sure it is not poisons or dangerous if he may come in contact with it. Thank you every much!
    Answer
    Dear ThemeJared, the plant is Comptonia peregrina (sweetfern), a shrub in the Myricaceae (bayberry family). It is pleasantly aromatic (bruise a leaf to easily smell the odor). This is a common shrub of dry, sandy soils.
  • Question
    Hi, I'm Alex from Auburn NH. This plant showed up late June and I left it to see what it would become. It is now 46" high, spreads about 45" wide. The broadest leaf is 2 3/4" wide and about 9" long from stem to tip. The stock looks like bamboo and is about 1/2" thick. The drapey flowerish beads cascade down, from stem to tip is about 6" long. I thought it might be in the Sea Oats family, however no pics show pinkish beads only grains. I posted on Facebook but no one could identify it. Thank you
    Answer
    Dear AlexB, you have photographed a species of Persicaria (smartweed), a member of the Polygonaceae (knotweed family). I am not able to identify the species with confidence from the photographs as I cannot see details of the stipules and flowers. It resembles closely Persicaria lapathifolia (dock-leaved smartweed), and may be that species. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Was wondering if you could identify this tree for me. it has berries that turn from red to dark purple almost black. I am located in maryland. also in spring this tree has smalls flowers
    Answer
    Dear Panic.exe, your plant is Prunus serotina (black cherry). If you examine the leaves closely, you will note they have (on the underside of the leaf blade) white to rusty colored hairs along the midrib (you may need magnification to see it). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Can you tell me what kind of Palm tree this is?
    Answer
    Dear Rachel860, I cannot help you because there are no images associated with your question. Also, Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Though we are happy to answer all questions, we may not be able to assist with plant identification questions from areas distant to the northeastern United States.
  • Question
    This has baffled all of us. Vermont; grows along the ground, woody roots, woody stem. Roots are like rugosa and it spreads just like that. No flowers, fruit, thorns, bristles. (But deer, mice, etc. could have eaten fruit, we see evidence of browsing by something) Maple-type leaf. We have used the simple key and either get a currant/gooseberry or nothing. But the lack of fruit/flowers baffles us.
    Answer
    Dear meeyauw, your plant is a species of Ribes (currant, gooseberry) in the Grossulariaceae. I cannot tell you what species you have photographed without seeing the specimen or images of flowers/fruits. However, knowing the genus will get you started deciphering your mystery plant.
  • Question
    Can I ask you on plants that are not from the U.S? Thanks. plantwoman
    Answer
    Dear plantwoman, you are welcome to ask questions about plants from anywhere in the world, but our expertise in New England (i.e., northeastern United States). We may or may not be able to help with questions from other continents. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Can you help me identify the plant in the foreground of this photo? The picture was taken July 30 in Central Massachusetts.
    Answer
    Dear dfranke, the plant you photographed is a species of Bidens (beggar-ticks). I cannot tell you which one for sure without seeing flowers and fruits. However, it is likely Bidens frondosa (Devil's beggar-ticks) or Bidens vulgata (tall beggar-ticks), two common species with pinnately compound leaves. Best wishes.
  • Question
    This plant has just started to grow from small leafs to super large and dark green. What is it?? Thanks Mike
    Answer
    niteprowler098, I'm sorry, we are unable to help you with your plant question. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Though we are happy to entertain all questions, cultivated plants often originate in areas far outside our region of expertise. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I was wondering if you could help me ID this plant I came across while flagging a wetland. Sorry about the terrible photo, at the time I was sure it was going to be an easy one to look up. It has large leaves 10+ inches in length with 1-3 leaves per plant and as you can see they aren't deeply veined like skunk cabbage. It was found upland of an inundated wetland north of Boston. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
    Answer
    jgoodwin, I can't be sure from the image provided, but it looks like a first-year plant of Arctium (burdock), likely Arctium minus (common burdock). The underside of the leaf would be provided with an abundance of gray hairs that would lighten the underside considerably (compared to the top side). Best wishes.
  • Question
    I am a farmer here in Upstate New York and as such I'm reasonably familiar with many of the common plants (weeds) but quite often I find one that doesn't seem to be listed in the wild flower manuals. I would like to obtain an identification manual that is more comprehensive than those that are readily available. Can you recommend one that might be suitable for a more serious amateur? Thanks
    Answer
    Rick, if you are finding that wildflower guides are not working, it is time to jump to a more comprehensive manual for taxonomy and identification. I do not know what your botanical expertise is, but the Flora Novae Angliae manual was written for the New England region and would work quite well for New York. Combined with the Go Botany website (for color images and maps), it makes a good, comprehensive source. Best wishes.
  • Question
    i found this in my yard in shutesbury ma and picked it. there was a milky liquid from the stem. i was wondering what it is? there is a bunch of it sprouting up all over the yard.
    Answer
    molly, your plant is Euphorbia cyparissius (Cypress spurge), a non-native weed in the Euphorbiaceae (spurge family). These plants show a white latex in the sap, which is the milky liquid you noticed.
  • Question
    Thank you so much for answering my question, I just could not figure out what type of tree I had. This is a great website:)
    Answer
    GrammaKO, you are welcome. We are excited to help people with their plant questions. Best wishes.
  • Question
    hello, i was hoping you could help me identify this plant. its about three feet tall, native to northern new mexico/rocky mountains. It has little reddish berries about a centimeter in diameter.
    Answer
    Dear Jacob, your plant appears to be a species of Ribes (currant, gooseberry), which belongs to the Grossulariaceae. I am not familiar with the species in the image (you are a long way from my area of expertise). Hopefully knowing the genus will give you a good start on researching the exact species. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Thank you for the prompt response to my earlier question. I did further research on the web and found the name that match the description, it is a vacciniun serengelii. I have pictures of plants and flowers that are wild in the Himalayan region of india.The first one looks like a moss in full bloom. Never seen this before.
    Answer
    Dear sarodvr, I'm glad to have been of help. The other images you have posted are quite beautiful, but are plants that occur a long way from my region of expertise. None of them are familiar to me, except for the last, with appears to be a species of Persicaria (something similar to Persicaria nepalensis; Nepalese smartweed). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi, this is a picture of fruit/berries from a tree growing in my yard in Goffstown NH. The tree is about 8 to 10 feet tall. The leaves are green with red veins running through them. The fruit started as bunches of green then turned red. Can you help me identify it? Thanks
    Answer
    Dear GrammaKO, your image is of Prunus virginiana (choke cherry). It is a common, native shrub of New England. The long raceme berry fleshy red to very dark red fruits that have a single seed and sharply toothed leaves that are usually widest above the middle are good field characters.
  • Question
    Ah! the dog stink horn...a really strange mushroom...I am not scared any more! Thanks ask the Botanist!
    Answer
    SkBLAKE, you are most welcome. Best wishes.
  • Question
    We have lived on our property for 10 years. And these guys never popped up. At the base of a tree near the house these wierd orange and green things come out of the ground around mid-day very rapidly and the dry up and fall off. Only for an hour or so. Are they part of the tree? I have a science background but they perplex me.
    Answer
    SKBLAKE, your image appears to be capturing a fungus in the order Phalllales (stinkhorns). It looks much like dog stinkhorn (Mutinus caninus). If you perform a web search and examine images of that species, you can confirm or refute that hypothesis. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello! I would very much appreciate if you could help me identify some plants growing in my backyard in Canton, MA. Thanks! This shrub is about 2 and a half feet tall.
    Answer
    JayneM, the black berry without bloom derived from an inferior ovary (you can see the sepal remnants at the top of the fruit) and short array of fruits suggests this plant is Gaylussacia baccata (black huckleberry). Best wishes.
  • Question
    This dense shrub in my yard in Canton, MA is about 5 feet tall. The bees love them! Shrubby St. John's Wort? Thanks!
    Answer
    Dear JayneM, your images certainly do appear to be Hypericum prolificum (shrubby cinquefoil). There are three woody species of Hypericum that have been naturalized to New England, with Hypericum prolificum being the most common. You can observe characters and confirm with measurements by examining the Go Botany page for this species: https://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/species/hypericum/prolificum/
  • Question
    Hello again! Here is another shrub in my backyard (Canton, MA). There are several of them growing. Huckleberry?
    Answer
    JayneM, your plants are a species of huckleberry. They appear to be Gaylussacia frondosa (blue huckleberry), a species with a longer flower array than other in New England.
  • Question
    My mum recently gave me a plant neither of us know the name of. Any idea of what this plant may be? It has tiny little flowers the same colour as the leaves that aren't visible in the photo.
    Answer
    Snailsonfire, sorry, we are unable to help. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Though we are happy to receive botanical questions about cultivated material, we cannot always provide answers due to the large number of plants and different origins of these species. Best wishes.
  • Question
    This flower just appeared in the flower bed. It is located in Cornish, Maine. Please identify it.
    Answer
    jpunch14, without better quality images, especially closer pictures of the flowers, we are unable to identify this plant. It may be a species of Monarda (bee-balm), but will need more images to assist you. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I uploaded the description and photos to "Post a Sighting" and would like to know if you know the botanical name of this plant. Thank you, elainecarro@yahoo.com
    Answer
    Dear Elainec, you plant is Epipactis helleborine (Helleborine orchid). It is a native to the Old World that is becoming more frequent here in North America.
  • Question
    Hello Ace. The plant posted here I had tentatively identified from Peterson's Wildflower Guide and the CT Botanical Website as Enchanter's Nightshade or Circaea letetiana (quadrisulcata). In another conversation here, you identified what seemed to be the same plant as the Broad-leaved Nightshade, specific name canadensis. Have i got the same plant with a different name, or what? Can you unconfuse me? Found in Amesbury Town Forest Jul 18
    Answer
    Dear Chaffee, we are discussing the same plant, but the field guide and website you are referring to are using older names that are not correct to use (i.e., they are using synonyms of Circaea canadensis). If you examine the Go Botany taxon page for Circaea canadensis, you will note these names you mentioned listed as synonyms (in general, it will be good practice to note what names were formerly used for this species as an aid to avoid confusion). Please let me know if I can assist further.
  • Question
    Seen at Great Meadows on Concord, MA growing with Purple Loosestrife 7/19
    Answer
    Dear Marshat, thank you for your plant images. The species you have photographed is likely Desmodium canadense (showy tick-trefoil). It is named "showy" due to the larger flowers of this species (compared with most other taxa found in the northeast). It is a species that flowers in mid-July.
  • Question
    I would like to know if this plant growing in the wild in a remote area of the asia belong to the blueberry family
    Answer
    Dear sarodvr, the plant you've photographed certainly appears to be in the Ericaceae (heath family). The five connate (i.e., fused) petals with an urceolate shape and pentamerous flowers all suggest this, as does the character of the inflorescence and foliage. Best wishes.
  • Question
    found along roadside near Walpole, NH July 2014, could this be sulfur cinquefoil? thanks in advance.
    Answer
    Dear eyeeasy, from the single picture you've provided, I am unable to answer to your question except to write it could be Potentilla recta (sulfur cinquefoil). The plant in the image has lost its petals, so without that character, I would need to see the leaves and examine the number of leaflets. If you have additional images that you can post, I will be able to help further. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I am having trouble deciding if this is calystegia sepium or silvatica. It was discovered climbing a rosa multiflora in northern Rhode Island.
    Answer
    Dear Scott, the V-shaped sinus at the base of the leaf would not be found on Calystegia silvatica. Your plant is Calystegia sepium, though which subspecies (of the four) I cannot not determine from the photographs.
  • Question
    I'm stumped by this one. No flowers or fruit evident. Could it be a fern? Amesbury Town Forest, MA. Chaffee Monell
    Answer
    Dear Chaffee, your plant is Coptis trifolia (goldthread), a member of the Ranunculaceae (crowfoot family). It is commonly found in a non-flowering state. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Is the DNA in any fruits can be used to clone fruits in times of scarcity? or what's the use of DNA in fruits for?
    Answer
    Dear ayshiree9, the DNA found in plants is not used to clone them. That requires technology that has not been developed yet. When growers clone plants, they remove samples of tissue and grow that tissue into a new plant using one of several different methods. The DNA found in the fruits, like other parts of the plant, is needed to guide the growth of the plant and (that found in the seeds) to code for the growth of a new individual.
  • Question
    Photo taken in Walpole NH 6/19/2014 roadside. Lots of them, seeminly on tall stems(?). Took several pics, best close up of flower and roadside group. I'd like to know the name please. Thanks in advance.
    Answer
    Dear eyeeasy, the plant you have photographed is Spiraea japonica (Japanese meadowsweet). It is a commonly planted species that infrequently escapes the cultivated setting.
  • Question
    I have this plant/weed? growing in my garden. Can you please identify for me? Thank you
    Answer
    Dear helenristovski, your plant is a species of Asclepias (milkweed), and look to be Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed), but without knowing where the photograph was taken, it will be hard to confirm this from the image. Location information is vital to supply with the images--it helps narrow down the possible choices. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello, from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California near Lake Don Pedro. I recently noticed this plant in one of my tree planters but have no idea what it is but suspect it may have been produced from tossing out old parrot food. I have never seen this on my property before and just let it grow out of curiosity. Here are some photos of the mystery plant. Thanks, Lew
    Answer
    Dear Lew, your plant is a species of Phytolacca (pokeweed). It looks very similar to Phytolacca americana, the species we have as a native here in New England, though there are a few species of this genus found in CA. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I have been searching to identify this plant. I grows very much like a common chickweed, which is what I thought it was. I found it growing out from moss at the edge of a mulched garden in the shade of a rhododendron in Woodbury, CT. Help?
    Answer
    Dear earthrhythms, your plant is Lysimachia arvensis (scarlet pimpernel), a species formerly known as Anagallis arvensis (this latter name is the name you will find it indexed under in most wild flower guides). It is a native of Europe that is naturalized in New England.
  • Question
    This is a photo of a wildflower blooming in an open meadow at 1700 feet altitude in the Taconic Mountains of southwestern Vermont. It's the only specimen of this kind blooming among 50 acres of clover, daisies, etc. The plant is about 6" tall and has about eight stems with a pink flower on the end of each. The stems are reddish. The leaves are needle like, and sparse w one leaf at each juncture on the stem. Can you help identify?
    Answer
    Dear smiste, the plant is a species of Dianthus (pink), likely D. deltoides (maiden pink). The image is not clear enough to be 100% confident, but what details I can make out support this identification. Note that the leaves are opposite (two at each node; not alternate). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Seeking Identification on a few plants I've spotted on a walk today through the woods/fields. I'm located in Maryland. I suspect the flower on the vine like plant to be some type of morning glory? thanks in advance.
    Answer
    The shrub with red berries is a species of Lonicera (honeysuckle), probably L. morrowii (Morrow's honeysuckle). You can confirm this by examining the leaves and branchlets and confirming the presence of moderate to dense pubescence. The violet-flowered species is Dipsacus (teasel). Without images of the leaf, I can't tell you which species it is for certain, but based on the outline of the bracts below the inflorescence, it appears to be D. fullonum (fuller's teasel). The large white flower does belong to a species of Ipomoea (morning-glory), but without details of the style/stigma and sepals, I cannot tell you which one for sure. The flower looks like Ipomoea pandurata (wild sweet potato morning-glory), which you can confirm by using the key on Go Botany.
  • Question
    Please help identifying this vine. Located in New London county, CT. It sprouted in a line in the veggie garden and after 10 weeks has not produced flowers. It is fast growing, the leaves look similar to the squash family, the base of the plant is thin not thick like squash and has attracted the squash/cucumber beetle that is eating on the leaves. Thanks, Betsy
    Answer
    Dear Betsy, I cannot see enough details of this plant to give you a confident answer. It may have been a contaminant in the seed and certainly does appear to be a member of the Cucurbitaceae (as you noted). The leaves most look like Cucurbita melo to me, which is the name of winter squashes (e.g., acorn squash, Hubbard squash). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Would you know the name of this tree or shrub bearing grape-like fruits?? Thank You!
    Answer
    Lisette, thank you for posting your image. I don't know where this photograph was taken, and without that information, it will be very difficult to help you further. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England, though we do try to help with all requests.
  • Question
    Could you please identify this tree? Thank You!
    Answer
    Dear Lisette, your photograph appears to be a tree in the Fabaceae (legume family). However, without knowing the region of the world this photograph comes from, it will be nearly impossible to help you further. Location information helps us narrow down the choices (immensely). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello! I am a graduate student interested in finding as many populations of Triodanis perfoliata as possible, preferably with at least 30 individuals. I don't want to do any manipulations, just take some observations so any locations would be great! Any tips would be greatly appreciated. -Beth
    Answer
    Beth, if you contact me at gobotany@newenglandwild.org, I can provide links to some digital herbaria where you could find populations based on label data. Good luck with your study.
  • Question
    Hello! Hoping you can help identify this, any help would be appreciated! Thank you in advance. -Charlene
    Answer
    Charlene, sorry, we are unable to assist with this one. Though we try to help with all questions, Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Thank you for your answers! This is another picture of the Rosa, but I'm not sure if it will help identifying the species. Might be Rosa Luciae? Could you give me some hints what to look for in order to tell the differences of the Rosa genus? Also, could you help identify the plant showed in image 2 and 3 (taken at the same location on the same day), which is the upper part and the lower part of one plant? Tried the keys but no results. Thanks.
    Answer
    Dear ruih, in order to identify the species of Rosa, I need images of the stipules, close-ups of the leaves, better resolution images of the flowers so I can see details such as style position relative to the opening into the hypanthium, and so on. Habit images (such as those that you are taking) are useful, but don't provide the details needed for this difficult genus. The plant with yellow flowers is Verbascum blattaria (moth mullein). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Found also along the shore in Wantagh park in Nassau county, NY. Have no idea how to use the key to identify this one. Thanks.
    Answer
    Dear ruih, I can't tell for sure what species you have because some of the necessary features (such as leaves and bulbs) are absent from you photographs. What I can tell you is that this is a species of Allium (onion, garlic) and is probably Allium vineale (crow garlic). If you review the Allium key on Go Botany, your memory of the plant may allow you to answer the questions necessary for a confident identification.
  • Question
    Found also along the shore in Wantagh park in Nassau county, NY. Need help identifying them. Thanks!
    Answer
    Dear ruih, The first image (with purple flowers) appears to be of Verbena bracteata (prostrate vervain). The second one (with yellow flowers) appears to be Hypericum perforatum (common St. John's-wort), and the third species (with white flowers) is Melilotus albus (white sweet-clover).
  • Question
    1)Why nectar is produced? 2)when nectar is produced? 3)how nectar is produced in flowers?
    Answer
    Nectar is produced as a reward for pollinators (though it is sometimes also produced outside of the flower to reward insects that live in mutual benefit to the plant). Nectar is usually produced during the critical stage of flower opening when pollen is ready to be transported by an animal (e.g., insect, bird) to another flower. It is produced by specialized cells, sometimes aggregated into glandular regions on the ovary or petals (for example), called nectaries.
  • Question
    What kind of elkweed is this if it is an elkweed? It showed up in 4 days!
    Answer
    Dear stapow93, the plant in the image appears to be a species of mullein (genus Verbascum), but without knowing what part of the world you come from, I can't really help further (location is really important for helping us narrow down the potential choices your plant may be). If you would like to email this information to gobotany@newenglandwild.org, I will try to help you further. Thank you for sharing your image.
  • Question
    Can you tell me what this plant is...there are several in my back yard
    Answer
    Dear BassKlar, without knowing what part of the world your back yard is located, it is very difficult to assist with plant identification. There are thousands (often many thousands) of species of plants in each region of the world, and knowing where the plants come from helps us eliminate potential identification candidates. If you want to email this information to gobotany@newenglandwild.org, I may be able to help further. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Can you help me identify this shrub/small tree? My best guess is Prunus serotina, but the whitish coloration on the inside of the leaves is throwing me off. Found in woodlands in Hyde Park, MA (southeastern Boston). Thanks!!
    Answer
    Dear meridione, the plant you have photographed certainly appears to be Prunus (cherry, plum), but which species I cannot determine with 100% confidence. It is either Prunus serotina (as you have suggested) or Prunus virginiana (some of the leaf blades look obovate, which indicates this species). You can confirm the identification by looking for white to rusty colored hairs along the underside of the leaf's midrib (present in the former, absent in the latter). Best wishes.
  • Question
    The plants are about 3 feet tall and the flowers are small; smaller than they appear in the picture. They came up in raised area of the yard that stays very dry, next to a driveway and gets at least a half day of bright sun.
    Answer
    Dear lisavoncile, the plant you've photograph appears to be Lysimachia ciliata (fringed yellow-loosestrife), a genus now placed in the Myrsinaceae. The image of the flower is a bit blurry, so I cannot be 100% confident. But if you examine images of this species on Go Botany, you should be able to confirm the identification. Thank you for sharing your images.
  • Question
    Found in Wantagh Park in the south of Nassau county, NY. Is this Potentilla argentea? Thanks.
    Answer
    Dear ruih, your plant in the photograph is indeed Potentilla argentea (silver-leaved cinquefoil). The undersurface of the leaflets will be gray-white with dense hairs and the margins of the leaf segments revolute (i.e., curled under). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Found also along the shore in Wantagh park in Nassau county, NY. This is a shrub. Thanks.
    Answer
    Dear ruih, your image is a species of Rosa (rose), a woody plant related to raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Without additional images, I am not able to tell you exactly which species of rose it is. Best wishes.
  • Question
    2 more wildflowers I cannot identify. The first two images are of the same plant. Thank you in advance for any help.
    Answer
    Dear shubhi, the image with the lighter pink-purple flower is Campanula punctate (spotted bellflower) or a similar species. The other two images appear to be a species of Mint (Menthaceae), as indicated by the calyx (sepals), but I do not know which one. It would be helpful to learn if these are cultivated species and what part of the world they hail from. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello again. Thank you for all of your prompt responses. What can you tell me about this one?
    Answer
    Dear rit, it is a species of Viola (as you no doubt already know), but I can't go further without reproductive material (flowers or fruits). Sorry. If you have other images, you can upload them or send them to gobotany@newenglandwild.org .
  • Question
    Mobile upload test. I'm attaching this image using an Android smart phone. Can you see it Arthur?
    Answer
    Liquidambar styraciflua (sweet-gum). Yes, I can see it.
  • Question
    This plant is growing in my yard up through a rugosa rose (the brown woody stems in the background) and untrimmed lawn, in Merrimack, New Hampshire. Can you tell me, please, what it is? Thank you very much for sharing your extensive knowledge with us all.
    Answer
    Dear SteveSkonetski, your plant is a species of Rumex (dock). Without seeing the remainder of the plant, I cannot tell you which species it is with confidence, but it fits for Rumex crispus (curly dock) based on what I can see.
  • Question
    This appeared in my sister's perennial garden, next to her irises and lupine. The blossom is as big as her foot. Thanks!
    Answer
    kerfuffle, the plant you have photographed is a species in arum family (Araceae). The red-purple structure is a bract called a spathe. This appears to be a member of the Arisaema genus (Jack-in-the-pulpit), which have compound leaves that fit the morphology of what you have pictured. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi there, I discovered this plant at my backyard. The fruit is green and when it is ripe it will turn to dark purple. The seed is grape-like. Is this wild grape? Is this edible? Thanks.
    Answer
    Jacqueline, the shape of the fruit and leaves you've posted do not appear to be grape. Grapes (genus Vitis) always have tendrils that are produced opposite the leaves. You could confirm this by inspecting the plant. I can't help you further without knowing what part of the world this plant came from (it is always crucial to know the location of the plant to help narrow down the choices). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi - can you identify which dryopteris this is? Habitat is dry, upland, ledgy, with oak, blueberry, grass, in Antrim NH. Elevation 2300' Thank you
    Answer
    ArtieNH, the plant you have photographed is Dryopteris marginalis (marginal wood fern). It is common in rocky and ledgey habitats in New England. The sori located at the margin of the leaf segments is a tell-tale sign of this species. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi, I'm resending a picture of a plant, whose name we can't identify. Is it edible?
    Answer
    mmorris, your image looks to be Artemisia vulgaris (common wormwood). It is used as a medicinal plant in many circles and makes an aromatic tea. If you wait a while, these plant will flower (it is a member of the Asteraceae), and it will be easier for you to confirm for yourselves the identification using Go Botany and image comparisons. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Can you tell me what this is? I spotted in in Los Angeles.
    Answer
    Dear littlebark, I'm sorry, you are far out of my range of expertise. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. If you have more images, I may be able to get you going in the right direction. Beautiful image.
  • Question
    Hi, I just sent you a plant that we can't identify. Many thanks-Michele Morris
    Answer
    Dear mmorris, I have not received any images (sorry). You can send them to gobotany@newenglandwild.org if you are having trouble uploading images. Please be sure to note where the plant was photographed. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Please help me figure out what this plant is, where it came from, and how I'm supposed to care for it.
    Answer
    MyrteryPlantMan, I cannot help you determine the plant because there are no images that have been uploaded here. Sorry. If you send them to gobotany@newenglandwild.org, I would be happy to assist you. Please be advised the Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild species of the northeastern United States.
  • Question
    Is this a lily?
    Answer
    Dear klocwork27, no, your image is not a lily, rather it is an orchid. I cannot be sure without knowing what part of the world your image was taken, but it resembles species like Epipactis helleborine (broad-leaved helleborine), a species that has a nodding inflorescence and long bracts (as in your picture). Best wishes.
  • Question
    I am interested to write an APP that will post a picture and receive the suggestion of the flower in the picture. Do you have suggestion how to achieve the real time response? Thanks. BR Changming
    Answer
    Dear Changming, I'm sorry that I cannot help with your question. Go Botany is website dedicated to plant identication, taxonomy, and ecology. Programming apps, although very interesting, it far outside of the information content for this page. If you email gobotany@newenglandwild.org, I may be able to direct your question to someone who can give you direction on how to find the answer.
  • Question
    What's this plant? Its growing in my garden. I'm thinking its a volunteer, but not sure.
    Answer
    Dear pjr488, I need more information to be able to help you. I don't know what part of the world this photograph was taken. Without knowing the location, I don't have a way to narrow down the possible choices. If you are able, you can email that information to gobotany@newenglandwild.org. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I mistakenly consumed this plant a couple weeks ago and am feeling a bit arthritic since then. Can you tell me if it may be related to eating this plant? The plant was growing wild in a co-worker's garden. She gave it to me to eat along with some home grown chard. I had no idea that it had not been verified before eating. She said that she, her neighbor and her husband had been eating from time to time.. I probably ate about 3 handfuls of it.
    Answer
    Dear abrondino, the plant you have photographed appears to be a member of the Apiaceae (celery family). Identification within this family is difficult, especially without flower or fruits, and knowledge of where this plant came from. If you can acquire images later in the season (and share where the plant was growing), I may be able to help you. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I've had this plant for years but never knew what it is. Do you know???
    Answer
    Dear ppratt541, your plant is Helleborus foetidus (stinking hellebore). It is a member of the Ranunculaceae (crowfoot family).
  • Question
    3-4ish ft tall with simple, alternate leaves. I'm unsure if it will have flowers, but there are none as yet. I live in the Hill towns of Western MA, and it seems to grow all over the place by the side of the road here. I was tempted to test the leaf and root for edibility, but a wiser caution has overcome my curiosity until I can ID it. Thank you very much for any help!
    Answer
    Stealthwombat, it appears you've photographed a species of Solidago with triple-nerved leaves. The resolution of your photograph doesn't allow me to tell you which species for sure, but it appears the stems are glabrous (i.e., devoid of hairs) and glaucous (i.e., with a bloom). This would suggest Solidago gigantea (smooth goldenrod). Best wishes.
  • Question
    I have a Lonicera vine growing in a place where many out of range north american species have been planted. It is very similar to L. dioica, but lacks any red coloration in the flowers. Is there another species I should be considering? The european honeysuckle lacks the fused, rounded leaves.
    Answer
    Dear lkjones, without some additional information, it won't be possible to identify your plant. Knowing where the photograph is from is crucial. Also, a measurement of the length of the flower is needed. If you can observe the fruit color later in the season, that would also be valuable. You can email this information to gobotany@newenglandwild.org. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I'm wondering what plant this is. I trimmed it back because it was out of control and getting tangled up in itself and there are no flowers at all. Thanks!
    Answer
    Dear Jamie707, without some additional information, it will be hard for me to supply a confident answer. Is the plant woody or herbaceous? Is it aromatic (if you bruise a leaf)? If you can help with these questions we might be able to help you with your question. You can email me at gobotany@newenglandwild.org. Jamie, you might want to compare images of Asparagus densiflorus (asparagus fern), which looks very similar to the image you've posted. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I feel really silly for asking,but I have a plant that I've received , when my mom passed just a few months ago. I've repotted and growing great, but here's the situation ,I don't know what kind I've looked EVERYWHERE......help please. Thank you
    Answer
    Kristina, you haven't posted any images, so I cannot help you with the identification. If you are having trouble uploading images, please attach them to an email and send them to gobotany@newenglandwild.org. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Therefore, I may not be able to help--but will certainly try.
  • Question
    We are getting mushrooms in our food bearing garden... We've been removing them in case they are poisonous, but are our food plants safe to eat if the mushrooms are poisonous? Does their poison get into the soil?
    Answer
    Dear noxmtbnk, The mushrooms you are removing could potentially be edible themselves (I can't tell you for sure without seeing the mushrooms). Mushrooms do not poison the soil. They are contributing the health of soil (and the plants) through decomposition and/or functioning as mycorrhizal species that help plants acquire more nutrition. Unless you have children or pets that you believe might consume them, you don't need to worry about removing them. Our society has a real fear of wild mushrooms, but they are no more toxic than the wild plants and weeds growing in and around your garden. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Do you know what species of Sisyrinchium this is? Found at the edge of a wetland just outside Boston. Thanks!!
    Answer
    Dear Meridione, your plant is Sisyrinchium angustifolium (narrow-leaved blue-eyed-grass). This species typically dries very dark (dark olive green or dark gray-green), so you can confirm the identification by examining it when it is completely dry. The other species of Sisyrinchium with pedunculate flowers (that gives the appearance of a branched stem) only slightly darken in drying.
  • Question
    Could you please identify this plant for me..a very strange plant indeed...Thank you.
    Answer
    Dear kamafloss, I'm sorry I can't help with this one. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Cultivated species can originate from many part of the world. Though I always enjoy trying to help (regardless of kind of plants the questions are about), in this case, I'm not able to. Best wishes. What I can share is that it is a monocot from one of the families related to the lilies (possibly in the Melanthiaceae).
  • Question
    What type of plant is this?
    Answer
    Dear klocwork27, it would be helpful to know where the image was taken and whether the plant is cultivated or not. It would help narrow down the options. It could be a species of Lilium (lily), though without fully expanded leaves that is hard to determine. Best wishes.
  • Question
    What is the name of this plant and is it a weed or something I should keep in the garden?
    Answer
    Snookmo, I've sorry, you haven't posted any images. Without them, I can't help you with your identification. If you can supply some (which you can email to gobotany@newenglandwild.org), I will try to assist. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I was wondering if you can tell me what this plant is, and if it will flower? If so, what will the flower look like? Found it in a new back yard in Dayton, Ohio Thanks (I apologize for it being sideways)
    Answer
    Dear Sondra, from the image you've supplied, I'm not sure what species of plant you have in your yard. It would be important to know if you believe it is cultivated or wild. If provided with enough light, it will likely flower. If you can send images of the flowering plants, I will likely be able to help you better. Best wishes.
  • Question
    This plant (nut? gourd? alien monster coconut?) was actually seen in Silver Spring, MD, but we cannot figure out even what planet it belongs to! So perhaps it grows in New England also, or something in its family. It is about the size of a coconut. Any ideas even what family it wants to belong to? Thanks!
    Answer
    Dear verbivore, it certainly looks like a coconut in many features, including the fibrous husk. I do not see any images of leaves or the original plant (which would help confirm the identity). I see documentation of Cocos nucifera (coconut) being planted in MD, so perhaps you have located on of the fruits. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Please help me identify this plant it grows in our back yard in Orange Park .FL.
    Answer
    dear richww, Go Botany is website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Though we do try to help with all questions, some our outside of our region of expertise. I do not know what species you have photographed, though perhaps it is some kind of fig (genus Ficus). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello, I found this plant growing in a wet spot in a young stand of trees in Central Maine. What is it?
    Answer
    Dear tsugasmith, you have collected a species of avens (genus Geum), in the rose family. The species is name Geum rivale (water avens). Best wishes.
  • Question
    how do i upload images? when you click upload image it wont let you select any files?
    Answer
    Dear santabarbara, feel free to email gobotany@newenglandwild.org, explain your problem and our website technician can guide you through the process of uploading images and/or identifying if problems exist with your account. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi again. Here is another picture from the same plant I asked about last time. Hope this helps.
    Answer
    rit, Yes, definitely Dichantehlium. You will need to measure the mature spikelets to confirm it as Dichanthelium clandestinum. If you need specific measurements, they are in the Go Botany dichotomous key, just jump to the genus Dichanthelium and collect the necessary spikelet lengths. Best wishes.
  • Question
    This flowering plant surprised me this spring. I looked for it again last week and it had died back. Do you know what it is? thanks for you help!
    Answer
    Dear rsunnell, you've photographed Petasites japonica (Japanese sweet-coltsfoot). The flowers appear in the spring, and the stems will senesce early (as you noted), only to be replaced by very large leaves. Best wishes.
  • Question
    This plant is difficult for me to identify. I took this photo in my back yard in Springfield, MO, May 31st. It grows to the same height each year (roughly 3ft). I don't remember what the mature flower or fruit looked like. The Lance shaped leaves grow opposite up the red stalk. Each big leaf has two little ones accompanying it.
    Answer
    Dear PB-Ozark, it looks like you have photographed Phytolacca americana (American pokeweed). It is a robust herbaceous plant with a raceme of somewhat small, white flowers that mature into nearly black berries. Best wishes. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Can you please help me with this ID. It looks like a honeysuckle to me, maybe Lonicera tatarica. But the flowers are so red and the flower stock is so long. I was hoping to press it and put it in an invasives herbarium collection for the certificate program at NEWFS. Thanks for your help. If you need a better pic I can use my good camera, this pic is with my iPad.
    Answer
    Dear Janet, there are forms of Lonicera tatarica that are deep red (as with the flowers you have photographed). The peduncles look very long, though that does not rule out this species. Check the pith of the branchlets, it should be hollow for this species, and (using magnification), confirm that the outside surface of the corolla is glabrous (i.e., devoid of hairs). Those are all traits that will help you confirm it is Lonicera tatarica.
  • Question
    We have a beautiful tree in our front yard that we are not familiar with. There are multiple "trunks." The leaves are almost heart shaped, with a scalloped, but not saw-toothed edge & are opposite, with 2 leaves at each node. I don't remember if it had flowers last year, but so far this year, it does not. We are in Worcester & bloom-wise are behind areas closer in toward Boston. I am attaching 3 photos - whole tree, close-up of bark & close-up of leaves. Thanks for your help!
    Answer
    Dear Lisa, your tree is Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Katsura-tree). It is diagnosed by the simple, opposite, toothed leaves with heart-shaped blades (a you note in your description). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Can you tell me what kind of plant this is?
    Answer
    Dear k_khennon, I'm sorry, without a description or images of the plant in question, I can't help you. If you are having trouble uploading images, attach them to an email and send them to "gobotany@newenglandwild.org". Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi can you help me identify this plant.
    Answer
    Munirah1234, it is almost impossible for me to help you without knowing where the plant was collected. Please know that Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Though we try to assist with all plant questions, queries from outside of this region may need to be directed to an organization that focuses on the botany of that area. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi i'm a forester student. I need to identify this plant. Could you help me?
    Answer
    Munirah1234, it is almost impossible for me to help you without knowing where the plant was collected. Please know that Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Though we try to assist with all plant questions, queries from outside of this region may need to be directed to an organization that focuses on the botany of that area. Best wishes.
  • Question
    What the heck is this over growing my yard?
    Answer
    brp, the plant in your photographs is a species of dock (genus Rumex). Based on the margins of the blades, it could be Rumex crispus (curly dock), though this would need fruits to confirm that. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi again, Any ideas on this grass?
    Answer
    Dear Jay, sorry, I will need to see some reproductive structures to help you with that one. Did you closely examine the stem and leaf phyllotaxis? It could be a member of the genus Carex (sedge). If you are able to revisit the population and get images while in flower or fruit, I should be able to help you further. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Good morning! This is a very tall (5ft) plant (immature) in Eastern CT. Found on a floodplain near a small river and wetland area. I apologize for the poor quality cell phone picture. Does anyone recognize this? My office is stumped. -KC
    Answer
    Dear KDC, your plant is Smilax herbacea (carrion-flower), which belongs to the Smilacaceae (greenbriar family). This particular is species is unarmed and herbaceous (but most species in New England are armed with prickles and woody). This species climbs by means of stipules modified into tendrils. Best wishes.
  • Question
    ...Last Ones For Now
    Answer
    PerceptivePlants, the first image looks to be a species of Prunus (peach, plum, cherry), but I would need to know where you photographed this and what setting (wild or cultivated) to help any further). The second image is of the flowers of Rumex acetosella (common dock; also known as sheep sorrel).
  • Question
    ....Some More
    Answer
    PerceptivePlants, the first two images are Geranium maculatum (spotted geranium), the last two images are Hypoxis hirsuta (common star-grass) or a relative of it. I don't know if these are photographed from the wild or from a cultivated setting, so you may need to make adjustments based on that information.
  • Question
    ....Thanks For Responding. I'll Consolidate My Inquiries. Any Help With This One?
    Answer
    PerceptivePlants, where are these images from? That will always help immensely with identification. The structures you have photographed are galls on a tree with compound leaves, but I cannot see enough of the plant to tell you what species.
  • Question
    This tree is in my backyard. It is a stone fruit. I don't know what it is. Could you help me?
    Answer
    Dear Kate, the plant looks much like Prunus persica (peach), given the densely hairy fruit with a single seed (the stone that you mention). Given that it is in your back yard (where it was probably planted), this seems to be a good place to start with the identification.
  • Question
    Hi Ace, I was in the forest around Cornwall, NY on 5/6, and I was wondering if you can identify any of these plants?
    Answer
    Dear Jay, sorry, I can't help you much. Some of the seedlings (those with darker green leaves) could be members of the Asteraceae (composite family). Once they are a little larger I would be able to help more. Best wishes.
  • Question
    A Few More Things I Noticed While Walking Through A Forest In Southern Connecticut A Few Days Ago. Some Images Are of The Same Thing In Hopes To Help Present A More Solid Question. Again, Any Help With Identification Would Be Greatly Appreciated. -Perceptive Plants
    Answer
    PerceptivePlants, image number 1 is a species of Rubus (raspberry), possibly Rubus phoenicolasius (wine raspberry). Images two and three are Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard). Image four is Ajuga reptans (carpet bugle). Image five is a species of Rhus (sumac), possibly Rhus hirta (staghorn sumac), but I cannot see the branchlets well enough to tell. Images six and seven are Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern). Image eight is a young shoot of Rubus (raspberry). Images nine and ten I cannot see enough of the plant to help with the identification. The last image is again Rubus, probably Rubus phoenicolasius (wine raspberry).
  • Question
    I am wondering if you could please tell me what flower this is? Thank you.
    Answer
    Tariqnazir, it appears to be a species of Isotrema (Dutchman's pipe). Which species would be very difficult to decipher without location information, close-up images of flowers and fruits, etc. Best wishes.
  • Question
    A Few Things I Noticed While Walking Through A Forest In Southern Connecticut A Few Days Ago. Some Images Are of The Same Thing In Hopes To Help Present A More Solid Question. Anyways, Any Help With Identification Would Be Greatly Appreciated.
    Answer
    Perceptive Plants, it might be a little hard for us to keep track of all the images. It would be better if you would post fewer images per question so you know for sure which image I'm referring to. In order of how they are presented to me, the first two are Ranunculus (crowfoot), but without leaves I cannot tell you which species (possibly Ranunculus acris). The third image is Celastrus orbiculatus (Oriental bittersweet). The fourth and fifth images are a species of Euonymus (spindle-tree). The sixth image is a gall on a compound leaf. The seventh image is Hesperis matronalis (dame's rocket). The eighth and ninth images are Galium aparine (scratch bedstraw). The tenth and eleventh images are Euonymus alatus (winged spindle-tree). I hope that helps.
  • Question
    ....Memories From A Recent Hike Through The Local Forest; Any Help With Identification Would Be Greatly Appreciated.
    Answer
    PerceptivePlants, I'm sorry but the image is quite blurry. I may still be able to help, but would need to know where this plant was photographed, what habitat it was found in, other details about the plant you remember, etc. If you can supply those facts, I may be able to help.
  • Question
    Here's the last one and I do appreciate the help! Leaves are alternate, simple with a smooth margin, flowers 5 parted.
    Answer
    Jgreco, sorry, but again, we need additional information. Where were these plants photographed, what habitat, native or cultivated? These facts are critical for helping eliminate thousands of possible choices. If you are able to provide this, we may be able to help. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Sorry if this is a duplicate but I was having trouble posting. I have three I can't figure out. Here is the first one. I believe it is in the Geranium family but the white flower is throwing me off. Is it perhaps a variation of Spotted Cranesbill?
    Answer
    Jgreco, you certainly have a species of Geranium. Without measurements of petals, anthers, etc., I'm unable to give you a confident answer, though Geranium maculatum could be the plant's identity. If you visit the Go Botany website and use the dichotomous key, you can access all the measurements you need to identify this plant. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Sorry but I have a few more and it bugs me when I can't figure them out with my guide books. All are found at your facility. First one resembles a Foam Flower but isn't as the leafs are totally different. The leaves are all basal.
    Answer
    Jgreco, I need to know where the images are from and if they are taken from wild or cultivated plants. Feel free to email me at "gobotany@newenglandwild.org" and provide the details. Without that information, it will be hard to help you. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I wondering if you can tell me what this plant is. It's growing against my house and I'm not sure if it's a weed or not. It's very tall, with it's little vine-branches reaching up to the gutter. (Also, I live in North Carolina.)
    Answer
    Dear SecretAgent, your plant is a species of Clematis (virgin's-bower), a member of the Ranunculaceae (crowfood family). Without flowers or fruits, I would not be able to tell you which species, but that gives you a good lead for when it does flower. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi there - I'm trying to locate nettles on my property (in MA). This plant seems to come close to the description, but it does not sting. Could you please tell me what type of plant it is? Thank you very much! - Lane
    Answer
    Dear lane, your image is likely a species of Solidago (goldenrod). Look for stinging nettles in river floodplains and terraces, it is certainly one of the preferred locations for this species in New England. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi there - I'm trying to locate nettles on my property (in MA). This plant seems to come close to the description, but it does not sting. Could you please tell me what type of plant it is? Thank you very much! - Lane
    Answer
    Lane, there is no image attached to your question, so I'm sorry I can't assist you fully. If the plant does not sting (especially softer parts of the body, such as inside the wrist or some similar area) the plant is not stinging nettle. If you can post images or links to images, I would be happy to help you further.
  • Question
    Hey, I have this Botany project due on Tuesday, and it's really short notice, but if you could identify this plant and a few others for me, I'd appreciate it, A LOT! I saw the plant in the Greenhouse at the Cleveland Zoo and couldn't ID it. Thank you :)
    Answer
    Dear Angelica_1, I would be happy to assist if I can, but there is no image attached to this request. If you are able to post images or links to images, I will assist (if possible).
  • Question
    Thank you for your prompt and detailed reply. What could you tell me about this one?
    Answer
    Dear rit, without spikelets and some detailed measurements, I cannot be confident of an answer, but the morphology of this grass looks very much Dichanthelium clandestinum (deer tongue rosette panic grass). This is a common species in the northeast with broad leaf blades and sheaths with pustulose-based hairs. Best wishes.
  • Question
    do you know what kind of plant this is think its a tropical house plant of some sort
    Answer
    Dear Ben, I'm sorry I can't help. Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. These are species that grow outside of cultivation, and include both native and naturalized species. Thank you for your interest in the website. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I am wondering if you can tell me what this flower is? It was a gift and given to me as a baby and now has grown into what looks like a shrub or bush. I am curious to know what I can expect once full grown. Thanks!
    Answer
    Jamie, similar to the last image, it appears to be a cultivated Impatiens (touch-me-not).
  • Question
    I am wondering if you could please tell me what flower this is and if it is a bush or shrub? Thank you.
    Answer
    Jamie707, some of the necessary details for identification are not in view in this photograph, but it appears to be a cultivated Impatiens (touch-me-not). Best wishes.
  • Question
    This tree is located in Kabale, Uganda 2010. Can you ID it for me?
    Answer
    Dear Michelle, thank you for posting you image and providing the location. Unfortunately, our expertise is primarily wild plants of the northeastern United States. You should seek out an organization with botanical expertise in Uganda plants (or a nearby country, where this tree might likely grow). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Thank you for the answer on Tellima grandiflora. Is it now naturalized in the Northeast or just a coincidence that it was growing at the Garden?
    Answer
    Dear Jgreco, good question. It has been planted at the garden and grows there in cultivation (i.e., being tended). To become naturalized, it would need to found outside of the garden in another location, and have evidence of its reproduction (of some form). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello - I am on the hunt for linnaea borealis (twinflower) to grow in my shady back yard in Albany, NY. I have not had any luck hunting it down! Do you know somewhere I could get it or a nursery I could call? I named my 4 month old daughter after the plant and would really like to grow it. Thanks for any advice. -Sandra
    Answer
    Dear Sandra, Linnaea borealis has been grown in the Garden's nursery in the past, but is no longer being offered. You might try Hillside Nursery: http://www.hillsidenursery.biz/ . Best wishes.
  • Question
    This flower is growing at your facility. First thing I thought was a larger type of miterwort but I can't find it anywhere in my books. The flower itself is about 5 times the size of miterwort. The leaves are mostly basal if I remember correctly and there are also a few alternate leaves on the stem. The flowers are growing along the stem. I saw several of them around but this particular one was photographed down near the meadow. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    Answer
    Dear Jgreco, the species you have photographed is Tellima grandiflora (fringecup), a species in the Saxifragaceae (saxifrage family). It is native western North America. The cauline leaves distinguish this species from most members of the genus Mitella.
  • Question
    This plant we have hasn't flowered yet, although the bud is apparent. For this reason we can't tell what it is. Do you know? Thanks.
    Answer
    Dear Jamie707, the plant in the image is a species of Dahlia. These cultivated plants are native to Central and South America. Best wishes.
  • Question
    We are trying to identify the bush/shrub that these came from for renovations on our building - do you know what it could be? Thank you!
    Answer
    Dear srichardson521, Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Though we do try to assist with all questions, cultivated plants represent a giant topic--especially given we don't always know where the plants hailed from. In this case, I do not recognize the species and am sorry I can not help.
  • Question
    Could you please tell me what this is?
    Answer
    rit, you've collected a grass (member of the Poaceae). It looks like it could be one of the larger Dichanthelium (rosette panic grass), such as Dichanthelium clandestinum (deer tongue rosette panic grass), but I would not be able to tell you confidently without seeing the specimen and/or viewing the flowers.
  • Question
    Thanks for your answers about the dogwood and the water willow. Wonderful!
    Answer
    David, you are most welcome. Keep sending images--we'll do our best to help you out with anything that gives you trouble. Happy botanizing.
  • Question
    I also compliment you on your endless patience with questions about houseplants, photos taken without any location, etc. etc. All for the love of plants. At least people are interested enough to ask.
    Answer
    David, yes, I too am happy people have interest in plants (of all kinds). Unfortunately, Go Botany is a resource about wild-growing plants in New England, and some of the questions are outside of our expertise. I wish I could help everyone, but botany is a very large topic. Thanks for your kind words. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I have an issue apparently with uploading an image. I go through the process and I'm at the spot where it tells me it is uploading . . . . I've done that three times and it was at least 20 minutes each. Is there another way for me to get the photo to you?
    Answer
    Ruthi, send your images to the general go botany email address(gobotany@newenglandwild.org). I will get the images and can help you out. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Could you help me identify this plant?
    Answer
    Dear shubhi, I don't know where you took this photograph, so that is going to limit what I can do for you. It is a species of Lonicera (honeysuckle), and looks similar to Lonicera villosa (mountain honeysuckle), though I can't be sure of this without knowing where the plant is from. Best wishes.
  • Question
    This small plant (less than a foot tall) grows in a marshy clump at the end of Russell Reservoir in Harrisville, NH: marshy but not sphagnum. I noticed the clasping opposite leaves at 90 degrees to the whorls above and below, and the purple color. No flower, this was taken in the spring I believe.
    Answer
    Dear David, this is a species of Triadenum (marsh-St. John's-wort), in the Hypericaceae (St. John's-wort family). There are two species in New England, for which you need the flowers or fruits to identify them apart.
  • Question
    From South Road, Harrisville, NH, summer 2013. Flowers perhaps 1/4" across, leaves opposite, stems woody as I remember. I wish I'd taken better notes.
    Answer
    Dear David, your image appears to be a species of Ligustrum (privet), a member of the Oleaceae (olive family). These are non-native shrubs that have naturalized in some areas of New England.
  • Question
    What is this? It is in Central MA. On the side of the road.
    Answer
    Ruthi, no images or descriptions. I'm unable to help until you post images are accurately describe the plant. Sorry.
  • Question
    I have watched this plant for a couple years. It is growing at road's edge. It was partially obliterated by the plows and a car accident last year. I liberated some of it recently; it's on property that is bank owned - seems like it is abandoned property. What is it?
    Answer
    Dear Ruthi, you have not provided a description or any images of the plant. I'm sorry, but I can't help without any information to go on.
  • Question
    This shrub was photographed in Dedham MA on May 11, 2014. I was stumped trying to ID it because it was hanging out in an area populated with blueberry, serviceberry and chokeberry. The flowers are still buds, but all the other shrubs in the area are flowering now or the flowers are already gone. I think it is Eubotrys racemosa. Do you agree? If not, can you steer me in the right direction?
    Answer
    Dear stephradner, your images are a little early to tell confidently. They do appear to be a member of the health family (Ericaceae), but several plants resemble what you have photographed. I'm hopeful you can get later pictures and send them along. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi, my brother got me this plant and I'm not exactly sure what it is? Its only been a few hours n its not doing so well.
    Answer
    Dear minhas, Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of the northeastern United States. Though we do try to answer questions (when we can) concerning cultivated species, we are not able to always provide information on cultivated plant species from around the world. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi, I recent Y got this plant its not doing so well, plz help me identify it. So that I can enjoy it grow
    Answer
    Dear minhas, Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of the northeastern United States. Though we do try to answer questions (when we can) concerning cultivated species, we are not able to always provide information on cultivated plant species from around the world. Best wishes.
  • Question
    My fig tree (hardy Chicago, about 10' tall) has been prolific in bearing fruit but this year it is completely bare, without a single leaf. I am in zone 6B. We did have a severe winter. Is it definitely dead, or is it worth waiting to see if any growth appears? I don't want to replace him if there is a chance it might come back. Thank you.
    Answer
    Dear Terry, figs will frequently die back to the ground in northern climates after cold winters like this past one. It will likely regenerate. It would be wise to wait a few more weeks before cutting the dead top growth (to make sure it's not just leafing out late) and then look for new shoots from the base to sprout. Given that this winter was especially harsh, there is a chance it could have been killed entirely; however, it may still be alive, especially if it has overwintered in the past. Good luck.
  • Question
    Do you have any idea what this is? Is in a landscape in Cabo Mexico. Thanks
    Answer
    Dear opatallc, no, I'm sorry, I can't help you with this plant. It is far out of my region of expertise (northeastern United States). I would encourage you to reach out to the folks at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, where there are researchers who study the Mexican flora. Best wishes.
  • Question
    i thought this was a tiny cedar, but im not sure. do you know what it is?
    Answer
    Dear corynottus, the plant you have photograph is a clubmoss in the genus Diphasiastrum. This species is Diphasiastrum digitatum (southern ground-cedar). It, unlike true cedars (but like ferns), reproduces by spores, not seeds.
  • Question
    I know I'm cheating: this orchid grows in the shallows of Fishtrap Lake in Phyllis, KY - the eastern, mountainous part of the state. I am quite sure it is a twayblade (opposite leaves) but don't find it in Petersons.
    Answer
    Dear David, your plant is not an orchid (even though the flower look similar in some regards). It is Justicia americana (American water-willow), a member of the Acanthaceae. This is a rare species in the northeastern United States.
  • Question
    And I am probably cheating again, as this is surely an ornamental dogwood. It grows outside the post office in Dublin, NH. These photos were taken in the fall.
    Answer
    Dear David, this fruit cluster belong to Benthamidia japonica (Kousa big-bracted-dogwood, often named as Cornus kousa in the literature). It is related to our native Benthamidia florida (flowerering big-bracted-dogwood), but with a different fruit (as you have photographed well).
  • Question
    Bought these beautiful flowers today. I wonder what they're called! I want to know how best to handle and care for these flowers.
    Answer
    This image may be of a Hydangea macrophylla cultivar. Use that scientific name to find information on how to care for your flowers. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Can you please identify this plant? Came up beneath a Japanese maple.
    Answer
    Dear Betsy, I don't know what part of the world this photograph was taken. Without that information, it is very difficult to narrow down the hundreds of thousands of choices we need to sort through. Also, a close-up of the flowers would be extremely helpful. It reminds me of a species of Pedicularis (lousewort), but I can't be sure with the limited information provided. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Please identify. Came up beside a stump--Arkansas
    Answer
    Dear Royaladyaa, the plant in the image appears to be a grape (genus Vitis). Near the upper right of the image I can see a tendril that is produced opposite the leaves (this trait is found only in the Vitaceae--grape family). Without flowers/fruits and additional details about the vegetation, I cannot give any more information on what species this might be. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Dear Sir, My name is Shahid Mustafa, I shall be greatfull if you could identify the attached plant species scientific names-Thanks my e-mail ID = enviro67@gmail.com
    Answer
    Dear Shahid Mustafa, thank you for posting all the wonderful plant images. Without knowing what part of the world these hail from, it will be nearly impossible to help you with your request. The region a plant is found (and photographed) is very important information for helping identify a plant. Please keep in mind, Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England (i.e., northeastern United States).
  • Question
    Can u please provide the scientific name
    Answer
    Dear sm1234, you're image is a member of the composite family (Asteraceae), but without knowing what part of the world this plant originates (there are thousands of members of this family) and without images of the foliage, it would be very difficult for me to answer this question confidently. Please keep in mind that Go Botany is a website focusing on wild plants of New England. Best wishes.
  • Question
    growing this in both pot's and flower plot, weed or flower ?????
    Answer
    Dear jd39553, Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. It appears this plant is growing from pots (possibly from an indoor setting?). Perhaps once it flowers we may be able to help you further.
  • Question
    Greetings, I came across these in the forest earlier in April. I am a complete novice at identifying wildlife; so, I figured I'd ask. Any help would be great. Thanks, Perceptive Plants
    Answer
    Perceptive Plants, you've photographed a species of Polytrichum (hair-cap moss), a group of vascular (but non-tracheophyte) plants that are not covered on the Go Botany website. Go Botany is dedicated to wild tracheophytes of New England, which includes ferns, gymnosperms, and flowering plants. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Greetings, After looking through the plant key, I'm guessing that this is a variety of Sedge I stumbled upon in the forest; however I am not certain to the particular variety. Any suggestions? Thanks, Perceptive Plants
    Answer
    Perceptive Plants, without close-up images of the reproductive parts of this plant, I'm unable to help you. It may well be a member of the genus Carex, which includes 195 species in New England. Once it fruits, if you are able to get images of those structures, I may be able to provide you with an answer.
  • Question
    Greetings, I came across these growing on decaying logs scattered throughout the forest. Not sure if they are all the same thing. Any help would be great. Thanks Again, Perceptive Plants
    Answer
    Perceptive Plants, Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England. Your photographs are of a polypore fungi called Trametes versicolor (turkey tail). In this case, I can help you, but in general, fungi are not included on this website. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Greetings, Based on the Simple Key, I'm thinking some type of violet; any suggestions? Thanks, Perceptive Plants
    Answer
    Perceptive Plants, your images represent Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle), a member of the Apocynaceae (dogbane family). This species is introduced to New England and is frequently planted as a ground cover.
  • Question
    A woodland shrub seen last summer in the Monadnock Region of NH: purple stems, opposite leaves, maple-like leaves and a flower spike. A viburnum?
    Answer
    David, this plant is Acer spicatum (mountain maple). The pubescent branchlets that have winter buds with two valvate bud scales, impressed-veiny leaf blades, and upright arrays of flowers are good identification features.
  • Question
    Last fall, Meadow Road in Harrisville, NH: a greenbrier (Smilax)? My books don't show this globular cluster of berries.
    Answer
    David, you've photographed Smilax herbacea (carrion-flower). This species does have a spherical cluster of fruits borne on an elongate peduncles.
  • Question
    I have been wondering about the name and habitat and origin of the following plant. It has a woody like stem which is brown on the lower part and green (cactuss-like) on the middle and top part of the stem. Leaves are only present on the top part of the plant. The leaves are thick, large, dark green beautiful leaves where the veins are very clearly visible. I hope this along with the image will be enough information.
    Answer
    Dear timzl123, Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England (i.e., northeastern North America). Cultivated plants from different regions of the world are outside of the realm of expertise offered by Go Botany. That said, a member of the horticultural staff has suggested you plant may be a night blooming cereus. This name (cereus) is applied to as many as ten different genera of cacti in the cactus family. I hope this gives you a starting location to begin your study of this plant. Best wishes.
  • Question
    A friend of mine recently harvested Garlic Mustard that had leaves with purple undersides and purple stems. We have both found a few patches of these with purple coloring. Most of the other surrounding garlic mustard is bright green, stems & both sides of the leaves. Attached photos are one with slight purple tone and one with darker purple, the middle leaves having a completely purple underside (not easily seen in photo). Do you know what the reason or cause could be for this color variation?
    Answer
    Wolf-face, thank you for posting. That's interesting. Like you, I typically see green coloration on these plants. Why some are producing purple I can't answer confidently. Some plants do produce pigments this time of year as they offer frost resistance (i.e., protection from cold temperatures). Even though these may be from the same population, different microsites within a population can vary in temperature. However, it may merely have to do with genetic variation within the population.
  • Question
    Looking at the GoBotany site photos of recent sightings I see a berried plant labelled purple joe pie weed. Is this correct? It looks a lot more like poke weed (phytolacca americana). Which is it...assuming it's one or the other..?
    Answer
    Dear mbaluss, we don't analyze everyone's images that they post--there may in fact be misidentifications (as you have noted) on go botany. People are free to post images and make their own determinations of what the species are or probably are. If I happen to notice, I will offer send a message along to the member who posted. You should not assume the images are correctly identified. If you can send me a link to the image, I would be happy to examine it carefully.
  • Question
    Good morning, I noticed this growing in my back yard it spreads pretty quickly. Could you tell me what this is please??
    Answer
    Dear jb2817, the plant you have photographed is probably Potentilla simplex (old field cinquefoil). It is a member of the rose family. There are a couple of other, less common species that look very similar to this (such as Potentilla canadensis), but Potentilla simplex is by the far the most common species in this group. If you want it identified more confidently, I would need images of the flowering plants (preferably images that show the basal part of the stem up to the flowering peduncles). Best wishes.
  • Question
    I am looking for a native woody shrub or small tree for a part-sun/part-shade spot. I am in southern Vermont. Do you have a suggestion for a list of plants like this I could look at? Thanks!
    Answer
    Dear abihealey, Here are some suggestions for your planting. Alnus incana ssp. rugosa Corylus americana Dirca palustris Hamamelis virginiana Ilex verticillata Lindera benzoin Lonicera villosa Rhododendron maximum Rhododendron prinophyllum Rhododendron viscosum Rhus aromatica var. aromatica Rhus hirta Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis Sambucus racemosa var. racemosa Swida sericea Vaccinium corymbosum Viburnum acerifolium Viburnum dentatum var. lucidem Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides Viburnum opulus ssp. trilobum Acer pensylvanicum Amelanchier laevis Betula alleghaniensis Carpinus caroliniana ssp. virginiana Sassafras albidum Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hello, I'm doing a school project that requires me to review a Botanist. I would like help with some info on Hepraticophyta. 1.) How should I care for this type of plant? 2.) Where would I find these types of plants in nature?
    Answer
    Dear Enterprize, Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild tracheophytes (i.e., vascular plants, excluding mosses) of New England. I'm am sorry to write that bryophytes are not included here. I encourage you to find botanists who are studying mosses and related taxa, such as at a university, to help you with your project. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I believe I may have found Iceland Moss, but I am not certain. I have only found it growing in one location in a park in Boston, MA. When it rains or snows, the lichen becomes colorful and somewhat rubbery to touch (see photos). During dry spells, the lichen is crunchy and brownish in color, but greener at moister at the base. If it is Iceland Moss, how common is it in eastern Massachusetts? Thank you!
    Answer
    Dear Wolf-face, Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild tracheophytes (i.e., higher vascular plants) in New England. Lichens are a symbiosis of an alga and a fungus. I'm sorry to write that these organisms are out of my realm of expertise. You might want locate botanists who specialize in these life forms to help you with your question. Often local mycological organizations have members who are interested in lichens. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi, I took a photo of these wildflowers the summer of 2012 in Nickerson State Park on the Cape, near the edge of a pond. Can you tell me the name? Are they rare?
    Answer
    Dear Carol, your plant is Sabatia kennedyana (Plymouth rose-gentian). It is a species that is found primarily on the coastal plain of New England in MA and RI. It is a fairly rare plant, owing its rarity to the fact it is restricted to certain natural communities (such as coastal plain pond shores). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Found this Plant here (https://goo.gl/maps/mblRi) near Descanso, California at Thousand Trails Oakzanita Campground. I saw a squirrel pulling something off one of these and eating it, couldn't tell what it was that it was eating. The plant looks to me like rosemary or thyme not sure. I could be way off. There was not fragrance that I could smell.
    Answer
    cfreiling, I would love to be able to help you further (the California flora is quite wonderful but relatively unknown to me). Please consults botanists at the Jepson Herbarium for assistance (http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/jepson_flora_project.html).
  • Question
    This plant was located near Descanso, California in the Desert Mountains. More specifically here (https://goo.gl/maps/mblRi). I've added two photos. The stem has a squared (with rounded corners. It was wild as it was growing (freely) in various places through the camp ground.
    Answer
    cfreiling, the plant you have photographed certainly looks like a member of the Lamiaceae (mint family). Unfortunately, you are far out of my range (Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild plants of New England). I suggest you contact a botanist in your region, which you may be able to locate through the Jepson Herbarium in Berkeley (http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/jepson_flora_project.html). Best wishes.
  • Question
    This plant is just coming up and flowering in my old farm field in Maine. Tried using your keys, but still can't identify it --- can you please tell me what it is? Thank you! 4/18/14
    Answer
    pattison, this species is Tussilago farfara (colt's-foot). Try keying it under the composites with yellow flowers and scapose habit (i.e., no well formed leaves on the flowering stem), that should get you in the right "ball park". Best wishes.
  • Question
    It's my first spring in my starter home and I was cleaning the flower bed when I came across this plant. It has these dried up flowers with Reed like stems but from the ground it's growing almost succulent leaves. I'm not sure if it's 2 separate plants but when I tried removing it they both came up from the ground so it might be one plant. I live in Michigan and I am hesitant to remove native species. Any help identifying it would be much appreciated :)
    Answer
    sasaad, you've likely photographed a species of Hylotelephium (orpine), a group of plants that formerly belonged to the genus Sedum (stonecrop). These species with succulent leaves and often tuberous roots are part of the Crassulaceae (stonecrop family). Until it flowers, I would not be able to identify it with confidence, but Hylotelephium spectabile (showy orpine) is a commonly cultivated species (which has pink to purple petals).
  • Question
    I'm in Tennessee and have a lot of these plants growing on the north slope of my mountain. What type of plant do you think it is, this pic was taken March 30,2014
    Answer
    Dear rkstanzak, Your image appears to be plants of Cardamine diphylla (two-leaved toothwort), a member of the Brassicaceae (mustard family). You can confirm this by bruising the leaves and smelling for a horseradish or wasabi (spicy) scent. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Hi, Would you be able to id this flower for me, found in the Middlesex Fells? I couldn't find it in the simple key. Thank you!
    Answer
    Flora, you have photographed Nabalus trifoliolatus (three-leaved rattlesnake-root). This is a wild plant (a relatively of lettuce) that occurs from sea level up to our highest mountains. Its lower leaves are often (but not always) divided into three leaflets (hence its common name).
  • Question
    Hello, Bit of a strange few questions but I've always wondered how much energy it takes for a tree to sprout leaves in spring - say an oak? Also, how much effort/energy does it take a little seedling - like a snow drop say - to break through the soil to allow it to germinate? My final strange question is - how many leaves on an old giant oak? I understand these are quite odd questions, so any estimates I'd greatly appreciate!
    Answer
    Dear abi333, I have not seen published estimates on energy requirements of plants as they leaf out or bud in the spring. These would be good questions to pose to a plant physiologist at your local university. I have seen estimates of leaf numbers on oak. Estimates I have seen place the number of leaves on a mature oak at 200,000 to 500,000 leaves. I hope this is of some help.
  • Question
    I have read that the berrying shrub Viburnum betulifolium will not set fruit unless pollinated by another compatible Viburnum. Can you tell me which I should get for compatibility, as I would love to grow this beautiful shrub and have the masses of berries it produces when suited.
    Answer
    Information from: http://www.classicviburnums.com/ "As a general rule of thumb, viburnums are not self-fertile. This means that you need two compatible plants to cross-pollinate to receive the maximum fruit production. This does not mean that you can plant two of the same clone/cultivar and expect fruit. For example, two V. dentatum 'Christom' Blue Muffin® planted in close proximity will not pollinate each other because they are genetically identical and therefore incompatible. A Blue Muffin® will however fruit if planted with another dentatum cultivar (i.e. 'Little Joe'), the species dentatum or another dentatum seedling. Another critical requirement is that for pollination to occur, both plants have to be blooming at the same time. Most cultivars within a species, i.e. cultivars of V. nudum and V. plicatum f. tomentosum, will all flower at the same time so specific plant selection is not an issue, but V. dentatum (Arrowwood Viburnum) is an exception. Arrowwod cultivars do not all bloom at the same time so it is important that the correct cultivars be planted in tandem. Two different viburnums are not required, however, to produce flowers. Flowering will occur whether or not pollination occurs." I hope this helps with your question. Best wishes.
  • Question
    What is this plant? Southeast Wisconsin, vining up tree maybe 20 ft. Heart shaped leaves.
    Answer
    Dear JKyle, your images appear to be of Smilax herbacea (carrion-flower). This is an herbaceous, unarmed species of the genus. Whereas most species in this genus are woody (i.e., lianas), this species is herbaceous (a vine) and will die back to the ground each fall.
  • Question
    My friend planted a bunch of random Vegetable plants and doesn't know what this is. Please help :)
    Answer
    Dear kelseeyleigh, I cannot be sure from your photograph, as I would need to see some close-up features. However, it appears to be a species of the genus Amaranthus (common name is amaranth). These are wild and cultivated plants that are used in traditional cuisine for both their young leaves and (later in the season) their mature fruits. If you do have additional photographs, please provide them, along with your location (knowing where the image was taken is very important for plant identification).
  • Question
    Hi: I'm planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers in my son's school courtyard as part of a project featuring indigenous plants. We have about 850 square feet of planting beds, which surround central concrete pavers. The courtyard gets quite hot in summer, yet the plants get only partial sun (maybe 5 hours max in summer). What type of ecosystem is that? I'd love to plant a dogwood (cornus florida), but know they like it cooler. Can I plant a groundcover around the base?
    Answer
    Dear mcmica2000, These are tough questions to answer without detailed site information. But, it sounds you need something that will do well in dry shade, something that has 4-season interest, and something that can probably tolerate salt (assuming it’s going to be at least somewhat close to a parking lot). That said, dogwood would do fine in the heat; in fact, it would probably help prevent anthracnose to be in an area that retains some heat. But, it could be preferable to steer toward Ostrya--it will deal well with the heat and the low sunlight. Think also about evergreens--maybe something like an American holly or a pitch pine. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Which is correct? Pleurotus ostreatus 'florida' or Pleurotus florida.
    Answer
    ayshiree9, some research suggests that Pleurotus ostreatus and P. florida are the same species. Therefore, both entities would be referred to as Pleurotus ostreatus, with no mention of P. florida. See http://mic.sgmjournals.org/content/146/1/209.long for discussion. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I was having an experiment wherein I'm going to use the photoflash of a digital camera to the growth of an oyster mushroom. Does the mushroom I experimented is still edible?
    Answer
    Dear ayshiree, For what it may be worth, Go Botany is a website about wild plants that occur in New England. Fungi belong to a different kingdom of organisms (though they are often considered to be of the "flora" by many authors). To your questions: I would not be concerned about the edibility of the fungus based on the images you captured. What I would be concerned about is the substrate it was grown on. If it is clean substrate that is appropriate for this fungus, then I would consider eating the fungus once properly cooked.
  • Question
    I suspect this is Solidago of some kind, but I'm not sure which species. Any thoughts? Habitat was coastal woodland / salt marsh, somewhat disturbed (state park, picnic area). Exact location and date details at http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/373992. Unfortunately I didn't get any better pics of the leaves. Lots of pretty alianthus webworm moths, though!
    Answer
    Dear kueda, beautiful image. I'm sorry I can't provide you with any help, there are a great many composites with yellow ray flowers and even within the genus Solidago (goldendrods) there are a large number of species to sort through. Details of the leaves and vegetative stem are critical for identification within the genus Solidago. If you are able to get additional photos I would be able to help. Best wishes.
  • Question
    We have a small pot with pitcher plants that we purchased at a Lowe's store in North Carolina. We kept them alive indoors through the winter. Recently a totally unusual to us, plant came up in the same pot. It is not a pitcher plant and we have never seen anything like it. Apparently there was a seed or spore or something in the soil that the pitcher plants came in. It has a mildly "stinky" fragrance, but one has to get very close to notice it. It is not a strong fragrance. Here it is: tha
    Answer
    jhoughton, do you have an image you can post of the plant? Without this, it is nearly impossible to help you with your question. If you are having difficulty posting one, you may email one to me at gobotany@newenglandwild.org.
  • Question
    Can you tell me the name of this flower? It is from Bangladesh, we have this plant in our garden from long time but don't know the name.
    Answer
    Dear wasima, you appear to have photographed a member of the Commelinaceae (dayflower family). The exact species appears to be a member of the genus Tradescantia (spiderwort), possibly something in the horticultural trade (like T. pallida, pale spiderwort). I recommend finding a horticultural resource in your area (if possible) to help you confidently answer this identification question. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Does a photoflash of a digital camera affects the growth of Oyster mushroom compared to non?
    Answer
    Dear ayshiree9, it is unlikely that your camera's flash would affect (in a significant way), positively or negatively, the growth of an oyster mushroom. The flash is just a momentary burst of light, which many mushrooms that grow in forests experience as the canopy moves in the wind and flashes of sunlight penetrate down into the forest. Best wishes.
  • Question
    Is it better for Oyster mushrooms to grow in soil or in woods? what's the difference?
    Answer
    Dear ayshiree9, oyster mushrooms (genus Pleurotus) are species that grow on dead or dying trees (or least trees that have some dead portions). They derive their food from rotting wood. They are not species that live on the surface of the soil. Best wishes.
  • Question
    What is the name of this flower? I have found it in Bangladesh but as far I know it is not a native flower of this country.
    Answer
    Dear wasima, you have photographed a species of Heliconia (false bird-of-paradise). They are members of the heliconia family (Heliconiaceae).
  • Question
    What is the name of this plant/flower?
    Answer
    Dear edmenor, your image appears to be of a species of Passiflora (passion flower). Without knowing where the plants came from, it would not be possible for us to help you further (i.e., exactly which species of Passiflora you have photographed).
  • Question
    Hello, can you ID this plant please? It is a shrub. Thank you. Giorgio
    Answer
    Giorgio, in order to help you with identification, there is some useful information that we would need, including what part of the world this shrub was pictured. The plant appears to be cultivated. This website is dedicated to wild plants of New England (i.e., northeastern United States). Though we are often able to help with plants from outside this region, we do need to know where the plants in the images came from in order to research what they might be. Best wishes.
  • Question
    I am working on a homework assignment which requires I collect seed from a plant, but I should know which plant it is. My assignment is not to identify the plant, but to collect the seed, however currently few plants have seed. I am outside Asheville, North Carolina (in Black Mountain) in the Appalachians. Here are three pictures. Is it possible to identify the plant from these? The plant was not near a stream or anything. Behind it there is a rhododendron.
    Answer
    Dear oreillyc, you've posted some nice images, but I do not recognize this plant. Go Botany is dedicated to the plants of New England (i.e., northeastern United States). Often we can help with plants from outside this region (and are happy to); however, in this case, I am unable to assist you. I recommend you contact the folks at the herbarium of Chapel Hill (they have great expertise in the plants of your area). Best wishes.
  • Question
    Dear Sir\ Madam I am an Agricultural Engineer specialized Agronomist, today i am working as an Extension Officer and I will plan a database related crop rotation. Please, i need to classify the botanical germination habit for the following crops: Potato(Solanum tuberosum), Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas), Garlic (Allium tuberosum), Mallow (Malva parviflora), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). meaning if is it epigeal and, or hypogeal. Please, advice. Mohunnad Massimi Jordan
    Answer
    Dear Mohunnad, Go Botany is a website dedicated to wild (i.e., non-cultivated) plants of New England (northeastern United States). The questions you are seeking answers to are best directed to an agricultural extension service or professor of agriculture. That said, we try to help everyone when we can. So, Solanum tuberosum is epigeal, Ipomoea batatas is epigeal, Allium tuberosum is epigeal, Malva parviflora is epigeal, and Thymus vulgaris is probably also epigeal (most "dicot" plants, save for conspicuous exceptions, like legumes, are epigeal). Best wishes.