Phone Apps for Plant Identification

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

There are a number of phone apps available for identifying plants. You basically take a picture of the plant and the app tells you what it is…usually.

A lot of the apps are garbage and not safe to use but there are two with which I’ve been quite impressed.

One is PictureThis – Plants

I’ve been testing PictureThis for several years shooting it at about every plant I see. It’s almost always correct and it shows a number of other photos of the plant so that when it’s wrong, you can usually tell.

The other one that looks good is iNaturalist. It was done by the National Geographic Society and also seems quite good though my experience with it is pretty limited to date. iNaturalist also works for critters and bugs. Though most critters and bugs are not medicinal. One of the neat things about iNaturalist is that it show you where things have been seen. So you can look at a map and see where the spots are that folks have seen stuff near you.

These can be great tools. Certainly they shouldn’t be used carelessly and don’t replace a good understanding of plants and plant identification. But they are, in my view, worth having. :0)

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

Total of 150 users thanked author for this post. Here are last 10 listed.

Wendi, Amy Winkler, Leta Tedrow, Melba Nipp, Julie Van Ballegooyen, Anne Treesh, Perschbacher Kimberley, Leslie Melby, Locia Brookshire, Catiecat

[Michelle HeadStudent]

Thank you so much for the recommendation. I have been wondering how well these apps really work.

Total of 35 users thanked author for this post. Here are last 10 listed.

Jackie Nakalembe, Heather Clark, Rene Groom, Danette Lockwood, Barbara Miller, dionnerea, Sonya Akins, Deborah Homerding, Gina Johnson, Kim Banta

[Chersten EgbertStudent]

I have used PlantNet to identify plants around my home and when out hiking.  I have an android phone and it works reasonably well.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Leann Clink, laurie mullican

[Andrea StoutStudent]

Thanks, Chersten.  I had not heard of this app, and I’m anxious to try it out.

All the best,

Andrea

2 users thanked author for this post.

Gina Johnson, Althea Dianne Nutt

[Julie Van BallegooyenStudent]

I have just tried PlantNet in my garden.  I thought I would start with a strawberry plant.  Unfortunately it did not recognise or even make a suggestion.

[Malinda GlatharStudent]

Thank you.  Is PlantNet a free app?

1 user thanked author for this post.

Althea Dianne Nutt

[RUMYKINStudent]

Good to know what apps work on what platform.  Thanks for info.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Althea Dianne Nutt

[Jackie DeeringStudent]

Same here.  Works reasonably well on my Android.

[Rachael CockeStudent]

Picture this has been so helpful to use! I love walking around with it and seeing what all I can find.

[Stephanie.hallStudent]

Thank you for the information.  Want to get an app, trying to figure out which one.

2 users thanked author for this post.

pam whitaker, Althea Dianne Nutt

[dionnereaStudent]

Is this a free app?

[Greg BoggsStudent]

Yes! Although they do have  a subscription if you find it useful

[pam whitakerStudent]

I use this app too. it has never fail me on my walks

[Margaret FitzgeraldStudent]

I’ve used Picture This which is a paid for app, annually. That does run into an expense I’m a little reluctant to do.  I have so many plant ID books, so I tell myself not to spend the money.  But, of course, you don’t usually have one of those books with you when you see a new plant you want to identify. So, it’s pretty convenient to have the app. But, I did find that if I’m in the woods w/o internet access, I can’t use it. So, I’m torn about it.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Sandy Hayes

[Laurie DubeStudent]

I use the free version of Picture This. They do push the free trial, but I’m not willing to put my credit card info on my phone so it’s an easy by-pass. As far as internet access goes, there isn’t any as soon as I walk out my front door. However, I can take pictures in or out of the app and get an id when I come back inside.

[Carrie YoungStudent]

Thanks for this information I have been using Picture  This . I didn’t know there are so many types of Dandelions ! So are only the “officinalis” the only good ones for use ?

I have also found several types of Plantain and wondering if any others are ok for use ?Thanks again  for being the wonderful instructor you are . Be Blessed Carrie

1 user thanked author for this post.

Althea Dianne Nutt

[Selene Muldowney-StrattonStudent]

Thanks for the info! I have been using an app called Seek by iNaturalist.  I believe you mention that one. It has been fairly accurate although sometimes it tells you what family of plant you are looking at but not super specific on the actual plant.  I started using it when I volunteered with the Boyscouts and have saved a bunch of plants … it also can identify birds, insects, mammals, fish, reptiles, and more. I have learned not to trust any app 100% so I double check with google search (using my camera) if I have doubts.

Selene Muldowney

2 users thanked author for this post.

laurie mullican, Kelly Benjamin

[Yvonne HetlandStudent]

I have the Seek app also. I have enjoyed it and learned many new plant identifications. It does tend to want the item in view to be very still.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Althea Dianne Nutt

[Catherine CatsoulasStudent]

Thanks for the info Doc Jones.  I have a plant identifier app called seek and it’s free but it got a hydrangea wrong my first time trying it so I wouldn’t recommend it.

[Sno White-BensonStudent]

Thank you for these recommendations, Dr. Jones. I have used a couple of plant ID apps and have not been impressed. I will have to try these.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Althea Dianne Nutt

[Pete DaleyStudent]

Thank you for the information. I’m new here and was wondering how accurate the Google picture app was compared to the Picture This app for plant identification?

[Lora DietmeyerStudent]

I am trying to identify a pine tree right now, but my iPhone just says pine tree. Want to get more detail about the kind of pine for medical.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Althea Dianne Nutt

[Susan Ellis ForsbergStudent]

I have wanted an app for years but didn’t know which to trust. Thanks so much. Looking forward to downloading today.

Sue

[Janine HumphreysStudent]

Thanks. I am glad to know your opinion on these apps. Because it seemed these two apps have worked well for me as well; I have used both i naturalist and Picture This here on the East Coast and have found it to be very good at identifying plants. I always cross compare and sometimes use books too. But the apps are so easy and fun to use. My son and I like to compete on what we know. PictureThis even did a decent job identifying ferns! But I don’t know my ferns well so I am not entirely sure.

[Corinne AndersonStudent]

are the apps free or is there a fee.

[Greg BoggsStudent]

PictureThis has a free and premium option

1 user thanked author for this post.

Corinne Anderson

[Tabetha EvansStudent]

Thank you so much! I will long into north of these. But plz – everyone avid the mushroom ID for edibles, they’re very dangerous. Fb myco groups are much more accurate.

Ty!

1 user thanked author for this post.

Althea Dianne Nutt

[RUMYKINStudent]

My daughter was showing me that the iphone has a built-in plant identification by just taking a picture and it will give options for identification. Android does not have that, which is what I have. I was wondering if we could have a forum that lists plants with photos which are poisonous or we should be cautious.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Jennifer Blase, Joyce Dike

[Lisa DerksenStudent]

iPhone plant and bug app is not the most accurate.  I found a bug the shape and size of an emerald ash borer, but totally different colouring.  So I asked iPhone and it told me it was an owl.  I’m sorry.

[Marsha NicholsStudent]

Hi, I was just trying to identify a large plant that came up in my garden with Google Lens, but it didn’t seem to be any matches.  I don’t kI will try these apps.

 

 

[Sandy HayesStudent]

Thanks for the 2 apps for plant identification. I will research them. I have used Google Lens a few times but it appears one item I was certain of has been misidentified. After identiification by the app, I usually search the Internet further to be certain of the identification

[Jenelle TrampushStudent]

Thank you for the information!

[Christina RuizStudent]

Hello,
Thank you for the information on identifying plants with the Picture this app is great, I was using plant net but it always had trouble identifying the plant correctly.

[MaryAnn LeyStudent]

I use Picture this all the time…. has helped in identifying plants I should leave alone on side of the road. like Dogbane

[Jackie NakalembeStudent]

I wonder if these plant identification apps would work in other parts of the world which have different climates and plants?

[Christine NatvigStudent]

I have been using Picture this for a few years and have found the same thing that it is pretty accurate.

3 users thanked author for this post.

Althea Dianne Nutt, Donna Smeal, Celia

[JanetBeck75Student]

I loved this app until I changed phones.  From Samsung to Iphone.  After that it acted like I needed to sign up again even though my year subscription was not up.  Have you found this to be the case in your usage over the years?  Thanks,Janet

[Althea Dianne NuttStudent]

knowing what is poisonous would be very helpful.

 

[Stephanie JonesStudent]

Thank you for the info! I’ve been using iplant on my iphone but notice that its not always accurate which is a bad thing! I will try out both of these apps.

Stephanie Jones

[Glenda Dilworth – StricklinStudent]

I love the Picture This app. I purchased the subscription about a year and a half two years ago and it is very accurate. I agree with what Doc says, it has a lot of different pictures of each plant so identifying the accuracy of your find is made super easy. You will know if it is not the right plant quickly.

Hope you enjoy the app and happy foraging!

1 user thanked author for this post.

laurie mullican

[Rochelle HesfordStudent]

Thanks

[Marcia RimerStudent]

Since signing up for the HGH Class I have used picture this on so many plants in my yard to see if I can use any of them. I actually have quite a few. Thanks for the info. I was never sure the app was really correct.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Donna Smeal, Donna M Schott

[Pamela FosterStudent]

I found Picture This a week or so ago and have been playing with it. I have been taking pictures of everything in my garden that I KNOW what it is and it was 99% correct. The only off picture was my comfrey. It said it was tobacco. Maybe it is in that family, I don’t know. I guess that is why I joined, to learn more! I love all the options this app has as well.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Althea Dianne Nutt

[Gladys LimStudent]

Tobacco and comfrey are from two different families, comfrey is from the borage family (Boraginaceae), and tobacco belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The two do have kinda similar looking leaves though, maybe that’s why the app got them mixed up.

7 users thanked author for this post.

Althea Dianne Nutt, Suzanne Bradford, Martin Okelberry, Brenda Baker, Donna Smeal, Doreen Cleman, Donna M Schott

[Makenzie MengesStudent]

I found the app Picture this and i have used it multiple times to identify the elderberry trees i have around me and other plants that grown wild.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Althea Dianne Nutt

[Courtney HesterStudent]

Thank you so much for the information! I have been using the feature that comes on some of the iPhones and it is good, but not always correct. So I’ve wondered if there was a good reputable one to check out.

Courtney Hester

[GlendaStudent]

Thanks:) I’m going to check some of those out.

I usually use Pl@ntNet, and so far it’s been good. A few weeks ago, I was thinking how nice it would be to find some milk thistle. Then I noticed a strange weed growing with my strawberry plant. It looked suspiciously like a thistle, so I let it go. It now has buds, and Pl@ntNet did indeed identify it as common milk thistle. I’m waiting until it blooms to make sure.

[Madison GarzaStudent]

Hi,

Is there also a field guide that you would recommend to use alongside an app? My kids and I do nature walks and it would be nice to have a reliable app and a field guide with good quality pictures to use!

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead InstructorTopic Author]

Hi Madison,

Field guides are pretty geographically specific. Where do you live? :0)

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Madison GarzaStudent]

Hello,

I live in South Texas by Corpus Christi. I have some field guides but moving into the medicinal herb side of things I am hesitant. I am more wondering if there are some authors that you trust?

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead InstructorTopic Author]

This is a good book for Desert stuff. Michael Moore was a great herbalist.

Medicinal Plants of the Desert & Canyon West

It’s not really a field guide but has some good pictures and some great info.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

2 users thanked author for this post.

laurie mullican, Sydnia Ginger Anady

[Jena WellsStudent]

I also downloaded Picture This App in the summer and had a blast all over our property finding all the amazing plants God has given us here!  Love this app! And i can save each plant under a certain location, so I can look back later to see where it was. Of course, like all technology, it’s not 100% perfect so pay attention, double check and be wise.  But I love having it on my phone! (Even used it on vacation when I was curious about a beautiful flower!)

3 users thanked author for this post.

Lisa Derksen, Donna M Schott, Rosa Couture

[Leta TedrowStudent]

Have used the app but didn’t realize I could save a location. Thank you, I’ll figure out how to do that!

[Fran GourdetStudent]

I had been using FlowerChecker. You get 10 free “credits” to identify 10 plants (at least when I first used it), thereafter it is $1.00 for a credit pr $1.00 per plant identification (Actually, if you buy 20 credits, it’s $15.00)

I will check out the other two you suggested. iNaturalist sounds interesting as there are many bugs in my area in NE PA.

[Lori-Ann AllenStudent]

My daughter had been using the iNaturalist app for identifying bugs, reptiles and amphibians for a few years now. She likes it a lot, and it has been helpful to have when we’ve been out hiking and found something new. I should probably load it on to my own phone. 😏

 

[Donna M SchottStudent]

<span style=”font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 14px;”>I’m new to phone plant apps so I’d like get a broader understanding of the costs. Are they all “per picture” as your’s seems to be Fran or are there apps with unlimited use? Also, what is the average cost per yearly subscription? Thanks!</span>

[KBStudent]

I’ll try Picture This.  The native one on iphone is a bummer. It totally leans on wikipedia, and  it can’t tell snake root from boneset.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead InstructorTopic Author]

Ive sure liked it. One of the things I appreciate is that it give you lots of pictures of wht it thinks the plant is. So, when it’s wrong (which isn’t often at all) it’s really obvious that it’s wrong. :0)

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

3 users thanked author for this post.

Vicky Kawaguchi, Annett, Glenda Dilworth - Stricklin

[Carl TrebeschStudent]

I’ve been using the Picture This app for a few years now and I am also very happy with it – so handy in real time questions.  One feature that I especially like it when you are out-of-range of cell service, which is often the case at my little place out in the boonies, you can take a photo of the plant and as soon as you get back in range, the app will do its thing and identify the plant.

[ChristineStudent]

So good to know, thank you! I will get picture this. It seems like a really helpful way to memorize the names, and double check my identification.

[Renee PetersonStudent]

I have been using PlantNet. What is your opinion of that app?

[SharonStudent]

Anything good to say about NatureID?  I’ve had hits and misses with it.  Sounds like Picture This is actually a really good one that is worth the annual cost.  I remember when apps were a “buy it once, own it forever” thing – obviously that shows my age!  LOL

[Charlotte ChumleaStudent]

In response to Plant identification, I did download Picture This and do love it. Regarding sharing images here, I sent up albums in Google and am trying to link them, but have been unsuccessful.
Here is the link I was given by Google. Please let me know if it works here. (REDACTED By Auto-Moderator Robot)>

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead InstructorTopic Author]

Yup . I’m seeing the barberry root and tincture

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Charlotte Chumlea

[Cynthia BerlingStudent]

I will try that app. I downloaded two to my phone and took pictures of plants I knew and they identified them as something completely different. A violet was identified as a poisonous plant. My trust was not earned.

[Connie L. BiggsStudent]

Thanks for the recommendations. Since I’m not sure of the different plants, I’m glad to get a good source to help me identify them.

[Sandra CooperStudent]

Michelle Head wrote:

Thank you so much for the recommendation. I have been wondering how well these apps really work.

Great in formation.  I have wondered about the accuracy of these apps.  Very helpful.  Thanks.

[vcarlock@tampabay.rr.comStudent]

I used this app a long time ago. Just updated based on recommendations and tried on a couple of easily identifiable plants. So far, so good.

[Christine NatvigStudent]

I have been using picture this for a little while. I found that it says some plants that are herbal are toxic. I often do an internet search to confirm or not.

[Sonia DockeryStudent]

This is awesome!  I just joined the course and have been searching for a reputable plant ID app, so this is very timely.  Thanks to all for your input!  I think I’ll be getting the Picture This app.

[Teresa HutslarStudent]

Thank you for the recommendation. The iphone plant identification is trash!

[Katie HughesStudent]

I also use the iNatralist app and it works pretty good as long as you can get a decent picture

[Lavinela SmithStudent]

Thank you for all the information about the plant identifier.   I been looking to find one for my Iphone that is free.

[Doreen ClemanStudent]

Curious. Is PictureThis app that you use a subscription? Thanks!

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead InstructorTopic Author]

Seems like there is a free version and a subscription version. I’m probably using the subscription one but it isn’t expensive.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Donna M Schott

[Suzanne BradfordStudent]

Yes, I believe it is a subscription.

[Tracey HaddockStudent]

Thank you for these recommendations. I’ve been using PictureThis and have a funny story to tell. I thought I was foraging stinging nettle recently but intuition told me to use PictureThis to verify. Turns out it was Allegheny blackberry (similar leaf shape and had thorns)! Good thing I checked! 😉

1 user thanked author for this post.

Donna M Schott

[Karen LallyStudent]

Thank you for the recommendation, I will definitely picturethis – plants I have recently started gardening again it’s been 3 years since I have due to aneurysm & 2 strokes but I’m getting there & now I don’t take anything out b/c I don’t know what it is & if it has any medicinal uses & now I can actually look, thanks Doc

[Dolores KnightStudent]

Thank you! Just tried the app. So far, very accurate.

[Kim GilstrapStudent]

I have a few identifying apps, its a hit and miss.  I personally look up the name of plants they are giving me and search identifying herb and then double check different sites to see if it is what I found.  Can be frustrating sometimes, but a little guidance while out walking with a phone to google is easier than caring books around.  Lol  We really do have it made now a days.  It’s cool even I find just a weed per ce, cuz you have learned something WIN WIN

thanks for suggesting that. I have LEAF SNAP, its fairly good. Blossom and nature are less accurate.

KIMBERLY A GILSTRAP

[Sue MagyariStudent]

Thanks, Doc for the App referral. I will try the Picture This-Plants. since I have recently moved to Southern California from Michigan, I have a lot of unknown plants to identify!

[DianaStudent]

hey folks,

I have been using plant.id.  It suggests you sign up after you use it once, then you get I think 5 or so photos per week (free).  It’s been accurate except for the yellow flowers out right now in Idaho at approx. 5000+ft.  I don’t know what they were, but they’re everywhere!  Beautiful clumps with a large yellow flower, they smell almost like sage.  So I looked them up and plant id said Arnica Montana but then when I looked it up again it showed a different type of sunflower.  I really don’t want to be wrong on something that could kill a person soooooo… I’ll try the apps you suggested.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Lisa Derksen

[Margaret Shields+Student]

I look forward to trying these as I’m fairly new in trying to identify plants. They sound like they might be fun to do with my kids, too 🙂

[Michelle BabcockStudent]

Did you ever figure which ones they were?

[Lise GregoryStudent]

I’ve been using the PictureThis App for a few years now. It has been invaluable on hikes.  Little costly but worth every penny.

[Jeremy MenkeStudent]

Have you heard of plantnet? I have that one and seems to be pretty useful. It also gives pictures of the plant it most likely is. But gives possible others with pictures of them also

• This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by Jeremy Menke.

[KathleenStudent]

Is there a good app for those of us that don’t have a cell phone and just use a good old fashion digital camera? (who knew that digital cameras would be considered “old fashion”?)

[Kelly BenjaminStudent]

Thank you Doc. I found an app I’ve been trying out called FLORA INCOGNITA.

So far I’m impressed with the results.  If others could check it out in the western USA that would help to verify plants not in the Great Lakes area where I am.

 

[Karen ChavezStudent]

This looks very promising, I’m going to check out both apps

[Karen ChavezStudent]

Thank-you! I just downloaded Pictures this

[Marian KnudsenStudent]

I am so interested in this ability.  I live in the  wilderness and there are so plants to explore!   Thank you so much!

[Sandra GayStudent]

I have the PictureThis app and have found it to work really well.

[Debbie Jo MountainStudent]

Dr. Patrick Jones wrote:

There are a number of phone apps available for identifying plants. You basically take a picture of the plant and the app tells you what it is…usually.

A lot of the apps are garbage and not safe to use but there are two with which I’ve been quite impressed.

One is PictureThis – Plants

I’ve been testing PictureThis for several years shooting it at about every plant I see. It’s almost always correct and it shows a number of other photos of the plant so that when it’s wrong, you can usually tell.

The other one that looks good is iNaturalist. It was done by the National Geographic Society and also seems quite good though my experience with it is pretty limited to date. iNaturalist also works for critters and bugs. Though most critters and bugs are not medicinal. One of the neat things about iNaturalist is that it show you where things have been seen. So you can look at a map and see where the spots are that folks have seen stuff near you.

These can be great tools. Certainly they shouldn’t be used carelessly and don’t replace a good understanding of plants and plant identification. But they are, in my view, worth having. :0)

Doc

Thank you wS looking for the right app

3 users thanked author for this post.

Linda Keller, Kristin Melendez, Laura Viau

[Laura ViauStudent]

Thank you, Dr. Jones.  I have downloaded a few plant apps in the past and wondered if they were accurate.  Now I know I can delete those and use the ones you mentioned.  That is very helpful!  I’m pretty sure I have a few plants on my property that you have mentioned in some of your YT videos, like purslane, but have been afraid to do anything for fear of dying!  And speaking of purslane, before I knew what it is, I have been killing it in the cracks of my driveway with Dawn dish soap and vinegar.  When it comes up again next year, which it will, will I be able to use it or have I changed the DNA of the plant?  Might be a dumb question.

[Greg ScottStudent]

I mainly use the Picturethis app and it works really well.  I also downloaded the Plantin app which is suppose to tell you what your plant/herb is needing like coffee but hardly ever use it.  I just noticed that I haven’t used it in a long time and it had to be downloaded.

[Crystal RasmussenStudent]

I have been using PictureThis for quite a while.  I do not completely rely on it, but feel better about it after reading your post.

[Sharon L TaylorStudent]

Thank you Doc Jones! In this day and age, it is nice to be able to at least check them out with a grain of salt.

Blessings,
Sharon L Taylor
Your “Sweet” Specialist

[Cheryl BeechStudent]

Thank you for the plant identification app suggestions! We had given up on finding a reliable one and are excited to use the apps you suggested! Thank you!

[Carol AtkinsStudent]

Thank you so much for this info on phone apps. I plan on using Picture This for my studies!

[Beth StowellStudent]

I use plant net…it also gives pictures and it gives a list of possible plants. It’s not always the first choice, but usually within the top five. You have to be so careful when identifying plants!

[Donna SwansonStudent]

I have used Picture This to identify various plants in the conservation areas found in my neck of the woods and it has enabled me to then harvest some plants/herbs growing wild in these areas.

[Suzanne BradfordStudent]

I have used the Picture This app on my phone in the past. It seemed to have a high amount of warning, danger, do not consume. Are there any apps that give my practical usages?

[Nannette BlairStudent]

Awesome.  Thanks for the info. As a gardener for over 2 decades I have had so many people recommend apps to me and I have tried a few with very bad success.  This means so much more coming from you.  I do have one weed that comes back every year I have not been able to identify.  Any answer I get I like to consider that a hint. ( I know I’m hard headed). I know it’s in the mint family.  It looks like self heal but not all identifier boxes can be checked.  When it comes back this year I can’t wait to pick your brains.   I’m new to the class and very excited. This format, your personality, style, experience, systems, worldview (I had to read between the lines a little bit for that). Your school did check all the boxes for me. I’m super pumped to be here. Thanks again.

[Kristin MelendezStudent]

Here in the Southeastern US (Florida) I have had success with PlantNet but like most things it isn’t perfect.  : )

[Linda KellerStudent]

I have used the first app you suggested in the past and currently am using one called plant parent.   It’s ok, honestly I’ve found none of them are completely accurate but if you buy the subscription that goes with most apps you get more in debth info.  This however is just my experience.

[Vicky KawaguchiStudent]

Does the picture this app identify mushrooms as well?   Or if not is there a good app to help with that?

[Linda KellerStudent]

I’ve onlly tried 2, im using “picture mushroom” right now and it seems ok. With mushrooms its hard to trust. I’ve always been told having someone who knowsyour local fungus is best.

[Chris & RachaelStudent]

For what it’s worth, if you are using an iPhone, in the upper right corner of a photo you will see an “i” with a circle around it.  If the circle has a couple stars beside it, you can tap that and it will ID the plant for you.  I’ve actually found it to be quite good, though if I was planning to harvest a plant for medicinal use, I would would double and triple check with your field guides to be certain.  It also works for bugs, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

[Colby NunleyStudent]

I’m not sure if you can do it directly from the camera app, however on Android I’ve had luck doing something similar with Google Image Search. It’s not always spot on but it gives a good starting point for cross-referencing to field guides.

[Sydnia Ginger AnadyStudent]

thank you, i do use the picture this app and really enjoy it. then i go to several books to compare as well as try and find out if there are any toxic look- alikes.  I travel alot and always gather local books and conversations… plants in one area sometimes look differently from another…. is the medicinal qualitis still the same

[Janet GedeonStudent]

I have been wanting to get a plant identification ap but did not know which one would be good.  Thanks for this referral.

[Jetaime JohnsonStudent]

I had a plant app in the past, but it wasn’t accurate so I am grateful to hear what gives more accurate identification.

[Jodie MasellaStudent]

Thank you for sharing. I have been using “Picture this app” for  over a year now and it has been pretty accurate.

[laurie mullicanStudent]

Thanks for this information.  I am now interested in adding a identification app on my phone.

[Candy FarnsworthStudent]

thanks for the recommendations. lately i’ve been using the plant mentor Plant ID app and it seems to be okay. they give several choices of what it could be, and the top response is not always the one i decide matches. but better than many i have tried.

[lindakjlStudent]

I have picture this and really like it!

Linda Jordan Liles

[Alicia FosterStudent]

Thank you for the free application  for plant idenidentification.

[Alicia FosterStudent]

I have these red vines the grow in my grass. My daughter in law thinks they’re part of dandeliondandelions. I dont think so and ideas. I live in southwest corner of michigan.

[Deborah FranciscoStudent]

Thank you for this post.  I have been using LeafSnap.  It seems to identify well overall.  I have been quite surprised with all the information on a plant and similarities.  I have tested it many times to verify the validity of the application.  It does many advertisements that can be frustrating when taking pictures while foraging.   Especially when the phone battery is getting low. 🙁

 

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by Deborah Francisco.

[Michael SmallStudent]

Thank you Doc. Jones, I value your opinion on the phone apps for plant ID. I utilize iNaturalist, I have never tried to ID bugs  or crawling creatures but on the plants it is usually on the mark.

[Rosalie HardinStudent]

Loving this picture this app we used it this weekend.

[Camelia BalowStudent]

I have been using PlantNet for years and I do like it a lot.

[Pisa StewartStudent]

I’ve been using Picture This and really like it. It has really come in handy many times when me and Hubby are out and about (he LOVES plants and flowers)

[CatiecatStudent]

thank you for this info. I will search them in my apps right now.

CatieCat

[Kelli GallagherStudent]

Hello, I’m a new student. Can you recommende any books that would be helpful in identifying plants? So, I can verify if the app is correct. I live in Virginia. Thank you!

[WendiStudent]

I have Plantum and Plantin. Both are not 100% accurate.

Psalm 104:14

[Author]

Posts