I don’t know how many times someone has sent me a picture and asked me to identify their “mystery plant”. Countless times! There’s now a solution… at least for anyone who owns a smartphone.
(It was brought to my attention that this app was really made to identify plants from Western Europe. I didn’t realize that at the time of writing this. Here is another app that should work better for US folks.)
It’s called PlantNet and it’s an app available that’s available in the Google Play Store as well as in the Apple App Store (it works on the iPad too!).
PlantNet allows you to upload a picture you’ve taken with your phone and it will find the closest match from its database of over 100,000 images from more than 4,000 species!
source: iTunes/ PlantNet
The app was developed by four French scientists and uses a visual recognition software to accomplish the identifications.
source: iTunes / PlantNet
Below is a video of the app in action as well as a little story about it…
If you’re looking for more handy apps for gardeners, you should check out another post I did called 17 Must Have Apps for Gardeners.
I don’t have a smart phone either. I have tried using them and they do nothing for me. I have difficulty mastering them. I have tried. The kids did buy me one 5 years ago. I too am disappointed in not being able to use app. I will just go pick a leaf or stem and look it up on computer. I still work in flower beds and garden, Own 11 acres and do my own work, all of it including irrigation.. I play pickleball, do voluntary work at senior center, attend social gathering, Still drive car and tractor. but hate the phone. I just had my 85 th birthday. Elayne
Thanks for the info I am going to act on it Monday . I was wishing for something like this for a long time Thanks Mike
Gill,
You’re welcome. These apps are not perfect, probably not close sometimes, so be careful how much you depend on the accuracy.
Hi, I did it! Followed Mike’s instructions used gardenia and habiscus cuttings with hole containers, sand plastic bags etc. I am handicapped but I tried my best thank you
I am an herbalist and know how very easy it is to confuse one plant for another, I would think this app could make the same mistakes humans make. For example confusing Osha (Ligusticum porteri) for poison hemlock. They are nearly identical to each other
Mari,
I tend to agree with you. Apps are fine for general curiosity and at least for giving you a direction into where to head. But all in all, they can be mis-leading for sure.
Am so impressed with how you so freely share your discoveries with all of us “out here”! Really want to THANK YOU for your generosity: time, efforts, and knowledge, not to mention, the benefit of your years of experience. Must be a good family – and such a great work ethic example….the next generation need this for sure! God bless you and yours.
Keep those hands “dirty”! hah
I’ve been an avid fan of your site for years and find it so informative. thanks
Thank you Rose, I appreciate that.
Mike,
I guess the majority of your readers have smart phones. be interesting to find out how many people who read your blog don’t I am one of them. I could have so used this app. Disappointed.
Mary
Mary,
I think eventually we’ll end up with smart phones, it’s the way of the future. Years ago none of us had cell phones, it’s just part of the evolution.