Glad Lynn helped you with iNaturalist, as it rarely lets me down. I’ll add that even if your initial post doesn’t yield a good result, go back and check later, as the real value is when both scientists and hobbyist weigh in on your observations. I also use it as a citizen scientist myself as part of a bee research project called Shutterbee. For that it’s been amazing.
I have the free version of plantsnap and it is really helpful for snapping pictures of Weeds v. Flowers in my own garden as well as taking on walks and identifying interesting plants along the trail ! You cannot get the full information available, but it does allow you to take a picture and get immediate identification results., It is a pain, but you can cancel out of the request for a subscription each time you open the app but then it allows you to keep using for identification!
I highly recommend learning to use keys to learn about plants. Yes, it isn't instant gratification, but you learn a lot and it sticks with you. You can still use an app for a back up, but you're way ahead of the game. You could even learn to use the dichotomous keys by using a plant you have identified through an app. Cheating a bit, but fun.
Something I discovered recently (thanks to a member of Gen Z, of course) is that swiping up on a picture on the iPhone offers the opportunity for plant identification through Wikipedia. Very convenient as it doesn't involve jumping to another app (although you do have to authorize it the first time). I've found it as accurate as iNaturalist, which I use to keep track of finds on my property.
As an experiment I took a screenshot of the pink flower and submitted it to iNaturalist, which identified it as Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi. I'm not sure why you're having problems. I've found iNaturalist to be good at flower id and okay with leaf id.
I'm sure apps work differently depending on your device, but I go to the photo of the plant, click on the share icon which brings up all options including INaturalist. Once the app opens I click on "what did you see." Hope this helps!
Yes, tried exactly that and it does indeed work as advertised. Wonder what I was doing before that had me so off track? ;) Anyway, thank you again for the encouragement and pointers!
I downloaded iNaturalist as my firs app when members of Wild Ones recommended it at a get-together, but found it hard to use, and it didn't seem to always get an id right. Then I downloaded PictureThis, initially the free version which provides just a bare basic id, and might suffice for casual gardeners. For more information about plants, such as growing conditions, it costs $30 a year. I have found the app very user friendly. I can take a picture in the app, or ask the app to id one of the pictures I've taken earlier, a good option if out where there is no internet connection. I'm sticking with this one, worth the price I think. Surprised it is Chinese owned, but if the Chinese want to follow me around in gardens, I'm wondering if they have nothing better to do.
Glad Lynn helped you with iNaturalist, as it rarely lets me down. I’ll add that even if your initial post doesn’t yield a good result, go back and check later, as the real value is when both scientists and hobbyist weigh in on your observations. I also use it as a citizen scientist myself as part of a bee research project called Shutterbee. For that it’s been amazing.
Shutterbee! Sounds fun.
Thank you, Robin. This is helpful info on Plant Snap.
I have the free version of plantsnap and it is really helpful for snapping pictures of Weeds v. Flowers in my own garden as well as taking on walks and identifying interesting plants along the trail ! You cannot get the full information available, but it does allow you to take a picture and get immediate identification results., It is a pain, but you can cancel out of the request for a subscription each time you open the app but then it allows you to keep using for identification!
We’re in love with iNaturalist. Never tried another. It’s made our walks even more fun. It helps us follow plants and insects.
I highly recommend learning to use keys to learn about plants. Yes, it isn't instant gratification, but you learn a lot and it sticks with you. You can still use an app for a back up, but you're way ahead of the game. You could even learn to use the dichotomous keys by using a plant you have identified through an app. Cheating a bit, but fun.
Doubtless great advice. I'll keep at it!
Not mentioned was LeafSnap an app which I, not a naturalist but a verdant environmentally inclined person, use for free. Have you anything about them?
I haven't tried LeafSnap, Gail, but a Michigan State article I read reviewed it favorably.
Something I discovered recently (thanks to a member of Gen Z, of course) is that swiping up on a picture on the iPhone offers the opportunity for plant identification through Wikipedia. Very convenient as it doesn't involve jumping to another app (although you do have to authorize it the first time). I've found it as accurate as iNaturalist, which I use to keep track of finds on my property.
Oh that's great to know.
As an experiment I took a screenshot of the pink flower and submitted it to iNaturalist, which identified it as Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi. I'm not sure why you're having problems. I've found iNaturalist to be good at flower id and okay with leaf id.
Thanks for this, Lynn. I really must just be using it wrong. I'll go back and try some more!
I'm sure apps work differently depending on your device, but I go to the photo of the plant, click on the share icon which brings up all options including INaturalist. Once the app opens I click on "what did you see." Hope this helps!
Thank you!
Yes, tried exactly that and it does indeed work as advertised. Wonder what I was doing before that had me so off track? ;) Anyway, thank you again for the encouragement and pointers!
I downloaded iNaturalist as my firs app when members of Wild Ones recommended it at a get-together, but found it hard to use, and it didn't seem to always get an id right. Then I downloaded PictureThis, initially the free version which provides just a bare basic id, and might suffice for casual gardeners. For more information about plants, such as growing conditions, it costs $30 a year. I have found the app very user friendly. I can take a picture in the app, or ask the app to id one of the pictures I've taken earlier, a good option if out where there is no internet connection. I'm sticking with this one, worth the price I think. Surprised it is Chinese owned, but if the Chinese want to follow me around in gardens, I'm wondering if they have nothing better to do.
Good point! ;)