Weed identification from a photo
Knowing whether a weed is an annual (grows from seed each year) or a perennial (regrows from roots) changes everything about removing it. A photo of the whole plant, including the base where it meets the soil, gives the best identification.
Take or choose a photo
One leaf, flower or the whole plant, in focus. Stays private: it is sent only to identify it and is not stored.
Determinationawaiting specimen
- Name
- common and scientific
- Why
- the features in your photo that point to it
- Care
- light, water, soil, hardiness
- Safety
- toxicity to people, cats and dogs
- Look-alikes
- and how to tell them apart
What to photograph
- The whole plant from above
- The base and crown, pulling back grass if needed
- Any flowers or seed heads
- The root, if you have already pulled one
Features that separate look-alikes
- Grass or broadleaf
- Grassy weeds (crabgrass, nutsedge) have long narrow leaves with parallel veins; broadleaf weeds have netted veins.
- Nutsedge
- Roll the stem between your fingers: sedges have triangular stems ("sedges have edges").
- Root type
- A long taproot (dandelion, dock) regrows from pieces left behind; creeping rhizomes (bindweed, quackgrass) spread sideways.
- Milky sap
- Spurges and some dandelion relatives bleed white sap; wear gloves as it can irritate skin.
Questions gardeners ask
Is this weed poisonous?
The identifier flags plants that are toxic to people or pets when known, but never eat a wild plant based on an app identification.
What is the best way to get rid of weeds without chemicals?
Pull or hoe annuals before they set seed, dig out taproots whole, smother perennials with cardboard and mulch, and keep soil covered so seeds can’t germinate.