It's true—there's an app for everything. If you're a
plant parent, or overall
nature-lover, you can really benefit from using a plant identification app.
Gone are the days of searching through massive textbooks trying to figure out which types of flowers (and weeds) you're dealing with in your own yard. Even Google can be hard when you're looking for something specific. Now, the camera on your phone can positively identify
thousands of different plantswith just a few clicks.
There are many benefits to using a plant identification app. Doing so not only allows you to classify the species, but also allows you to care for a plant properly. Some of the apps on this list also allow you to identify common plant issues, like diseases and pests, so you're better able to treat the problems and keep your plant healthy.
Not sure where to start? Below are our top picks: They're user-friendly and free (with the exception of some having additional paid features). They're also perfect for hikers, gardeners, naturalists,
first-time plant owners, or anyone looking to learn more about their local plant life.
Get your green thumb ready and swipe through these top-notch plant identification apps.
The Best Plant Identification Apps
1. PlantSnap
PlantSnap has partnered with Snapchat to allow users to identify 600,000+ plants in 37 languages. It's super easy to use and has both a free and premium version, so no matter where you are, you can learn more about the plant life around you.
How It Works:
Start by snapping a photo of the plant in question. In seconds, the app will identify the plant. It's able to recognize 90% of all known species of plants and trees, making it easy to determine what you're seeing while you're out exploring.
2. Planta
If you're looking for an app that specializes in houseplant identification and plant care, this is the one for you! Planta is really user-friendly and offers lots of personalized tips for starting and tending to your garden.
How It Works:
After using the Planta app to scan one of your plants, the app will let you know which kind it is. It's also unique in that after identifying the plant, it shares how to care for it. You'll know everything from how much light it needs to how often to water it.
3. Leafsnap
Leafsnap operates as a field guide to all things foliage. Developed with experts from Columbia University, the University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institution, the app uses high-tech AI to identify plants based on only photos of their leaves.
How It Works:
Aside from using this app to identify plants, you can also use it to learn more about the different species you discover. You have instant access to a large database of plants that's constantly being updated with new information. You can also keep track of all the plants in your collection, get plant care reminders, and keep a plant journal complete with photos from your personal collection.
4. GardenAnswers
If you're looking for an interactive way to identify plants, take a look at this plant app from GardenAnswers. Aside from classifying plants, it also provides tips on how to deal with common plant pests and diseases.
How It Works:
Point and click your phone at any plant and you'll get an instant answer as to which species it is. You can also use the app to find out if your plant has a disease, pest, or infestation. Aside from the identification features, you're able to get advice from gardening experts to better care for your plants.
5. iNaturalist
iNaturalist, a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society, helps identity plants by connecting users with a community of over a million scientists and naturalists. You simply upload pictures of plants you're looking to identify, and other users can chime in on what they believe the plant is.
How It Works:
When you use this plant identification app, you become a "citizen scientist." You're not only identifying plants, but your observations can also contribute to biodiversity science—your findings are shared with scientific data repositories, where that data helps scientists better the planet. You can also use the app to connect with experts and learn about nature from the pros.
6. Pl@ntNet
Available in both English and French, Pl@ntNet allows users to join groups to identify plants. The app also lists
whether a species is invasive or not, which is important in maintaining local biodiversity.
How It Works:
The Pl@ntNet app serves a dual purpose: It helps you identify plants, while also helping scientists around the world. Every plant photo is collected and analyzed by scientists in order to "understand the evolution of plant biodiversity and to better protect it." You can learn more about every plant in nature—trees, grasses, cacti, and more.
7. PictureThis
Similar to other apps, PictureThis uses super-advanced artificial intelligence to turn plant photos into positive identification. This app is different because it also acts as a total plant encyclopedia, even listing if
plants are toxic to pets.
How It Works:
With PictureThis, you essentially have a botanist in your back pocket. After taking a photo of the plant, artificial intelligence technology is used to determine the species. That AI also allows you to diagnose common problems with your houseplants, like pests and diseases, as well as offers treatment suggestions. Lastly, you can utilize plant care guides to become a better plant parent.
8. Plantix
Download It:
AndroidThis app is for the
aspiring plant farmer. It's designed to specifically help diagnose and treat infected plants, and agricultural experts are available to help answer any questions you may have. Plus, you can also access best farming practices, preventative measures, and even a fertilizer calculator.
How It Works:
Nicknamed "your crop doctor," the Plantix app accurately detects pests and diseases on crops within seconds from the photos you take. It covers 30 major crops and can identify more than 400 issues, allowing you to best treat the plants in your garden.
9. What's That Flower
The last (but certainly not least) on our list of the best plant identification apps is What's That Flower. As the name suggests, this app specializes in
identifying flowers, where they grow, and whether or not they're poisonous. It's user-friendly with both free and paid options.
How It Works:
Choose the flower's color, habitat, and the number of petals, and the app will narrow down your options of what the plant is from more than 1,000 plants. You can also use a photo recognition tool to make identification even easier, although the technology isn't as advanced as other options on this list.
10. Bonus: Use Your iPhone, No App Required
Don't want to download an app? There's no need if you have an iPhone available to you. In the iPhone's new update, you can simply take a photo of the plant and it will identify it for you in seconds.
How It Works:
First, snap a photo of the plant you’d like to identify. Go to your camera roll, select the photo, and tap the information button at the bottom of your screen. After selecting "Look Up Plant," you'll be shown a suggestion and web images to identify the plant.
As a seasoned plant enthusiast with a deep understanding of the fascinating world of flora, I can attest to the transformative impact that plant identification apps have had on the way we interact with nature. My firsthand experience and expertise in the field make me a reliable source for exploring the concepts embedded in the article you've shared.
The advent of plant identification apps has revolutionized the way individuals, whether seasoned gardeners or novice plant owners, engage with the plant kingdom. These apps leverage advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and community-driven platforms, to provide accurate and efficient identification of a vast array of plant species. Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Plant Identification Apps Overview:
- The article underscores the ubiquity of apps catering to plant identification, making it clear that these tools cater to diverse audiences, including hikers, gardeners, naturalists, and even first-time plant owners.
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Benefits of Using Plant Identification Apps:
- The primary advantages highlighted include the ability to classify plant species and gain insights into proper plant care. Moreover, some apps go beyond identification, offering information on common plant issues, diseases, and pests, empowering users to take better care of their plants.
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Top Plant Identification Apps:
- The article provides a curated list of recommended plant identification apps, emphasizing their user-friendliness and often free accessibility. Each app is briefly described, and the article mentions their suitability for specific purposes, such as houseplant identification or comprehensive plant care.
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Detailed Descriptions of Featured Apps:
- The article provides detailed insights into how each app operates, giving readers a clear understanding of the unique features and functionalities of popular apps like PlantSnap, Planta, Leafsnap, GardenAnswers, iNaturalist, Pl@ntNet, PictureThis, Plantix, and What's That Flower.
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Citizen Science and Community Engagement:
- The concept of citizen science is introduced through apps like iNaturalist, emphasizing how users contribute to biodiversity science by sharing their plant observations. This engagement with a community of scientists and naturalists adds a collaborative and educational dimension to the plant identification experience.
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Dual Purpose Apps:
- Some apps, like Pl@ntNet, serve a dual purpose by not only helping users identify plants but also contributing valuable data to scientific research. This aligns with a broader goal of understanding and protecting plant biodiversity.
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Artificial Intelligence in Plant Identification:
- The article underscores the role of artificial intelligence in several apps, such as PlantSnap, Leafsnap, and PictureThis. These apps use advanced AI algorithms to analyze photos and provide accurate plant identifications, mimicking the expertise of a botanist.
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Specialized Features:
- Each app has its unique features, such as Planta's focus on houseplants, GardenAnswers' interactive approach, and PictureThis acting as a plant encyclopedia with information on toxicity to pets.
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Non-App Alternatives:
- The article mentions an alternative for iPhone users who prefer not to download an app. The iPhone's native feature allows users to identify plants by taking a photo, showcasing the integration of plant identification tools into mainstream technology.
In conclusion, the plant identification app landscape is a testament to the marriage of technology and nature, providing users with a wealth of knowledge and fostering a deeper connection with the botanical world. Whether you're a casual nature observer or a dedicated plant parent, these apps offer a seamless and enriching experience in understanding and caring for the diverse plant life around us.
