Is there a free app for identifying plants/weeds?

[FunnyFunn]

I've downloaded two only to discover they're paid apps. GRRRR!

Do you have an iPhone?

No, android

I use one called Picture This. It's free if you don't mind an advert first.

Also Google lens can identify plants.

Seek. Used it yesterday. Android. Free

Thanks you both

I use PlantNet on android. No charge at all.

Ah. I’ve used Seek. It’s ok.

(For iPhone users - Take a photo of the plant, then click on the i at the bottom of the photo - takes you you to “look up plant” . I’ve found it quite reliable for finding the name. )

I use PlantNet too and find it pretty good

It's on twitter but @ morethanweeds are great for street "weeds".

How do those of you using apps for plant ids know whether they’re reliable?

You can use Google lens. Just take a photo and it google searches the image. Very handy.

I use Google lens extensively - confused learner gardener here with a new overgrown garden.

There's a Facebook page called "What is this plant" if you don't mind waiting a little for a reply.

With Seed it gave me other images, description, fragrance, habitat, time of year.... mine was a slam dunk "pull the fuckers up"

Plant et! I completely rely on it now 😂

Plantnet 😆

But how do you know it’s given you the right answer?

It brings you up several options and gives you a % likelihood that it's that. It shows photos other users have taken of that species to help you decide, along with other info like geographical area, climate zone.

OK - so long as you're regarding it as a starting point for consideration, not as a definitive answer. You only have to read this board for a while to see how spectacularly wrong apps can be.

I use PlantSnap - there is a paid option, but I think you get five searches a day for free.

I love PlantNet. Another vote from me!

I find plantnet very useful for orienting me to the family of plant. I can then refine by searching for that name, and checking what varieties it might be.

It also has a feature where you can keep adding features by taking more photos. So you can have a photo of the leaves, one of the flower, stem, etc. and it uses them to update its probability predictions.

Having just moved to a new and completely unfamiliar climate, it really helps.

I use plantnet, it makes suggestions it it's not sure. If for some reason I still wasn't sure I'd Google the options for more info

Is there a reason you think it would be mis identifying?

PlantNet without a doubt

1. the number of dubious ids on this board that have been produced by apps

2. the mode of operation