Plant Identification - How do you do it?

What were some of the tools, or methods some of you all used to get your plant knowledge? I have tried for 5 years, and I don't know what it is, but my plant knowledge is VERY basic, and it needs to expand. It's time for it to expand.

If anyone could provide ways that made it easy for you to gain your knowledge, I would sincerely appreciate it!

Thanks.

It's just interest. I look things up on the internet all the time. If I see a plant I like and want it in my own garden. I look it up and see how big it will get, if it will grow in my area, if others like it, is it invasive, etc. Pretty soon you know the plant, after looking at so much info, it's bound to stick in your head.

I still consider my plant knowledge very basic, but I've learned a lot in the last few years here on DG and other internet sites. I combine the online searches (there's a wealth of information out there to weed through), with the forum discussions, and I've invested in a good selection of excellent reference books.

If I can't find the name of a plant on my own, I go to the ID forums and from there to the reference books/online sites to read and learn more. I think the research itself is a good tool.......amazing the things I've run across reading about one plant, only to find info on another one of my "unknowns."


Pssst....hello to Walnut Creek, I live just up the hill in Clayton. Hi neighbor!

I have a good selection of refrence books also...it gets me started. If I need more info, I google the plant in question...sometimes several possibilities before ending up with an ID. I always put the word 'images' in the search field...this way I can get pictures of the plant.

I've generally got an idea of what family to start with, so I google that and then narrow down my search. If I've got no idea, and it's a native, I'll do a search on..' kentucky wildflowers images'...or something of the sort. Find a site from one of the universities..(there are several good ones) and go from there.

I'll also post on the ID forum and usually get a quick response that can at least send me in the right direction for a further search.

I have to agree with the above: research, research, research. Research through searches, reading on teh forums, magazines etc. Then I try to grow it, if I can in my zone, and even growing it is part of the research.

I know what the problem is-in zone 9 you don't get enough winter to keep you inside reading all the garden books while the snow piles up outside! Seriously, though, just go to the library and borrow (cheaper than buying!) all the full color garden books. Read them, and then go out and pay attention to the plants you see around you. Try to guess what they are, check yourself against the books, homeowners, plant labels, etc. Maybe I'm a nerd, but I think it is really fun to go to the nursery and quiz myself by guessing and then turning over the label to see if I am right!

I do the same thing sylvi74!

Oh good, we can be nerds together! lol

I started by going through the nurseries and reading all the tags. That helped
me get familiar with the more common plants. I also find I remember a lot
more if I buy/grow a plant. My motta "I want to grow one of every plant" ammended
from "I want to grow at least one of every plant" since I realized that opened
the door to invasives :-)

Anyway, then I started subscribing to various horticulture magazines (Horticulture,
American Horticulture Society, Fine Gardening to name a few of my favorites).
I also buy books and read read read. I found my latin pronouciation was entirely
of my own creation so hooking up with other experienced gardeners really helps
there.

Finally - try joining plant societies. I joined North American Rock Garden Society
first. They have WONDERFUL lectures once a month (local chapter) plus two
plant sales a year and garden tours. National has a wonderful seed exchange.

So ... not an expert but my email handle is "plant_nerd" which reflects the level
of obsession I've developed. Dave's Garden has been great - plantfiles and
especially forums.

Then there's identification things like the shape of the stem (square, etc.), how the leaves are distributed along the stem (alternate, opposing), leaf shape (smooth, toothed, ) and many more ID tips.

I agree on the lack of a couped-up-inside-all-winter-pouring-over-plant-books factor :) I've been really "studying" for about 4 years now and I've been really encouraged by how much I've learned in that time. I also "quiz" myself at the nurseries and at arboretums. I think it's very fun :) There are just so many fantastic plants out there!

I accidentally learned a lot while reading a ton through six pregnancies followed by nursing for 18 months. LOL It is amazing how much time you can spend sitting! I wanted to trade the few plants I had for other plants and had to look up the correct names to offer them. Then I had to look up the other people's stuff to see what I wanted. I try to stop and compliment people on their plants and point out something I do not know to get them to tell me about it. I also lived next to an older woman that gardened for years. Never over look those older people. They are a wealth of info! They can't always tell you why something works, but you can bet they can show you how to do it. :) My elders were all farmers and I spent a lot of time with them when I was little and I am so sad they are gone because now that I am older, I know we could have had a lot of fun together. All in all, I would say I learned the most reading but I have the most fun learning about something when someone tells me about it. It is the twinkle in their eye or the story that comes with the plant that makes it the easiest to remember and enjoy.

Thank you all very, very much!!!

Howdy Happenstance! Isn't the Bay Area weather turning great?! (It's about time too!!! :-)