5 Apps to Help Anyone Identify Plants
Ever been outdoors and wondered what the plant in front of you is called? Probably we all have. Fortunately, there are many plant identification apps out there that should take the guesswork out of the process. Here are five plant identification apps for Android and IOS users.
LeafSnap
You can spend a lot of time trying to find an image of a plant online that matches the plant you want to be identified. Instead of doing this, try downloading LeafSnap and get those answers as quickly as possible. LeafSnap performs very well in tests and is the most accurate plant identification app available. LeafSnap is free for Android and IOS users. However, you can pay for a premium version to remove ads.
All you will be required to do is to take a picture of the plant you want identified, and the app will search through its database until it finds a match. After LeafSnap scans the picture, it will list all possible matches, and you can choose the plant you think looks the most like what you have found.
PlantNet
This free app analyses plants based on flowers, leaves, fruits, bark, and the surrounding environment. Once you take a picture, the app will present a list of potential matches, and you can choose from this list which plant you think matches the one you found. This app is continuously expanding its database. However, it focuses more on identifying wildflowers than common plants and shrubs.
Flora Incognita
This app helps Android and IOS users identify plants quickly and accurately. Like other apps, you take a picture of the plant, and the app instantly provides a list of potential matches. In addition to potential matches, the app also provides information on plant deadliness, protection status, and distribution. The app has an advanced search option that allows users to add more details to help in the search. The major con of this app is that it is designed to find wild florae in Central Europe and may not be helpful to people in other parts of the world.
SmartPlant
SmartPlant uses pictures to help users identify plants. However, instead of taking a picture and letting the app scan it to identify the mystery plant, you take a picture of the plant and use SmartPlant to send it to a team of professionals who identify the plant for you. You can expect to get the results within 24 hours, and you can chat with a team of professionals. You'll need credits to use this app. The free version gives one credit monthly, but the paid version provides users with unlimited credits.
iNaturalist
iNaturalist is a good plant identification app for people passionate about studying plants. This app is focused on creating a community for botanists and people who care about the environment to share and discuss their findings. The app identifies plants from pictures and provides information about the purpose of each plant.
Final Thoughts
Plant identification apps are a useful tool for anyone who loves nature. While there are many apps to choose from, your choice will depend on your preferences. Do you dislike advertisements? Are you willing to pay? Do you want artificial intelligence or a team of professionals? Ensure you conduct research before settling on a particular plant identification app.