MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Problem with Hydrangea Tree

Question: We have had this tree since 2017, transplanted it in May using recommended landscape company. I’ve trickle hose watered it deeply and regularly but do not think I’ve overwatered it, recently it started having leaves turn yellow to brown and fall. Sprayed with Neem oil on the 13th not sure if I got it all. I typically pluck the yellow leaves and put in yard waste.it seems to have accelerated the issue. Have attached pic…any ideas?

A plant app, PlantIn, said it was healthy when I submitted NYT picture and even when I took a picture with app.

Thanks for any help,
Kurt Miller<personal data hidden>

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 12:02 PM EDT
response: To clarify…Neem oil did not accelerate nor did plucking leaves, not sure why dropping has accelerated.

responder: Lynn S.  Replied July 20, 2023, 12:41 PM EDT
response: Thank you for asking about your hydrangea.  My first thought, when you said it had been transplanted this spring, was that either the new site had poor drainage (overwatering can be as bad as underwatering), but you seem to have that aspect covered.  Hydrangeas like to be moist but not have wet feet.  If the water is pooling around the roots, this will cut off oxygen to them and cause the older leaves to yellow.  Underwatering would lead to wilting.  Regardless of how perfect the new location is, transplanting still caused some stress to the plant (kind of like us moving to a new home!).  My second thought was a shortage of nutrients or a soil pH that didn't allow the plant to uptake the nutrients. The best I can tell from the picture, the yellow leaves are yellow throughout rather than having green veins and turning yellow between the veins. If this is due to a deficiency, it would likely be nitrogen.  Shortage of magnesium and iron can also cause yellowing (chlorosis), but usually the veins stay green.  Hydrangeas like a pH between 5.5-6.5 in general; if the soil is much above or below that it might be possible to tie up nutrients in a form the plant can't use.  Issues with lighting (ideally, partial sun at about 6 hours a day) can cause issues too.  The new site may not be ideal in this regard--hard to say with this information.  None of the leaves appear to be distorted or scaly as they would tend to be in cases of disease or pest infestation.  However, one of the best scenarios that came up in my research is a nitrogen deficiency due to the heavy pull on the plant from  setting blooms and beginning to flower.  From the photo, it looks like this may well be the case.  It appears that the leaves most affected are the older ones.  It is still early enough in the year that a small dose of rapid acting nitrogen (the first number on a bag of fertilizer) may help, or you could leave the plant be and continue to clean up after it.  The link below has some additional information on managing hydrangeas in the home garden. https://ag.umass.edu/home-lawn-garden/fact-sheets/growing-tips-hydrangeas-color-fertilizing If you want to test your soil for pH and micronutrients, it is not a bad idea.  Contact your county Extension office for a test kit and directions.
grass or grassy weed id

Question: Is this quackgrass?  I don't think it is, based on area leaf meets stem.

What is it?  Ryegrass?

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 19, 2023, 10:05 PM EDT
response: It’s difficult to tell for sure without seeing it in its natural state but i think it is quack grass. Quack grass has rhizomes and annual rye grass does not.  The other possibility is Nutsedge, but only if it is a lighter green than the rest of your grass.  The article below should help you identify it.  https://turf.purdue.edu/quackgrass/ There is also a good book available at your local library: Weeds of the Northern U.S. and Canada  by France Royer and Richard Dickinson.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 10:58 PM EDT
response: Thanks.I've been studying more and more, and I can tell you it doesn't appear to have rhizomes, its leaves don't wrap all the way around the stem, its leaves do have sawtooth edges like a fescue, and it is most deffinitely lighter green than adjacent kentucky bluegrass and turf fescues I have.  It has pretty much taken over a large part of my yard, and I'm trying to determine if it is a desirable. Its soft and my wife likes it!I was actually starting to think it is a fescue variety.Thanks for the info.On Wed, Jul 19, 2023, 9:05 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 21, 2023, 10:23 PM EDT
response: Here are a couple of sites that may help you decide if it is tall fescue. https://www.naturesseed.com/blog/identifying-5-common-lawn-grass-species/#:~:text=Tall%20Fescue%20Grass%20Identification&text=Tall%20fescue%20can%20be%20identified,with%20any%20other%20grass%20species. https://turf.purdue.edu/tall-fescue/
What’s going on with my cardinal flower?

Question: About 3 weeks ago, I noticed that this flattening, thickening and compaction of the inflorescences. Other plants seem unaffected.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 18, 2023, 1:15 PM EDT
response: Hi, Many plants on occasion produce abnormal growth and if you look for example online you can find similar examples of what we call fasciation, often seen on one or more stems. Liatris frequently does this, The stem elongates and flattens or contorts itself.  One example you may be familiar with is the Fantail Willow.  Fasciation can also occur on flower heads, fruit or roots.  The cause varies: genetic abnormality, an infection from a virus, bacteria or fungus or something in the environment.  Other than pruning out the offending part, there isn't any corrective treatment.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 1:38 PM EDT
response: Thanks very much for your prompt response. Do you recommend that I prune the affected parts for plant health or ecological reasons? I’m not really concerned about the esthetics.  Thanks again,   Wendy

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 18, 2023, 3:40 PM EDT
response: If it bothers you, prune it. Otherwise, it is a curiosity.  Sue

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 3:55 PM EDT
response: Excellent! Thanks so much, Sue.WendySent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Tuesday, July 18, 2023, 3:40 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Identify a plant.

Question: Are these plants gooseberries?

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied July 18, 2023, 1:34 PM EDT
response: Hi Robert,  The 3 photos you forwarded to us appear to be of the Genus Currant or Gooseberry. Without any photos showing the canes, flowers or fruit, it is hard to pinpoint which.   There are a variety of online resources that are free and available to the public that answer gardening questions and are based upon research out of University Horticulture Schools. One such resource from Colorado State University is a Fact Sheet on Currants and Gooseberries: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/currants-gooseberries-and-jostaberries-7-005/  A second fact sheet from the U of MN states “Although closely related, you can easily distinguish currants and gooseberries by examining the canes and fruit. Gooseberry canes normally produce a spine at each leaf node and bear roughly grape-sized berries singly or in groups of two or three. Currant canes lack the spines and bear 8 to 30 pea-sized berries in clusters.” https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-currants-and-gooseberries-home-garden

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 6:03 PM EDT
response: Here is additional pictures l.

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied July 22, 2023, 1:23 PM EDT
response: Hi Robert,  The thorns on these stems are a pretty good indication that these are indeed gooseberries.
Catalpa Tree with wilting leaves

Question: Hello, I have two 19 year old Catalpas in my back yard. One is a standard Catalpa and the other is a purple Catalpa.  I had a Lawn Doctor arborist look at the trees and he thought it was Verticillium Wilt.  He said he could not do anything until the fall season; as parts of the tree are still growing and with the summer heat the injection will do additional damage.  He thought late September early October while the tree still had some leaves.  He said it should not spread to my neighbors trees or the open space behind my house.  Each day I pick up the dead leaves and dispose of them in the trash.   The flowers are falling off and I just leave them in the grass.  Will the CSU Extension Service take a soil sample and what would the cost be?  I would also like care instructions.    Sincerely, Denise Thompson

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 18, 2023, 2:41 AM EDT
response: Hi Denise,  If you want to test the soil, you can send a sample to the CSU Soil Testing Lab at the Spur Campus in Denver. Please call to ensure they can test for verticillium.   I don't know of any curative treatments for verticillium - if it is verticillium. It usually will kill the tree. There may be preventative treatments that can be administered, but nothing curative to my knowledge.  Proper watering and cultural care can help, but the disease usually will end up killing the tree. Here's a good publication from the University of Wisconsin on the disease.   However, please continue your conversations with Lawn Doctor and see what they may recommend. If the tree is removed, you will need to be careful planting a new tree and not planting one that is susceptible to verticillium because the disease will remain in the soil.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 10:05 PM EDT
response: Alison, Thank you for the information.DeniseOn Tue, Jul 18, 2023 at 12:41 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
I’m wondering if the swarm of tiny winged ants in the corner of my house are subterranean termites

Question: Are these termites

responder: Frank Peairs, Emeritus Professor of Entomology   Replied July 18, 2023, 1:26 PM EDT
response: An easy way to tell ants from termites is to look at the antennae, which are straight in termites and "elbowed" in ants.  Unfortunately, I couldn't see any antennae clearly in either photo. http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/ants-in-the-home-5-518/ and http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/termites-5-532/ may be helpful in narrowing down what you have.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 2:06 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the timely reply. I think they are ants. They do indeed have elbowed antennae and their head, thorax, and abdomen are distinct indentions. Thanks so much.JuneSent from my iPhone On Jul 18, 2023, at 11:26 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Harvest

Question: Am planning a grape fest with family and friends …..have variety of grapes.   See photo    Location is Lakewood.  About when will grapes be ready?

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 18, 2023, 3:57 PM EDT
response: Do you know when the fruit set and what kind of grapes you have? If you know what kinds of grapes you have, we will know how many days from fruit set until the grapes reach maturity.Thanks! Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 6:05 PM EDT
response: Hi Hania,     One of my vines is Grape Beta Vitis.  There are three more but I am cannot find a record of purchase.  Can you recommend a resource to help?  They were all bought locally in Lakewood.   Also what meant by “when the fruit set” ?   Cheers, BobS   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:58 PM To: Robert Schafish <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Harvest (#0111113)

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied July 20, 2023, 3:10 PM EDT
response: Hi Bob, It looks like the 'Beta' variety takes 120+ days to reach maturity after fruit set, meaning about 120+ days after the flowers have been pollinated and the fruit begins to develop. So, after the flowers have bloomed and the fruit began to develop, you might expect the grapes to be ready for harvest just over 4 months later.  To help figure out which varieties of grapes you might have and when they might be ready for harvest, I would recommend reaching out to our grape specialist: <personal data hidden>. Thank you! Hania
invasive vine on plant

Question: A yellow vine is growing on a lime basil plant I purchased at a garden center/farm.  It does not seem to harm the plant.  It also reached across my herb planter to the parsley on the other end (about 6 inches away).  I can't fine a source - it almost seems to originate in the stem of the plant.  I'm afraid to eat the basil in case the vine is toxic.

responder: MJ Replied July 17, 2023, 8:26 PM EDT
response: Hi Terri, This is a parasitic plant called dodder. It survives by attaching itself to a host plant. It is very hard to control and if you let it go to seed you may battle it for years.  Try to unwind the dodder from your plants and if it has attached to a plant cut that plant off below that point or dispose of the entire plant. Do this soon. Put the dodder and any parts of the host plants in the garbage, not yard waste. Here’s a fact sheet on dodder: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dodder-cuscuta-spp/ Years ago I had dodder in a perennial garden. By removing as much as I could immediately and checking the garden weekly for any regrowth I was able to eliminate it. Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 9:15 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the quick and succinct response!  Fortunately it was in a pot with just 3 plants, so I was able to cut back the host (basil) and ensure it hadn't attached to the parsley or dill.  What a yucky guest - I'm glad to be rid of it. On Mon, Jul 17, 2023 at 7:26 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied July 19, 2023, 8:46 AM EDT
response: You’re welcome! It’s creepy and sort of fascinating — nature is amazing! Keep an eye on these plants, if dodder has attached to a stem it sometimes returns.
Need help diagnosing tree issue

Question: Hello!
I recently moved to MN in March and there is a beautiful tree in my front yard that appears to be struggling. I’m not sure what the type of tree it is (my guess is that it is a non fruiting crabapple tree). The leaves have been falling consistent through the summer and many are yellow/rusted. Some of the branches appear to be dying as well. Can you help me diagnose this issue and give me some ideas on how to treat it?

Thank you!
-Josh

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 18, 2023, 8:34 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Josh,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  The past two years have been drought years in Minnesota. Your tree may be experiencing drought stress. Here is a link about watering established trees: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-established-trees-and-shrubs Please click on this link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about crabapple trees:  https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/crabapple/index.html The above link is from working through "What's wrong with my plant?" on the website. There are several possible problems. Our heat waves have been hard on trees and plants this summer. Please review the possible issues with your tree and management of the issue.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 9:18 AM EDT
response: Hello!Thanks for your help. I have not watered it much this year, so that makes sense. Based on the pictures I provided, does this tree appear to be a crabapple? It does not bare fruit but does resemble the leaves. In the spring it bloomed with white flowers that smelled amazing. Any ideas what it could be?Thanks,-JoshSent from my iPhone On Jul 18, 2023, at 7:34 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 19, 2023, 7:29 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Josh,  Based on your photo, the tree is in the apple family. I am unsure if it is a crab apple, or an apple tree that has not been pollinated for fruit.  Here is a link that discusses growing apple trees. https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples This information states: Two varieties are required for successful pollination; one can be a crabapple. Possibly your tree blooms were not pollinated and this is why there is no fruit. You might inspect your tree closely to see if there are any tiny green crab apples.  Good Luck!
Locust tree dieing

Question: Why is my Locust tree dying? The leaves are yellowing and dropping. No new growth this year

responder: Weld County Colorado Master Gardeners Replied July 18, 2023, 1:40 PM EDT
response: Hi, this is Steve and thank you for your Ask Extension question regarding your locust tree. It’s difficult to diagnose a problem based on your pictures. However, two of the most common issues with locust are canker and collar rot. I’ll send a link to a CSU fact sheet and perhaps you can do some diagnosis based on the information contained. The other issue to think about would be if there has been any work around the roots (digging/construction/applications of herbicides/etc) which could cause a sudden decline in the tree.  Here is the link to the fact sheet: https://static.colostate.edu/client-files/csfs/pdfs/honeylocust.pdf If you would like to submit further pictures, please send a picture of the entire tree in the landscape, the trunk where it goes into the soil, and any other pictures of damage to the trunk or limbs.  Again, thank you for your question.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 9:26 AM EDT
response: After reading your fact sheet, I think I have canker in my tree. Your thoughts? 3 photos added.     Thank you.              Gary

responder: Weld County Colorado Master Gardeners Replied July 19, 2023, 9:47 AM EDT
response: Gary, I would think that is correct. As the fact sheet points out, either issue is generally fatal to the tree and your locust appears to be in late stages. You could reach out to a Certified Arborist to confirm if there is any rescue treatment. Arborist can be found at treesaregood.com and there is a search feature based on miles from your zip code which will list Arborists. Thank you for reaching back with the pictures and don't hesitate to contact us with any further questions.
plant ID

Question: What is this weed? The stem is is quite different.  The plant is now about 2 feet tall and is growing in both sun and shade areas of my perennial beds

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 17, 2023, 8:00 PM EDT
response: Lamb's quarters a species of Goosefoot

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 1:06 AM EDT
response: I am very familiar with lamb's quarter, and this is definitely not lamb's quarter. Please dig a bit deeper for an ID.  Thank youOn Mon, Jul 17, 2023, 7:00 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 21, 2023, 12:43 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your patience in responding to your question. I see that a colleague of mine responded that this might be a species of Goosefoot (Lamb’s Quarter). I also saw that you indicated that this might not be correct. Let me suggest that this is Strawberry Spinach, which is related to goosefoot. Its scientific name is Blitum capitatum. Note that it will develop red flowers. This would be its most telling ID feature. It can grow to over three feet in height. Please take a look at the following regarding this species and let me know your thoughts: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/strawberry-blite https://www.prairiemoon.com/chenopodium-capitatum-strawberry-blite https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/895061-Blitum-capitatum I Will work with you on this. The ID will not easy. Thanks for using our forum.
Oak tree disease

Question: My oak leaves are browning around the edges. The inner leaf is green, but has brown spots.  Entire branches are affected. Sap collects on my car when I park underneath the tree.  I read that it could be aphids, but it also appears to be similar to leaf spot. I am attaching a picture of a leaf and of a branch.

responder: BYGL Newsletter: http://bygl.osu.edu/ OSUE FactSheets: http://ohioline.osu.edu State Master Gardener Volunteer website - http://mastergardener.osu.edu  Replied July 22, 2023, 1:28 PM EDT
response: Hi Michael,  I want to let you know that we are working on your question. I am referring it to someone more expert than I am on oak tree problems. There are several things that could be going on at once for this tree. Our expert may reach out to you for more information.   Best regards,

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 27, 2023, 2:09 PM EDT
response: Michael,  Your oak question is one that we do not have an answer for at the current time. We have been investigating this problem for several years. It is primarily a malady of Northern Red Oak and unfortunately will lead to the death of the tree over time. The symptoms will spread through the canopy over several years. We do not have a solution to this problem.  Some have suggested that this is a nutrient deficiency, but it has not been verified.  Trim out branches as they die and plan for a non-red oak replacement in the future.  The stickiness on the car is a separate issue.  There is an oak leaf aphid. When the populations get large enough, their excrement called honeydew will fall from the trees landing on anything below the colony. Predators such as lady beetles often take care of these populations.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 5:08 PM EDT
response: Thank you. Sent from my iPhone On Jul 27, 2023, at 2:09 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
What’s wrong with my fruit trees?

Question: The leaves on my crab apple and honey crisp trees indicates something is wrong.

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 17, 2023, 8:47 PM EDT
response: The honey crisp leaves were probably damaged by 4 lined plant bug and they have stopped feeding. The crab apple probably has a fungal disease. The Plant disease clinic can diagnose it for you. https://pdc.umn.edu/ An accurate diagnosis can’t be made from a photo.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 9:16 PM EDT
response: Do I need to treat the honey crisp tree? On Mon, Jul 17, 2023 at 7:47 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 17, 2023, 9:28 PM EDT
response: No, the bugs are gone for this year and the damage is usually superficial and doesn’t need to be treated. They rarely harm the tree the damage is usually cosmetic.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2023, 10:00 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the info.On Mon, Jul 17, 2023 at 8:28 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Sycamore Seed Bugs

Question: I have identified the bugs as Sycamore Seed Bugs after being overrun with sycamore seed balls this year. Have never had so many seed balls. My question is: what is the best way to treat them? I am hosing seed debris off my deck and then going to use a soapy water spray in a lawn sprayer. Any suggestions?

responder: Howard Russell, Entomologist  Replied July 18, 2023, 8:47 AM EDT
response: Hi Barbara, Try the soapy water, if that doesn't work you can use something stronger, like  a persistent insecticide. Products such as permethrin (sold under a variety of brand names), cyfluthrin (sold as Bayer Advanced Vegetable and Garden Spray) or bifenthrin (sold as Ortho Bug-B-Gon or Home Defense Max) can be used to reduce their numbers. Be sure to read and follow all directions on the pesticide label. Spraying trees will, no doubt, involve spraying above one’s head. Be sure to wear protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat and raincoat. Eye goggles are a must. Best regards, Howard

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2023, 9:01 AM EDT
response: Thank you Howard! Sent from Mail for Windows From: Ask ExtensionSent: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 8:47 AMTo: Barbara L LuomaSubject: Re: Sycamore Seed Bugs (#0111042)