MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Please identify

Question: Photos #1 & 2:
What is the white coloring under the tree branch. It does not rub off and appears as though it was “painted” on.   What is the cause?  Can the wood be safely used as firewood?  

Photo #3;
What is this plant that grew in my garden?  Is it edible or poisonous?  If it is a weed, how can I keep it and its “friends” from coming back?

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 20, 2024, 11:50 AM EDT
response: The white substance is a wood decay fungus, and while it does not look like one of the types of fungi that actively kill healthy growth, it is degrading the wood as it colonizes the already-dead or dying branches. Even so, it is probably safe to burn, as by the time the wood is dry enough to use in a fire, the spores of that fungus will likely be gone. If you opt not to use it as firewood, it still should be pruned off the tree so the branch doesn't fall unexpectedly once the extent of decay makes it prone to dropping.  We can't see enough detail in the plant pictured to identify it, and flowers (which don't appear to be present yet) are key to plant ID, since foliage can be more variable based on growing conditions and plant age. An educated guess based on its overall habit and shape may be a type of Euphorbia, but we're not certain. Over two dozen species in this genus occur in Maryland; some are native, some are not. Euphorbia sap is a white, milky or sticky latex, and not safe to eat. (Never consume an unidentified plant, as sometimes unsafe plants look very similar to edible ones.) This plant looks young enough to be easy to pull up, and discouraging its return will depend on what conditions for growth it prefers (which will depend on what species it is). Where it's currently growing can give you clues as to what it likes, though, which might be soil that's on the shady or dry side. Soil that is exposed and not covered by either mulch or groundcover plantings will always be more vulnerable to colonization by weeds, so using mulch (in a 1-3 inch layer) can help to suppress weed outbreaks.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 20, 2024, 2:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your assistance!  Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneSusan E. On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, 11:51 AM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 20, 2024, 2:03 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 22, 2024, 12:50 AM EDT
response: Thanks!Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneSusan E. On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, 2:03 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
Can Globe blue spruce bush be pruned into a tree?

Question: Can I prune my globe blue spruce bush into a tree. I see many places sell it in a "tree form". Is it just pruned like that by the growers or is that a different type of a plant?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 20, 2024, 12:21 PM EDT
response: The plant is designed to grow in a certain shape and size based on it cultivar and the way it was bred. The tree form is a different cultivar to grow in that shape. Trying to shape this plant into a tree may cause it to lose its dwarf habit and form and revert back to its true blue spruce size and habit which would greatly out grow the spot it planted.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 20, 2024, 3:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you! On Tue, Aug 20, 2024, 10:21 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Plant identification please

Question: I have a lot of this plant on my property near Federalsburg MD. It grows in patches, and is at most about 4 feet tall. It has a single main stem with branching near the top. It seems just about to bloom. I really hope it’s not invasive.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 20, 2024, 10:05 AM EDT
response: This looks like either a goldenrod or aster; Maryland is home to several dozen species in these groups combined, and they can look very similar to each other when not in bloom. (Flower traits are very important for plant ID, and even in bloom, asters and goldenrods can be difficult to ID to species level among their own groups, because separating them can rely on fine details of flower anatomy.) Several goldenrod and aster species, even though they are native, can be aggressive and spread into large clumps over time. Both are very valuable for late-season pollinators (and once they go to seed, for seed-eating birds that overwinter).  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 20, 2024, 1:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the info!Sent from my iPhone On Aug 20, 2024, at 10:05, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 20, 2024, 1:44 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Control of Bug eating anemones

Question: I have a bug I don't recognize eating my anemone leaves. I googled pests of Japanese anemones and I don't see anything similar to it. I've just been picking them off and dropping them in soapy water but I didn't know if there was something else I can do.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 24, 2024, 4:47 PM EDT
response: Those are clematis blister beetles.  Attached is some information on these insects.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 24, 2024, 5:49 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information!On Aug 24, 2024, at 2:47 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Apple identification

Question: I’ve been taking care of an older apple tree that was on our property when we bought our home in Almena some 30 yrs ago.  However, I’ve got no idea what variety of apple it is. They are medium sized, ripen in mid-August with some having a blush color like the one pictured, and some get more yellowish as they ripen. I would say the taste is on the tart side. Skin is mostly speckled.  

Can you tell from this picture what variety of apple it is?  Is there another way to determine the variety?

responder: Ask Extension Question Wrangler Pronouns: she/her/hers  Find your local Extension office here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/county  Find an expert in a specific topic here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/experts/experts-by-topic-area   Find home gardening information here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/  Order a soil test kit here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension   Mold questions? We don’t have an expert in mold, but we do have a few resources below or contact the  Michigan health department. Molds in the Home  Indoor Air Quality May be Hazardous to Your Health    Mushroom questions? We can’t identify, but we do have these three resources to help you: Identifying  Morel  Poisonous  MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg, Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The University resides on the land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.     Replied August 19, 2024, 4:17 PM EDT
response: Good afternoon and thank you for reaching out. It would be helpful as well if you could attach a couple photos of the Appletree.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 19, 2024, 5:05 PM EDT
response: Hello Dave, Based on the timing of harvest, picture, and description my best guess is that this is a ‘Ginger Gold.” That being said weather and growing conditions of any given year can really change what the apples look like and visual identification is never certain (especially without written records). If you really wanted a certain identification there is a lab at Washington State University that will do DNA fingerprinting for a fee: https://myfruittree.org/welcome

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 19, 2024, 5:14 PM EDT
response: Appreciate the information. My guess was Ginger Gold but they taste very much like a Transparent. Thanks Sent from my iPhone On Aug 19, 2024, at 5:05 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 19, 2024, 5:20 PM EDT
response: In Michigan yellow transparents are usually harvested in July, even in years that aren’t extra early like this year. The similar taste may be due to extra acidity if the fruit was picked a little unripe.
Sick Climbing hydrangea

Question: Apologies if this is a duplicate, but not sure if my question went through  my 10-year-old hydrangea has never had flowers, but has always been very green and glossy with beautiful leaves and vigorous growth. During a heat wave or soon after it started turning brown and yellow and leaves were falling off, so I added some Peat Moss and did a lot of soaking.  It has been a couple of weeks now and just seems to be worse.   I tried Nemo and a rose treatment   Now wondering if I should cut it back. Maine has no one to reply on this website and I saw a similar question for Delaware so thought I would try you

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 19, 2024, 3:22 PM EDT
response: Neem oil erroneously came out as “Nemo”

responder: Michele D. Walfred Communications Specialist Master Gardener University of Delaware College of Agriculture & Natural Resources  Replied August 22, 2024, 8:00 PM EDT
response: Hello and thanks for reaching out. Climbing hydrangeas (hydrangea annomala petiolaris) are indeed tricky, the Asian Native behaves quite different than other hydrangeas, but with inflorescence similar to arborescens lacecaps. They take forever to get established, typically not blooming until well after 5 to 8 years, but by 10 years yours should be blooming now. https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/hydrangea-anomala-var-petiolaris  Before spraying or adding anything else, I strongly urge you to get a soil test. The analysis will let you know the exact composition of your soil, NPK level, organic matter, catiron exchange (ability of your soil to hold onto nutrients), level of metals, levels of organic matter, etc. Go to your local Cooperative Extension office and ask for a soil test kit and on the form, state what you are trying to grow - specifically climbing hydrangeas. I grow 114 hydrangeas on my property, but never a petiolaris, as I have heard they are difficult to bloom. I have read mixed advice about when to prune, with most recommending a pruning in late winter. That would align with pruning recommendations for native arborescens. How much sun does your vine get? Ideally, this should receive morning sun and get shade after 2 p.m. I suspect the failure to bloom could be a combination of sun exposure, and soil nutrients. You might not be able to change the sun, but you can amend the soil to let this plant tap into the qualities it needs to blossom. Before spending a lot of money on sprays and other amendments, you need to know what this plant is tapping into and ultimately what it might need to perform.   Most of the country experienced a terrible heatwave this summer in June and July. Climbing hydrangeas prefer temps in the 70s and quite frankly 90 degree weather is going to stress them terribly - and not blooming is a symptom of stress.   At this time of year, the plant is going to begin its withdrawal for autumn. From your photos, it looks to be vigorous. Before addressing outward and topical remedies for this climber, make sure you are giving it everything it needs in the root area. A soil test will provide you with this vital information.
Star magnolia leaves turning brown

Question: I have a star magnolia that has various types of spots and brown leaves. This came on suddenly and affects about 25-30% of leaves.  What can I do to stop it from getting worse?
Thanks

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 21, 2024, 11:12 PM EDT
response: Hi, thanks for the question. This looks a lot like sooty mold growing on the honeydew dropped by magnolia scale. If you look above the area with the affected leaves you will most likely find the scale.  Check out the following links for information on how to control this pest.  What’s that white stuff on my magnolia tree? Magnolia scale | Good Growing | Illinois Extension | UIUC Identifying and managing magnolia scale - Gardening in Michigan (msu.edu)  Magnolia Scale | Yard and Garden (iastate.edu) What’s that white stuff on my magnolia tree? Magnolia scale | Good Growing | Illinois Extension | UIUC I hope that helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 22, 2024, 10:41 AM EDT
response: Good morning, Last summer this magnolia had scale. It was really bad before I noticed it. I ended up cutting most of the lesser branches off. This year no scale and the leaves looked really healthy until now. I checked again, no scale, but the bark does look dark. Any other ideas? Thanks

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 25, 2024, 9:37 PM EDT
response: Hi again,  Magnolia scale was early this year, and the timing seemed to fit.  By now the females will no longer have the white coating and can seem to be part of the branch.  Since you have checked for the scale, some more information would be helpful. The age of the tree would, well-focused pictures of the whole tree, and a section of the tree with the bad leaves on the tree.  A picture of the front and back of a partially affected leaf would also help. Is the tree irrigated?  I look forward to your response.
Is this a honey bee?

Question: I have these bees/wasps nesting in the walls of my house. Should I call a bee keeper or, if a wasp, an exterminator?

responder: Denise Ellsworth  Replied August 26, 2024, 7:06 AM EDT
response: Hello! This appears to be a yellow jacket wasps so you will need to contact an exterminator or destroy the colony yourself. This fact sheet will give you more information: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2075-11

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2024, 7:25 AM EDT
response: Yes, thank you.   On Aug 26, 2024 at 7:06 AM -0400, Ask Extension , wrote:
identify mushrooms

Question: can you tell me what kind of mushrooms are shown in the pictures.   are they edible ?

thanks

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 19, 2024, 1:58 PM EDT
response: We do not determine if mushrooms are edible, as some toxic species can look nearly identical to edible species, and more than photographic comparison is needed to assure safety. Never consume any wild mushroom unless its identity can be demonstrated by an expert. (Even then, it's still risky.)  We aren't able to ID the mushrooms from the photo (aside from the concerns above, there isn't enough detail available), but they are probably non-pathogenic and only are decaying organic matter in the soil or mulch. If there are dead tree roots under that area, then they might be originating from the buried wood, either as an opportunist decay organism or a fungus which might have infected the tree while it was still alive. (The former is more likely than the latter.)  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 23, 2024, 6:48 AM EDT
response: do you have an answer yet ?

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 23, 2024, 9:29 AM EDT
response: We're sorry if you did not receive our reply (perhaps it went into a spam folder?)...here is what we sent to you:  We do not determine if mushrooms are edible, as some toxic species can look nearly identical to edible species, and more than photographic comparison is needed to assure safety. Never consume any wild mushroom unless its identity can be demonstrated by an expert. (Even then, it's still risky.)  We aren't able to ID the mushrooms from the photo (aside from the concerns above, there isn't enough detail available), but they are probably non-pathogenic and only are decaying organic matter in the soil or mulch. If there are dead tree roots under that area, then they might be originating from the buried wood, either as an opportunist decay organism or a fungus which might have infected the tree while it was still alive. (The former is more likely than the latter.)  Miri
Mature Lavender in Decline

Question: What can I do to save this lavender plant that has been growing well in my yard until recently?

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 19, 2024, 1:48 PM EDT
response: Hi,  Lavender is a Mediterranean plant and doesn't always love our typically richer soils and humid environment. Do you know what variety this is? There are some that have been modified to grow better in humid environments. Regardless, it does look like the soil may be too rich in this location perhaps? You could try to prune out the dead stems and see if it helps to rehab the plant. You may need to find a well draining, full sun location and amend the soil with some gravel in the planting area to improve drainage. You could also try to mound up the area a bit when you plant so it is drying faster or not having water pool around the base. Maybe try planting in a large container and moving it or half burying it in the winter to protect the roots from freezing. This would allow to to control the soil medium and watering a bit better. Perhaps a freeze proof terra cotta container would work well!  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 19, 2024, 3:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you. The lavender has been successful in this location for ten years. I agree with  your comment.However  How do I know if this is a fungus or root rot?  Or is this overwatering as a result of all the recent rain? Is this plant so old that it is declining due to age?  Margaret  On Aug 19, 2024, at 1:48 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 19, 2024, 4:43 PM EDT
response: Hi Margaret,  It could be all of those things. If you dig it out and examine the roots, that is the only way to know if it is due to root rot. You would see dark roots and potentially the coating would easily slide off.  Since it is over 10 years old then it could be just plant life decline.  Maybe try with pruning first and see what happens and if that doesn't help to rebound, next spring try a different variety or a container/new location.  If you fertilize the lawn, has it gotten too much fertilizer or nutrients due to that recently? Emily
Autumn blaze maple trunk fissure

Question: Hi, our fifteen year old or so autumn blaze maple has developed a fissure on the side of the trunk, about two feet tall, about 3-4” wide, and 1-2” deep. It s this a problem? Thoughts or suggestions?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 19, 2024, 2:05 AM EDT
response: Hi Paul -  I believe that your tree has a "Frost Crack".  It is caused by a drop in temperature, from the sun shining in winter on the south or west face of the tree, and then a temperature drop at night.  Here is a link that describes Frost Cracks and Sun Scalds:  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/frost_cracks_and_winter_damage_to_trees There is really nothing that can be done to your tree at this point.  It probably happened years ago when the tree was young.  Now it is big enough that the canopy can shade it from the sun somewhat, even in the winter. I hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 19, 2024, 8:04 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 20, 2024, 1:17 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Hawthorne tree leaf dying off

Question: I have a 10 yr old Hawthorne tree and live in Grand Junction. It is watered regulary every 2 weeks at the hotest time and every month other times. The leaves have become  brown and fallen off in the last few weeks. The berries are on the tree.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 21, 2024, 6:17 PM EDT
response: It's possible that is not enough water for this tree. It may need water more frequently than that when it is hot--maybe every 7-10 days. Are you watering deeply, focusing on the area by the dripline? We want to be sure the water is getting down into the soil. Most roots are in the top two feet of soil, so we want to make sure we're getting more than just the top couple inches wet. Here are our watering recommendations: Watering Mature Shade Trees (GN 657). You are welcome to bring in a sample from your tree to the Extension office. We're located within the Mesa County Fairgrounds and are open 8am-5pm.  If you do bring in a sample, please let staff or the master gardener volunteer know your reference number is #880.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 21, 2024, 8:02 PM EDT
response: We have been watering further from the trunk (dripline), a slow watering from the hose every 14 days. We will try more frequently. Does the pattern on these leaves look like any infectious process is going on? Do you see anything worrisome about the peeling of the trunk?Thank you.Barb Preston On Wed, Aug 21, 2024 at 4:17 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 22, 2024, 10:15 AM EDT
response: The browning, along with how hot the last 7 weeks have been, make me think water stress is at least part of the picture.  Some hawthorns have peely bark, so that could just be part of the maturing process. That said, I would remove the white wrap from the trunk.  Trees can also show stress when they are planted too deeply, and this can compound other stressors, like water stress, but I haven't seen the base of this tree to be able to assess whether that is also a factor. Here is some information on planting depth: https://extension.psu.edu/are-my-trees-buried-too-deep