MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
What is this wildflower?

Question: Found this beautiful small wildflower while hiking at mohican state park.  Can you identify?

responder: Yen.H OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied April 15, 2023, 5:11 PM EDT
response: Hi Kathy. You have found the lovely Dutchman's Breeches  (Dicentra cucullaria)  If you turn the flower in your hand upside down, it will look like a pair of pants.  Below are a few links to further reading if you'd be interested.  Dutchman's-breeches | Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov)  Dutchmans Breeches - Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)  Dutchman's Breeches | Missouri Department of Conservation (mo.gov)

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 15, 2023, 8:11 PM EDT
response: Thanks! On Sat, Apr 15, 2023, 5:11 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Taking over flower garden

Question: This plant takes over my flower beds every year, I weed, but they don’t get the point.  Do you know what they are?

Thanks,
Joe

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 17, 2023, 10:15 AM EDT
response: Hi,  This is very young but I would put this in the chamomile family. It could be pineapple weed (SMells like it) , mayweed chamomile (smells foul) or even regular herb chamomile. The flower and scent will tell. Either way, the plants are prolific seeders. Pineapple weed  grows well in compacted soil.  You'd need to prevent flowering.  Msot of the chemical controls are for turf application or landscape, you didn't mention what type of garden is being overrun  (ornamental or vegetable).  Post-emergents with glyphosphate ingredient are mentioned as a control while the edds are growing actively.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 18, 2023, 6:27 PM EDT
response: Thanks Ask Extension,But it has never flowered and it does not smell.  The bed is not gardens, but shrubs and the soil is clay like and covered with bark mulch.  Glyphosate didn’t bother it.  I was thinking horsetail, but the pictures don’t really match.Any other thoughts, thank you,JoeSent from my iPadOn Apr 17, 2023, at 10:15 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 18, 2023, 9:08 PM EDT
response: Interesting, I was looking for a weed , but it could  also be a flower seedling that doesn't meet the requirements to come to flower. The majority of herbaceous plants would be programmed to produce flowers.  Coreopsis verticillata looks very similar and so do rocket larkspur  (Consolida ambigua) and Nigella damascena. But, ID from a seedling this young is problematic; there are many plants that have some similarity.  I think we need more information. Seeing as you have dealt with this weedy plant regularly, I would like a description of the height of the mature plant, whether it is upright or sprawling and whether the leaves grow in whorls (in the manner of horsetails). If you dig it up, does it have a tap root? Is it colonial, having a root connection to the others in that area you describe? Does the plant die yearly indicating it is annual or are these spreading perennials? How much sun does that spot get?  It has absolutely no leaf scent?   Sue
Basswood tree

Question: The bark on some branches on a basswood tree in my backyard appears to be peeling off and then that branch is dead. Any thoughts or advice on this issue would be greatly appreciated.

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied April 16, 2023, 10:28 AM EDT
response: Most likely squirrels are debarking the tree.  Other animals also will do this but the most common is squirrels.  There are a number of reasons suspected to cause this: they are looking for certain minerals in the bark, they are sharpening their teeth, they using it as a food source when other sources are unavailable.  There are no effective remedies but some things to try.  See the websites for additional information. 1.  https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/linden/brancheschewed.html 2. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/tree_damage_from_squirrels_can_be_severe_during_winter_months 3.  https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1466 4. https://erc.cals.wisc.edu/woodlandinfo/files/2017/09/G3522.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 16, 2023, 1:45 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the insight your spot on. There’s squirrels nest in this tree. RichOn Sun, Apr 16, 2023 at 9:28 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied April 17, 2023, 8:38 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!  Glad to help.
One of three holly plants

Question: One of our three holly bushes have a milky  white film on some of the leaves and others appear to be turning black. I have attached photos.

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied April 14, 2023, 5:48 PM EDT
response: Hello Bill, Please email your pictures along with the history of watering, fertilizing, and pesticide application you have done in the last 12 months to MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics. <personal data hidden>  This could be a root rot from too wet soil. Or a fungal infection from poor air circulation and leaves standing wet for too long. Check the roots of the plant- they should be white and tan and firm. Too wet soil will show dark, mushy roots. If roots are covered with round nodules, this could be a nematode problem. For the lab. take clear pictures of roots, too.   Tell the lab about soil type, if soil dries before you water, if water puddles in the area, etc.; and if the leaves get wet when watering plants or lawn. They may request samples after reviewing your email. Here is their website https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 15, 2023, 9:25 AM EDT
response: Thank you Laura. On Fri, Apr 14, 2023 at 2:48 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Lawn damage from critter?

Question: Can you tell me which animal is doing this and what we can do to prevent the damage? It was particularly damaging this winter.

Thank you.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied April 15, 2023, 5:11 PM EDT
response: Becky, It looks like you may have voles in your yard. They run through tunnels and eat the roots of the grass. They are most noticeable in the spring and managing them includes creating a healthy lawn. I am linking to 2 articles that I think will help you attack the problem and get to a healthy lawn. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/vole-damage https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/renovating-lawn-quality-and-sustainability

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 17, 2023, 8:55 PM EDT
response: Thank you. I appreciate it! On Sat, Apr 15, 2023 at 4:11 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
plant ID help?

Question: Hi! I recently dug up these plants from my yard and am wondering what they are. They were growing together in a part sun moist soil spot by a fence. Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 14, 2023, 5:49 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Stephanie.  I believe the top two are reeds, described here:  https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c262 I am unable to see the plant structure of the third plant, bit appears to be a small shrub.  Could you send photos in a week or two, so we can see the leaves when filled out?  Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 27, 2023, 2:03 PM EDT
response: Hi again, thank you. Here's what that plant is looking like now.Also I've attached photos of a tall shrub I have in my front yard, can you tell what it is?On Friday, April 14, 2023, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:>

responder: Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied April 27, 2023, 9:18 PM EDT
response: Your shrub with white flowers looks like Viburnum tinus. There are lots of Viburnum to keep straight, though. Check out the list to the right on this OSU Landscape Plants page for V. tinus. The other shrub needs another week or so of growth to accurately identify. Grow it on in a pot maybe? My shrub dogwood and native twinberry look a lot like this, but so do willows right now.
Split in maple tree branches

Question: I have noticed these splits forming on the branches of my maple tree. It appears to be killing some of the branches that it is happening to. I have attached images for you review. 

Any assistance is appreciated.  Zach

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 24, 2023, 9:41 AM EDT
response: Bump this question back to the top?

responder: David Hillock  Replied April 24, 2023, 10:44 AM EDT
response: It is hard to say from the images what has caused the splits. Some of them look like they have been there for a while because I can see callus tissue already forming around the edges of some of the splits. As time goes on they may seal up completely.  The splits could be related to weather conditions such as the deep freezes we have experienced the past few years. They could possibly be due to disease but without samples it will be difficult to say for sure. Wounds like that whether caused by weather events or something else can lead to opportunistic organisms like decay organisms getting established. Keeping the tree healthy and vigorous may be all you can do to help it seal up the wounds and recover. Proper watering and fertilizing will aid in overall plant health. I would suggest seeking out a professional tree care company, one that has ISA certified arborists, to have the tree evaluated. You can find a certified arborist at this website - https://www.treesaregood.org/. Additional assistance can also be found at the Oklahoma County OSU Extension Center. They can also help you submit a sample to the disease diagnostic lab if you would like to go that route. Oklahoma County OSU Extension Center2500 NE 63rd St.Oklahoma City, OK 73111Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Phone: <personal data hidden>
maple tree limb split

Question: Hello, one of our maple trees suffered a split branch/limb along its length, right in the middle of the branch. It is a major branch for the tree, so we hate to lose it, but i don't think it would successfuly heal. looking at the photos, would you agree and if so, is it better to just trim it now rather than let it bud out and then trim it? That might help redirect the growth into the remainder of the tree. I would trim it just above the collar as your directions have layed out in the 3 cut sequence.
thanks, Craig Martin

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 17, 2023, 7:58 PM EDT
response: Hi Craig, There is no doubt that the branch needs to come off. The sap is now running so I hesitate a little, but, I still think it's better to take it off now then risk the introduction of pathogens in warm weather.  https://www.oregonlive.com/hg/2020/11/extension-agents-share-pruning-tips-for-maple-trees-ask-an-expert.html https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs#:~:text=To%20prevent%20bleeding%2C%20prune%20the,All%20maples%2C%20including%20box%20elder Just make sure you don't make a flush cut, it's better to leave a little too much branch than cut to close to the trunk and to keep it angled so water will drain off it.  Best of luck, Sally Granth, MG St. Louis County

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 17, 2023, 8:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you!On Mon, Apr 17, 2023 at 18:58 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Why is my cutleaf birch still holding onto its leaves from last Fall?

Question: We have a 20 year old cutleaf birch. It is approx. 50" tall and trunk is over 12" at base. Late last fall it did not drop its leaves and held onto about half to 2/3 of them through winter and still. We are worried it may have a disease or insects. We have never seen it hold onto leaves (yellowed) like this before. We appreciate any thoughts. We are in Centerville Anoka County.

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied April 14, 2023, 2:19 PM EDT
response: If your tree leafs out normally this spring, chalk it up to last fall's weather.  Not all trees seemed to be able to go into dormancy before winter set in.  The new leaves will push out the old ones.  If it doesn't leaf out normally you may want to contact a certified arborist to make a housecall for an evaluation.  Most will do that without a charge.  To find one in your area go to this website and click on Find An Arborist.  Once your zip code is filled in a list of certified arborists in your area will appear.  https://www.treesaregood.org/

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 14, 2023, 5:34 PM EDT
response: Thanks very much!  On Fri, 14 Apr, 2023 at 1:19 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: To: james scott
Pragensis viburnum leaves turning yellow

Question: I have two pragensis viburnums. One is in the backyard with an eastern exposure and the other is in the front yard with a western exposure. Some of the leaves on both are turning yellow and falling off. Otherwise, they seem healthy. What might be causing this?

responder: Answered by theHome 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 April 14, 2023, 11:57 AM EDT
response: We think that those are just old leaves declining naturally. They will eventually drop and/or be covered by newly emerging foliage this year.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 14, 2023, 1:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your prompt response!  Sherry

responder: Answered by theHome 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 April 14, 2023, 1:50 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Black Discoloration on Maple Tree

Question: I am seeing black discoloration on the west side of the local maples growing behind my home. It seems to manifest itself at the base and on the lower branches on the west side of the tree as shown on attached picture. I recently lost a medium sized mature maple close to this tree, so I hope this isn't a disease that will kill this tree and others in the area.
Please let me know what you can about this, and what I can do, if anything.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied April 14, 2023, 11:16 PM EDT
response: Paul, It looks like you have sooty mold on your maple tree. It is a fungus and often occurs after a bark split from lightening or the sun. Its not really treatable but it also doesn’t hurt an otherwise healthy tree in many instances. It can also occur after an insect infestation.  If you do notice that the tree isn’t leafing out well, you should have an arborist look at it. Otherwise, just let it run its course. Here is some good information on sooty mold: https://site.extension.uga.edu/bartow/sooty-mold/ https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/non-harmful-tree-conditions

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 15, 2023, 7:46 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the prompt and helpful response Deb.    On 04/14/2023 10:16 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Bugs

Question: I have this bug that started out brownish now they are coming up green. You smash them and they stink but not stink bug

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied April 14, 2023, 12:12 PM EDT
response: Hi Tamara, I'm sorry, but I can't see enough detail in your photos to tell what those are. Can you get some better close-up, in focus photos? A macro setting on your camera (most often indicated by a flower icon) could help. If that's not possible, you could bring specimens to your local county OSU Extension office or you could bring or send them to us at the OSU Plant Clinic. Here's a link with info about submitting a sample to the Plant Clinic if you would like to do that. https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic/insect-id-clinic/how-submit-insect-and-spider-materials

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 14, 2023, 3:17 PM EDT
response: I'm going to take to Union county extension. Thx u
Bark beetle?

Question: Hi! Can you tell me what is attacking my Japanese snowbell tree and how to treat it?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 14, 2023, 4:53 PM EDT
response: I think it might be the sign of a shothole borer infestation. Trees under stress are more susceptible to attack and infestation. There are a few reports implicating shothole borers in Japanese Snowbell tree damage, but always with the stress notation. Stressors could range from sudden low temperature, excessive heat/sunburn (starting usually on the south or southwest side of a tree), or low soil moisture in a hot summer. Here is some more information: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FRUIT/PESTS/shothlborer.html Treatment is complex and often not too successful. The systemic insecticides don't seem to work. Here is the suggestion offered by Utah State University: https://extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm/notes_orn/list-treeshrubs/shothole-borer#:~:text=Options%20include%20carbaryl%2C%20bifenthrin%2C%20permethrin,not%20effective%20against%20shothole%20borer.   Hope this helps you make a decision on the tree. You might also consider calling in an arborist to get their opinion.  Chip Bubl OSU Extension/Columbia County <personal data hidden> or email me directly if you wish: <personal data hidden>

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 15, 2023, 12:20 PM EDT
response: Ugh…..      But, thank you!!Sent from my iPhone On Apr 14, 2023, at 1:53 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Tree Identification

Question: I’m wanting to find out what variety of Maple tree this is.

responder: Aaron Steil  Replied April 14, 2023, 10:18 AM EDT
response: I need a bit more information to help out here.  Unfortunately, I cannot tell from any of the photos what the leaf attachment to the stem looks like.  If possible, please send a larger photo (that would allow me to zoom in more without getting blurry) or let me know how many leaves attach at each spot (node) on the stem.  Do the leaves or buds on the stem line up in pairs across from each other along the length of the stem or is there only leaf or bud at each spot that alternates along the length of the stem?   If it is possible to get an in-focus photo of a bud on the stem, that would also be helpful.    Was this tree purchased from a nursery/garden center or was it grown from a seedling dug from the yard?  Thank you. --Aaron

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 17, 2023, 9:34 AM EDT
response: Hope these help. My mom lives in Chester, IA and had brought this to me 3 years ago as a sapling out of her yard. Amanda Potts On Apr 14, 2023, at 9:19 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Aaron Steil  Replied April 17, 2023, 4:23 PM EDT
response: Based on what I can see in the photos, this plant is not a maple. Maple leaves always attach to the stem across from each other (opposite) and these leaves attach to the stem singly and in an alternating pattern.    It is likely that this plant is either a mulberry (Morus rubra, possibly Morus alba) or rose-of-sharon (Hibiscus syriacus).  Both of these plants frequently reseed in the landscape making them more likely to be found growing as a sapling.   These two plants have very different flowers and growth habits as they mature.  Use the links below to see more photos and potentially identify the plant once it fully leafs out and/or flowers.  https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hibiscus-syriacus/ https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/morus-rubra/ https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/morus-alba/  Further questions can be directed to your local county Extension office. This local resource is very helpful since they are familiar with trends and issues in your part of the state. Click on this link to get connected directly with a staff person in your county Extension office and ask your gardening question. https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/ask-gardening-question  Happy gardening! --Aaron
Black locust borer

Question: The attached photo was taken at our property.  An arborist has identified it as a Black Locust Borer.  He suggested we contact you as these locusts are classified as invasive. He did not seem overly worried as the tree is healthy.  The tree in question is a 50+yr old Black Locust.  We live in the Willamette Valley, North of Dallas, OR.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 13, 2023, 5:21 PM EDT
response: Hello, yes, I agree that looks like the locust borer (Megacyllene robiniae)  Although this is a non-native species, the host (black locust) is also non-native.  The locust borer is reported to only feed on black locust, so our native trees have been given a pass.  I'm not aware of any efforts to control or monitor this beetle because it does not threaten our native forests. It is a generally well known issue for black locust in Oregon however.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 13, 2023, 6:27 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the info. I won’t worry about it. I had read that the borers had not been found west of the Cascades so thought this was evidence of wider distribution.Thanks again.Sent from my iPhone On Apr 13, 2023, at 2:21 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Identify this invasive species

Question: Can you identify this particular invasive weed that is taking over my yard?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 14, 2023, 10:11 AM EDT
response: Hello, The weed is Henbit, or also known as Dead-Nettle. In a home setting, it can be really hard to control. It needs to be sprayed around Feb-March for the best control. You can use 2-4D to help control at this time but it may not be the best option for control. Crossbow is another home-owner option but it may be difficult to find it in smaller, more cost-effective amounts. (most of the time it is bought in 2.5 gal jugs which is WAY too large) The attached links give a little more information about henbit and what chemical control options that are available. Unfortunately, mowing is not an option--it will only cause it to grow more. Luckily, it is an annual and will die out once the heat and dry summer temps come.  https://weedscience.ca.uky.edu/content/henbit https://weedscience.ca.uky.edu/files/agr207pg2.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 14, 2023, 12:24 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the information. Very, very helpful!!   Miles Nitz, MS, LMFT Take Charge Counseling & Consulting ‘A Health Club For Your Mind’  Cell: 260.415.5967       From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: Friday, April 14, 2023 at 10:11 AM To: Miles Nitz <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Identify this invasive species (#0095393)
What plant is this?

Question: This plant (glove fingers pouting to it) is coming up in an area in my yard in Ellicott City that i have planted some native plants the last few years. There is no marker existing for this plant so I’m wondering what it is. The marker may have been lost or perhaps it is not anything I’ve planted. Thank you in advance

responder: Answered by theHome 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 April 13, 2023, 12:55 PM EDT
response: That is an invasive weed called garlic mustard. You will want to pull it and put it in the trash or you will have many more next year. See our page on it here:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/garlic-mustard   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 13, 2023, 1:00 PM EDT
response: Thank you!!  Will doSent from the all new AOL app for iOSOn Thursday, April 13, 2023, 12:55 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: