MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Invasive shrubs

Question: Please identify barberry-type shrubs that have taken over a large area of general forest areas. Have tried clipping then getting under them and uprooting the core but some cut roots remain. See photos.

Will that get rid of them permanently.? There are multitudes of them so is there a better way to attack these?

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 April 07, 2023, 3:01 PM EDT
response: These do appear to be Japanese Barberry, a known invasive which has colonized many woodland understories in nearly every county in Maryland and the eastern U.S. Digging them up with most of the major roots intact will probably not result in root pieces resprouting, but if they do, another cut-down may be enough to starve the remaining roots. Otherwise, aside from repeated physical removal, the only other option is to use a systemic herbicide, either sprayed on foliage or (more practical to reduce chemical volume needed) dabbed/brushed onto the freshly-cut stumps of trimmed plants. Repeat treatments will likely be needed, and the product label must be consulted for any details about dosage, timing of re-application, and any other guidelines or restrictions. The two pages linked below provide a bit more information, as do the links they contain to other pages.Invasives in Your Woodland: Japanese BarberryJapanese Barberry Although the above measures (plus lots of time and effort if the infestation is extensive) will eventually be able to eliminate the current population in those woods, nothing will completely prevent a future population from sprouting from seed as birds or other wild animals deposit the seeds as they travel. Vigilance to detect a new generation of weed seedlings can help prevent the same degree of effort being needed again to get rid of the plants, if they can be removed while still young and establishing. If feasible, replanting the parts of the woods disturbed by barberry clearing can help establish native plants so that future barberry seedlings might be out-competed by more mature local species of understory shrubs. The alternative to replanting would be to let the existing native plant seed back regenerate any disturbed areas and to just cull-out any non-native (or at least invasive) plants that appear alongside those seedlings in the process.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 08, 2023, 12:11 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your prompt and informative reply. Am now armed with good information and hopefully I can get at least some areas under some control - with constant vigilance. Have a blessed Easter.On Fri, Apr 7, 2023 at 3:01 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What weed is this?

Question: I have attached three photos of a plant emerging from many places in the garden. My plant d apps can only identify it as various desirable okants such as goldenrod, but I’m sure it’s a weed  Based on UMS extensionweed ohoots I wonder if it is horse weed, but would like confirmation. Thanks for your help.

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 April 10, 2023, 10:29 AM EDT
response: Hi,  It is difficult to say for sure until it blooms but it looks to us to be Solidago canadensis or one of our native Goldenrod varieties. You can choose to either leave it or get rid of it. They do get tall so you can cut it back by July if you wanted to keep it. It can also spread by seed but is a great late season bloom for color and pollinators. If you don't want to risk it overtaking your garden beds you can look for different cultivars that are more dwarf or have different flower textures at a local garden center.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 10, 2023, 11:46 AM EDT
response: Thanks for the identification. Ironically, I planted several types of goldenrod last fall to suit various conditions around the yard. I even started some from seed (which needed 60 days of stratification… I’m always surprised and proud when I manage to do that). If this is goldenrod, and I agree it certainly looks like it, it’s coming up throughout the garden. I live in a residential neighborhood with typical yards/ gardens, and can’t imagine how so many of these plants, if they are goldenrod, have come up. How they are growing, and their spread throughout the garden, feels like weeds to me. One more thing: I’m a pollinator, native plant focused gardener. I have a pretty wide variety of native perennials, and continue to add to their number. I had no goldenrod which is why last year I planted a good bit of it. To think that I might have so much volunteer goldenrod after buying and growing a good deal already, is mind blowing. If you’re right, I’m thrilled and will transplant much of it to where I really want it to be.  Gary  On Mon, Apr 10, 2023 at 10:29 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> 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 April 10, 2023, 1:57 PM EDT
response: Hi Gary,  Time will let us know for sure, I don't believe it is horse weed though, it looks more like Goldenrod to me.  Good luck and hopefully its a keeper for you! -Emily
What are these egg sacs on Incense Cedar

Question: I just noticed a lot of clusters of golden egg sacs on my Incense Cedar. I need to know if they are good guys, or something to deal with

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 07, 2023, 4:46 PM EDT
response: Hello, The orange globs you are seeing are a type of fungal spore for a disease called incense cedar rust.  I have included additional information about this disease below. If possible you can prune out these branches. Do your best to keep the tree healthy and reduce additional stress due to drought, etc so that the tree will better sustain the infections. https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cedar-incense-broom-rust  Thank you for using Ask Extension!

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 07, 2023, 6:58 PM EDT
response: Thank you very muchDonna's phone  On Apr 7, 2023, at 1:46 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Service berry trunk

Question: The trunks of 2 serviceberry trees in my community have a greenish colored growths on them.  Please let me know what, if anything, Is wrong with these plants.

Also, on March 18, I submitted a question about my blueberry bushes, and have not yet gotten a reply

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 April 06, 2023, 11:46 AM EDT
response: The growths on the Serviceberry bark are lichen, a harmless organism that can actually be an indicator of decent air quality given their general intolerance of pollution. They do not take any resources from the tree and don't cause disease so we recommend leaving them as-is.  We looked in our records and found your older blueberry question. Upon comparison to your current submission, we noticed your email address was spelled differently (looks like a single-letter typo between the two) so that is why a reply unfortunately didn't reach you. If you submit questions in the future and don't receive an auto-reply from the Ask Extension platform, that may indicate the submission's email return address was incorrect, which unfortunately is not something we have the ability to edit on our end, so in that event you'd need to re-submit the question. Below is what my colleague said about the blueberries: "We don't think there is anything wrong with the stems. The stem color may change based on age, cultivar, time of year, and weather. If the plants are in distress due to soil/nutrient issues you will see symptoms in the new growth that emerges this spring.   Blueberry plants grow best in full sun (but can tolerate some shade, especially in late afternoon), and high organic matter soils with a soil pH in the 4.3-5.5 range. The root system needs to be kept uniformly moist, especially during hot, dry periods.   It would be a good idea to have the soil tested and make adjustments as recommended by the soil testing lab. Blueberry information - Jon"  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 10, 2023, 9:45 AM EDT
response: Thank you! Will be more careful with my e-mail in the future.

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 April 10, 2023, 5:16 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Invasive turf grass?

Question: I am trying to identify and determine how to control the grass seen in the attached photos. It seems to be a type of invasive grass, as it has been spreading around my lawn during the last few years. I have a number of patches similar to the one in the photos. The grass grows faster than the rest of my lawn in early spring. Once the temperatures get into the 80s and beyond, this grass will no longer grow well, and starts to mat down and turn a bit brown. It also has a sticky matted nature in this phase. I have tried a few selective herbicides, but none seem to affect it, I assume because it is a grass. 

Can you help me identify this grass and do you have any recommendations for controlling it? Let me know if you need more information or additional photos. Thanks!

responder: John Emerson Jr.University of DelawareTurfgrass Nutrient Management Extension AgentEmail: jremer@udel.edu Replied April 11, 2023, 10:23 AM EDT
response: This is called Poa trivialis or Roughstalk Bluegrass. It is a cousin to Ky Bluegrass. Unfortunately, the only current control option is to apply glyphosate and then re-seed or re-sod. I recommend spot spraying the patches with glyphosate. Being that Poa trivialis has stolons, it can move laterally quite quickly so your would want to spray a little bit outside of the perceived patches to ensure complete control.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 11, 2023, 10:34 AM EDT
response: Hi John, Thanks for your insights. I was afraid this might be the case. I started spraying some of the spots with Round-up a few weeks back and reseeded those areas this past weekend. I probably should have addressed this issue a few years ago, as I have quite a few areas affected now. Hopefully, with persistence, I can get ahead of the issue over time.   One other issue I have is onion grass. Any suggestions for controlling it besides a similar treatment of glyphosate or attempting to dig out the bulbs?    Thanks, Chris     On Apr 11, 2023, at 10:23 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: John Emerson Jr.University of DelawareTurfgrass Nutrient Management Extension AgentEmail: jremer@udel.edu Replied April 11, 2023, 10:52 AM EDT
response: Most broadleaf herbicides will control wild onion. Any combination of MCPP, 2,4-d, or dicamba will work.
Bee swarm

Question: There is a bunch of bees hanging from a bush just making a big group crawling over one another.  The bunch is about the size of a pineapple.  I just noticed them today.  What is a good course of action?

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 05, 2023, 7:43 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response.  We called a beekeeper’s group and hope that one will come and collect the bees. From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Wednesday, April 5, 2023 5:46 PMTo: Kathy Bunn <Bunny<personal data hidden>>Subject: Thank you for your Ask Extension question (#0094536)  Dear Kathy,Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online.YOUR QUESTION #0094536:Bee swarmThere is a bunch of bees hanging from a bush just making a big group crawling over one another. The bunch is about the size of a pineapple. I just noticed them today. What is a good course of action?Ask Extension offers one-to-one expert answers from Cooperative Extension/University staff and volunteers within participating Land-Grant institutions across the United States.If you wish to provide additional comments or information regarding the issue, please login to your account for a complete archive of your prior questions and answers.This message for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalized professional advice. For specific local information, contact your local county Cooperative Extension office or other qualified professionals. eXtension Foundation does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, professional services, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by eXtension Foundation, employees, suppliers, member universities, or other third parties through eXtension is solely at the user's own risk. All eXtension content and communication is subject to the Terms of Use which may be revised at any time.

responder: Ed Olsen  Replied April 06, 2023, 9:44 AM EDT
response: They will likely move on, that's not a great location for them to build a hive.    You can reach out to the Richmond Beekeepers Swarm Dispatcher if the bees are still there.  They will send a local bee keeper to collect: https://richmondbeekeepers.org/
Moss of some type in my yard

Question: Over the last several years, the growth, I think it's moss, has been growing in my yard, usually in areas with limited sunlight.  This year it is worse and seems to be spreading.  I have attached a picture. If you could tell me what it is and the best way to kill it, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you. Warren Schultz <personal data hidden>

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 10, 2023, 10:23 PM EDT
response: Moss grows in areas with reduced sunlight as you have noticed.  The article linked below provides additional information on conditions that favor the development of moss and cultural and chemical means you can use to limit or eradicate their presence.  Moss Control in Turf | NC State Extension Publications (ncsu.edu)

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 11, 2023, 12:45 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your assistance.  I will have to research some of the herbicides listed as I can’t change the orientation of the house and thus the amount of sun I get.  My Turfway 419 lawn thrives on two sides of the house, but struggles on the back and one side. I appreciate your help. Warren Schultz  From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Monday, April 10, 2023 10:24 PMTo: Warren Schultz <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Moss of some type in my yard (#0094479)

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 11, 2023, 5:06 PM EDT
response: I am not sure if this reply will reach you, but I have read the attached articles and would like to try some Carfentrazone on my lawn.  There are several products out there.  What concentration do you suggest?  I have about 4500 sq ft of Turfway 419 lawn.  Is there a particular product you recommend? Thank you. Warren Schultz

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 16, 2023, 9:45 PM EDT
response: I cannot recommend one particular product. If you opt to use the herbicide you mentioned in your last note I would follow the manufacturer's information regarding proper concentration.
Plant in my flower bed

Question: When I moved into my house 6 years ago this plant was in my flower bed, I thought it was maybe a lily or a hyacinth. It has never bloomed so I don't know what it is or what I to do with it. Thanks for any answers yuo might have.

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 April 06, 2023, 9:53 AM EDT
response: Hi,  We believe this could be a plant called 'Naked Lady' or Amaryllis belladonna and maybe it isn't receiving enough sun to send up blooms. They are a plant that comes from bulbs, so you could try to dig them up and divide and relocate to a sunnier area. Typically the bulbs are planted in the fall, but while the foliage is up now, it would be ok to transplant them. If you do decide to relocate, feel free to snap a photo of the bulbs and we can try to confirm what they are.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 08, 2023, 9:41 AM EDT
response: I am not sure where I would like to replant the lilies. Can I dig them up, plant them in a large flower pot and replant them in the fall? Yahoo Mail Stationery On Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 09:53:49 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> 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 April 10, 2023, 12:41 PM EDT
response: That should be ok. You should just make sure they don't get too dry or too soggy, maybe in pot near the the base of a tree or against a somewhat sunny wall of a shed or house. You would want to make sure it got enough water if rain water isn't reaching it.
Tree bark problem on my young Pink Flowering Dogwood

Question: Can you tell me what is going on with my Pink Flowering Dogwood? 

 I planted it in early summer of 2020 and there have been no problems with the bark until now.  I have been using tree wrap during the winters to protect it from sun scald.  I took the tree wrap off about 2 weeks ago and saw this divot in the bark.  It seems like the size of the wound has grown a bit.

If you know of anything I can do for the tree to treat the wound and how to prevent future wounds, please let me know.

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 05, 2023, 4:50 AM EDT
response: There is growth around the wound (wound wood), so this didn’t occur recently. Leaving it open to airflow is best, so don’t use tree wrap again. It is a fairly large wound so I’m not sure how the tree will fare long term. Provide a couple of more distant views with photos.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 06, 2023, 5:43 PM EDT
response: Here are some additional photos.Let me know if this is helpful or if you have any questions.Best regards, Bill Monroe  On Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 01:50:03 AM PDT, 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 08, 2023, 3:19 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the additional photos. Nothing in the landscaping alerts me to concerns about the growing conditions for your dogwood. There isn't care or treatment for the wound, so wait and see how it does. Keep sprinklers from hitting the trunk this summer, and widen the mulch circle to support the roots and keep the lawn mower a good distance from the bark.
Invasive Worms?

Question: Hi.  We recently bought a load of soil for my raised garden beds.  As I started moving it, I found lots of worms.  They tend to thrash around a lot when I pick them up and I'm a bit worried that they might be invasive jumping worms.  I've looked at photos online but am unable to confirm what kind of worms these are.  Are you able to help?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 06, 2023, 2:06 PM EDT
response: Jennifer: I have a few questions. What city do you live in or near? What business did you purchase the soil from. I am not sure have the worm, but I need to get some additional information from you in addition to the above. I do not see the white band on the worm and that is an important character for ID. See attached paper. Let me know if you see the white band on any of the worms and let me know. Let me know if you have additional questions.  Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 06, 2023, 2:17 PM EDT
response: Hi Rich,    Thanks for the response.  I live in Philomath and we purchased the soil from Sunbow Farms on Bellefontaine Road.    Thanks,    Jennifer   Jennifer L. Thornhill, PhD Research Program Coordinator Oregon State University College of Engineering Research Administration Ph:<personal data hidden>             From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Thursday, April 6, 2023 11:07 AM To: Thornhill, Jennifer L <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Invasive Worms? (#0094421)     [This email originated from outside of OSU. Use caution with links and attachments.]

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 07, 2023, 12:01 PM EDT
response: Most welcome