MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Identify lawn weed

Question: Could you tell me the name of this lawn weed

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 29, 2023, 5:26 PM EDT
response: Hello Joseph, Thanks for sending the picture.  It looks like it could be Speedwell although the picture, even though clear, does not give me enough info to make absolute positive identification.  A couple questions, does it have a flower?  When in the ground does it stand up vertical or crawl along the surface?  Sending a picture of your lawn with the weed, especially when it's flowering, may give more clues.     Meanwhile, you can do a search yourself on Speedwell or Corn Speedwell and it may give you some insight.  Following is a link to get you started:  https://extension.psu.edu/lawn-and-turfgrass-weeds-common-field-speedwell  I will keep this question open so we can easily dialogue about your weed.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 4:23 PM EDT
response: Dan Thanks for the quick response In the lawn it grows no higher the the grass between cuttings I sending a few pictures that may help with identifying the weed!Thanks again JoeSent from Yahoo Mail for iPadOn Monday, May 29, 2023, 5:26 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 7:35 PM EDT
response: Hi Joe,  So I took a picture of the pictures you sent.  I used two different apps to do that, INaturalist and PictureThis and they both confirmed that my first guess was correct, Corn Speedwell.   If you are interested in avoiding herbicides (recommended) you can perhaps create an inhospitable environment for it by increasing turf density by the application of nitrogen fertilizer.  A healthy lawn should be sufficient to crowding it out.    Thanks for your question, now we're both smarter about this particular weed.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 10:22 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your help!!Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPadOn Tuesday, May 30, 2023, 7:35 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Fertilizing established lawn

Question: I read most of the information regarding fertilizing our lawn in (we're in Montgomery county) but am still on the fence about the nitrogen for tall fescue.  Our small townhouse lawn is 30 years old and was fertilized late fall last year.  We haven't fertilized yet this spring and were wondering if we should still apply a high nitrogen fertilizer in the next few days.   None of the bullets under the "Optional Application" section apply, so I guess it's saying it's not necessary?  But will it hurt?  I just worry that since we missed the window for a general early spring application that our lawn which looks fine now will quickly deteriorate as it seems to every summer.  So we're on the fence on this and can't decide one way or the other.  Anything else we should consider in order to make a decision?

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 June 01, 2023, 1:23 PM EDT
response: From the photos, your lawn looks really healthy and fairly thick with growth, which is good for when the weather heats up and dries out (which it already has) this summer. At this point you wouldn't want to apply a high nitrogen fertilizer and most springs if you have done a late fall treatment, it isn't necessary. Most likely the decline you are seeing that happens in the summer is the grass going dormant from the heat. Tall Fescue is a cool season grass meaning it is going to green in the cool part of the growing season. When it gets too hot and dry in the summer, the lawn will turn brown and go dormant. Maryland is in a transition zone (for the east coast) so while tall fescue is an appropriate type of grass lawn, it will not look great the whole season nor would a warm season grass until it really warms up in the summer.  While Montgomery County has specific lawn care rules and recommendations, our webpage on Fertilizing your Lawn gives you some more information on why it isn't necessary right now.  Please let us know if you have further questions with lawn care.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 10:26 PM EDT
response: Thanks Emily!  This is very helpful and confirms a lot of what I've read, so good to know that there is only so much we can do based on the grass type and where we live.   Have a great weekend! On Thu, Jun 1, 2023 at 1:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What is this?(insect id)

Question: What is this on milkweed?

responder: Howard Russell, Entomologist  Replied May 30, 2023, 10:00 AM EDT
response: Hi Kathy, That looks like an inch worm, probably Geometridae.  I don't of any that feed on milkweed so it is probably incidental. Best regards, Howard

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 11:42 AM EDT
response: Thank you! On Tue, May 30, 2023 at 10:00 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Is this Centrocoris volxemi or C. variegatus?

Question: Found on second season chard three days ago in community garden. Had companion that flew off.

Not native.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 01, 2023, 6:07 PM EDT
response: Hariana: I am not positive but believe what you have pictured is Centrocoris variegatus. I also think ODA (Oregon Dept of Agriculture) may have an interest in this bug I will contact them and get it checked out. Hope that helps. I do not know how long this will take. Do you have samples of this bug? Let me know if you have additional questions.  Thank you for letting us help you. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 6:48 PM EDT
response: Yes. Have one from last year dried, but not pinned, and one from this year, which I think is still alive in the collection vial.Sent from my iPhone On Jun 1, 2023, at 3:07 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 01, 2023, 8:59 PM EDT
response: OK hang on to them for now. I will let you know what I find out. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 11:14 PM EDT
response: Hi Rich,I'm going on vacation next week and will be gone from the 7th till the 13th. The critter from this year is still active in the vial, but I don't know for how long. I can keep her/him in there at room temp, or refrigerate (but it might be too cold--that's how I lost last year's individual after one day). Thoughts?Hariana Chilstrom  <personal data hidden>   On Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 05:59:11 PM PDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 01, 2023, 11:56 PM EDT
response: Put it in your freezer.  Enjoy your vacation, will let you know what happens.
Mimosa Tree Struggling

Question: Hello - the mimosa tree in my front yard is struggling! It was very slow to blossom this year and there are multiple limbs that aren’t blossoming / appear to be dead. Should we be concerned? Any suggestions as to how we can save this tree?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 31, 2023, 10:45 AM EDT
response: HI Stephanie, Mimosa trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases.  Mimosa trees have a live expectancy of about 30 years.  Unfortunately, limbs that did not leaf out are probably dead. Mimosa wilt is a serious problem, but other factors including cultural issues and other pests and diseases could be the problem. Mimosa webworms, mites, cottony cushion scale, armillaria fungus, vascular wilt disease, shot hole borer, root rot, are all pests of this tree.  Cultural issues like shade, too much fertilizer (or not enough), or adequate could pose a problem.  Give your tree a close look. loose bark, yellowing leaves, insects, holes, etc. to try to narrow things down.  You could also have a certified arborist look at the tree (Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)).  Take a look at the following information: Fusarium Wilt of Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) (vt.edu) Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa, Persian Silk Tree, Pink Silk Tree, Silk Tree) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu) Mimosa Tree Not Flowering - Knowledgebase Question - Garden.org I look forward to hearing back from you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 8:58 PM EDT
response: Got it! Hopefully the tree doesn't die - it's large and I'd hate to lose it! Maybe we'll call an arborist to see what can be done! On Wed, May 31, 2023 at 10:45 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Identity of pictured infestation

Question: Please ID: 1) the type of shrub this is and 2) what is attacking it. Areas all over this shrub, and an identical one nearby, are encompassed by a weblike structure. This started last year and continues. The shrub in general is growing well. 
What can I do to get rid of this problem and could it eventually do permanent damage to the shrub?
Thank you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2023, 12:09 PM EDT
response: I have not received any answer to my questions. lease advise. Thank You.

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 June 12, 2023, 4:27 PM EDT
response: Our apologies, as the original recipient who was going to answer this for you seems to have been unexpectedly unavailable. The plant looks like a Yew (botanical name Taxus), and they are a commonly-grown evergreen in our region as they tolerate a range of sunlight levels and also tolerate trimming well. The webbing in the photos appears to be made by spiders and is not a concern. Spiders are beneficial in the landscape because they consume other insects, including many that we consider pests. Yew ailments that might require treatment/attention tend to include an insect called Cottony Camellia Scale and infections due to overly-wet soil, like root rot, neither of which appear to be an issue here as the plant in the photo looks to be in great shape.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2023, 7:14 PM EDT
response: Thank you! Relieved to know this. And thanks for the ID of the shrub. MarionOn Mon, Jun 12, 2023 at 4:27 PM 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 June 13, 2023, 8:58 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Lawn weed question

Question: I am asking for help in identifying this weed taking over my lawn and a suggestions for treating this problem. Thank you.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied May 29, 2023, 11:46 AM EDT
response: These web sites may help with identification. https://extension.umn.edu/weed-identification/annual-grass-weeds https://extension.umn.edu/weed-identification/perennial-weeds https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fKmfpxkZvTX5HHcDDCJOTkPa8u9FKGyz/view scroll to the second page on this site.  Once you have identified the weed, then look for a herbicide with that name on the list of weeds that it will kill.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 11:47 AM EDT
response: It looks like quackgrass. Sorry but on the links you sent I cannot find how to treat it. Could you please provide some more info? Thank you.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied May 30, 2023, 12:04 PM EDT
response: These web sites provide some treatments. Scroll down to the middle of each article.  https://extension.psu.edu/quackgrass-management-an-integrated-approach https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/quackgrass_control_in_turf
Help me figure out this weird shrub/tree please

Question: I've been through Dirr, I've gone to Gees, I know trees but this one has me stumped!!  It doesn't fruit, it does bloom white flowers, it's the oddest habit I've ever seen. Living in Brighton, faces the west, against the brick wall by a front door so limited space. I thought elderberry but the habit and leaf is wrong. Not sure how old it is, could be up to 20 yrs old. About 10 feet high, needs staking, falls over.  Sending you 2 photos. HELP!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 1:51 AM EDT
response: Hello!  What an interesting specimen you have.  I believe it is, indeed, an elderberry.  You can see the nubs on the stems, and the hollowness of the stems.   The species sambucus nigra, it has darker leaves and fruit than the canadensis species.  The habit of this tree is very strange, and I looked to see if I could find a disease that would cause this.  I think it's possible that the placement of this tree and it's half day of light possibly might cause this deformity?  I have some links for you here:  The nigra species:  https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/sambucus-nigra/ The canadensis species: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/sambucus-canadensis/ And a short video for identification:   I hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 8:20 AM EDT
response: Denise,Thanks so much for your quick response. I never thought about the potential of disease causing it to have an odd habit. It looks like a vine and the leaf habit is just weird. It’s actually my neighbors and she inherited from the prior owner. I would move it because It’s just in the wrong location. The tree guys at Gees Nursery said to cut the stem and smell it, so I’ll have to do that. She swears it has never fruited which could be a symptom too.  I’m the only Master Gardener in the neighborhood so I get all the plant questions. I love being the plant detective, but this one really had me.  Appreciate your help!!   Lou Ann Lou Ann Goldblatt5303 Versailles AveBrighton, MI 48116<personal data hidden><personal data hidden>     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 1:52 AMTo: louiegold1953 <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Help me figure out this weird shrub/tree please (#0102430)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 31, 2023, 1:30 AM EDT
response: Hi Lou Ann -  I was amazed you identified it as an elderberry!  Good for you!  I was thinking that if it's never fruited, it's possible that it is a sterile cultivar?  You are right, it's in the wrong spot, no matter what else might be wrong with it.   Take Care,
Plants for a dry shade area that floods

Question: Hello,

I have an area of dry shade that is flooded for most of the winter. It also floods after heavy downpours, but it dries quickly in the summer. There are invasive species coming from neighboring properties that I’ve been pulling for the past few years. 
What I’d like to do is plant something tough that will be happy in those conditions. I understand that I’m going to have to keep working to keep the invasive species ivy and honeysuckle at bay. This patch is far enough from my house that watering is a pain. I would prefer not to water once my new plants are established. Also, I have a dog. I can put up a barrier to keep her out of this area short term, but she will probably trample things from time to time. In my mind, I think I’d like to do some tough prairie plants, but I’m open to planting shrubs. I want plants that will thrive and I’m more inclined to plant things that are beneficial to birds and other wildlife.

responder: Sharon Replied June 01, 2023, 11:22 AM EDT
response: I found an excellent article addressing your problem area, which looks like quite a large space.  https://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/perennials/drought-tolerant-groundcovers/  I hope this helps you with this problem.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2023, 3:45 PM EDT
response: Thank you. It is a large area. On Thu, Jun 1, 2023 at 11:22 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Cinquefoil

Question: How invasive is cinquefoil in New York State? Do birds eat the berries? Should I pull it out of my garden?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 12:51 PM EDT
response: Hi Holly! That is not cinquefoil, that is the mock strawberry, P. Indica. They are native to the area and the wild animals do like to snack on them, so you can leave it where it is! Sadly they are not the true strawberry, and when they produce fruit they do not have much flavor. But they produce some very pretty ground cover and a nice snack for the birds!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 2:02 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much! On Tue, May 30, 2023 at 12:51 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
dirty deck

Question: Hello, can you explain why my backyard deck is so much dirtier this spring than any previous time and gets dirty so fast after I blow it off.  The dirt and pollen and stuff that is falling off my trees seems "stickier" on the deck this year.  The deck sits under a river birch tree and an ash tree.  Is there something going on this spring that is different? 

Thank you

responder: Nancy B.   Replied May 31, 2023, 7:32 PM EDT
response: I wouldn't know how to answer this with any authority.  Would you please reassign it?Not even sure why I received it.Nancy Brewer,  OSU MG VolunteerCuyahoga county On Wed, May 31, 2023, 12:41 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:Hi Nancy, Question #0102384 has been assigned to you by Elizabeth F. dirty deck Hello, can you explain why my backyard deck is so much dirtier this spring than any previous time and gets dirty so fast after I blow it off. The dirt and pollen and stuff that is falling off my trees seems "stickier" on the deck this year. The deck sits under a river birch tree and an ash tree. Is there something going on this spring that is different? Thank you From: Julie LakeSubmitted: 05/28/2023 8:27 PM To view/respond to the question, please login. Please join the Ask Extension Experts group in Connect Extension. We will use that group to post updates about Ask Extension.This message was sent by Ask Extension. If you need help, please visit https://askhelp.extension.org/.

responder: Jennifer Andon  Replied June 01, 2023, 9:41 AM EDT
response: Good morning and thank you for your question.  If you're finding sticky stuff on your deck, you may have an insect issue in one of your trees.  It could be aphids or another sucking insect pest which exudes a substance called "honey dew" which is the sugar substance from the phloem of the tree.  Pollen and other debris can get stuck in the honey dew.  Also molds can grow on the honey dew making it even more unsightly.  You may want to have an arborist come take a look at your trees to see if this is the case and if pest management is necessary. A good pressure wash should take care of the debris and honey dew on your deck.   I hope this helps, please let me know if you need anything further.  Thanks.

responder: Nancy B.   Replied June 01, 2023, 10:29 AM EDT
response: Just to be clear,  I didn't submit any question about the sticky deck. I received the question. Nancy Brewer On Thu, Jun 1, 2023, 9:41 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2023, 9:34 AM EDT
response: Thanks for your insight!   Julie Lake From: ask=<personal data hidden> [mailto:ask=<personal data hidden>] On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Thursday, June 01, 2023 9:42 AMTo: Julie LakeSubject: Re: dirty deck (#0102384)

responder: Jennifer Andon  Replied June 05, 2023, 12:27 PM EDT
response: You're very welcome.  Take care.
Stink Bug Damage on Peaches

Question: Hello, I’m attaching some pictures of this jelly-like substance coming out of some of my peaches.  I think this is stink if damage. If so, will the fruit be edible when it ripens? If not should I remove the damaged peaches now?  I’m planning to wrap some of the branches in tulle to protect them, but haven’t gotten that far yet. Thank you in advance for your help! Lisa

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 May 30, 2023, 11:44 AM EDT
response: Hi-  There are many possible causes of gummosis- the oozing of gummy plant sap. It could be caused by tarnished plant bug and stink bug feeding (you would see sunken, discolored spots under the gum). Also, carefully inspect affected fruit for signs of fruit-boring insect pests like plum curculio (would see ovipositing scars) and Oriental fruit moth. We don't see signs of insect feeding in the photos. The peaches are safe to eat.  If no sign of insect tunneling/feeding the gummosis and internal browning could be due to some type(s) of plant stress and would not be expected to persist. Plant gums are found in all parts of peach trees. It exudes at weak spots and is not necessarily an indication of a problem. https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2018/8/peachGummosis/  Jon

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 1:13 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much! I really appreciate your help. The tension has consistently my go-to resource for gardening questions.

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 May 30, 2023, 5:10 PM EDT
response: You're welcome. Good luck. Jon