MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Plant ID

Question: Pls.ID this plant

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 23, 2023, 12:29 PM EDT
response: It appears to be cheatgrass. You can read more information about it on our webpage Introduction to Invasive Plants in Maryland. Let us know if you have further questions with it.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 12:56 PM EDT
response: Thank you Emily. I have one more plant, I'll send it over. And that will be that. Really appreciate this.TrishOn Tue, May 23, 2023, 12:29 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 May 23, 2023, 3:57 PM EDT
response: you're welcome!
What is wrong with my Nirway maple?

Question: This Norway maple is in its 3rd year in this location, and has done well up until this spring.  It is fairly close to a large Pondersoa pine. But gets lots of water.  

I have more pictures, but couldnt load them

responder: Cristi  Replied May 23, 2023, 7:10 PM EDT
response: Hi Beth:  First, a few questions for you.  Has there been any activity to disturb the root system of the tree, such as construction, digging, burrowing, weed whacking? Did the leaf loss happen suddenly?  All at once?  If yes, any unusual events preceding, such as a bitter cold night or hail storm Was anyone spraying for weeds in the area? I don't see any wounds, holes or sap oozing from the branches.  Can you confirm for me that is true?  We'll try to get this figured out for you...

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 7:29 PM EDT
response: Hi Cristi,nothing to disturb the root system.  the bud break occurred over the last couple of weeks, bottom leaves only.  they turned beautiful purple, and there was maple blossoms on nearly all the buds.  the top leaves did not break.  there hasn't been any bitter cold nights, but there was heavy rain and a bit of small hail.  No weed spraying around the tree at all.  No wounds, holes or sap from the branches.   the other trees in the yard are doing great.  sunset maple has full leaves. pie cherry tree in full bloom/full leaf.  On Tue, May 23, 2023 at 4:10 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Cristi  Replied May 24, 2023, 11:01 AM EDT
response: Thank you Beth:  I believe we have a couple of events that, timed together, have stressed the tree.  First, this is a heavy seed production year for the Norway Maple.  This causes the leaves to droop and delayed leave production, as they are putting their all into seed development.  The wind and hail event hit just as the those tender leaves were making their way into the world.  I believe the tree will recover.  Just make sure it gets regular deep watering and be patient.  As anecdotal evidence, I too have a Norway Maple "Crimson King", that we planted in 2015.  It is quite a bit larger, but has major seed pod output this year and droopy leaves.  As I took a closer look, the north side of the tree took a hit with the wind and hail, lost leaves and seed pods.  The south side, which is somewhat protected by a juniper tree looks much healthier.   I'm going to attach a study I found from the University of Ohio on this phenomenon.  It's a different type of maple, but the same situation.  I found the pictures quite helpful.  Maple Leaf Development and Heavy Seed Production  Thank you for your question,

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 11:31 AM EDT
response: Thank you Christi, I will continue the deep watering and be patient.  I really though he was a goner.  Im so thankful for your advice.  BethOn Wed, May 24, 2023, 8:01 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Cristi  Replied May 24, 2023, 12:09 PM EDT
response: You're welcome. :)
Dieback of new leaves on several species of Juglans (walnut)

Question: I have three species of walnut (butternut, black walnut and english walnut) that are all experiencing a die back of the new growth this spring.  The english walnut seems to be hardest hit where all the new growth has wilted and turned brown.  Is there anything that I can do or is it too late already?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 6:47 AM EDT
response: I have come to realize that the dieback was a result of last week’s frost.  The new shoots were in a vulnerable stage of growth. I have also seen ash trees in the area with the same symptoms.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 24, 2023, 3:21 AM EDT
response: Hello Ben,  Thank you for the update on your question.  Yes, as I drive around I see the effects of that late frost.  I am hoping that there is some bounce back for you in the health of your trees and that this is only a brief setback for them.
maple tree

Question: This maple tree is a volunteer that has grown up next to the stump of a larger maple that came down in a windstorm awhile ago. The base of the tree's trunk is so unusual looking and it's hard to understand how this tree can seem to be so healthy. Is there anything that should be done to help it stay this way?

responder: V/r,  Replied May 24, 2023, 5:56 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, Protect the tree roots.  Damaging these roots, such as by hitting them with a lawn mower or trying to prune them away can seriously affect the health of the tree. To protect the tree’s roots, make mowing easier and reduce tripping hazards, you can apply a shallow layer of topsoil around and over the exposed roots. Apply just enough to cover the roots by about a half inch. Applying too much soil over the roots of a tree can suffocate them and cause tree damage or death. After a few years, since roots get thicker each year, they may again break the surface, and you’ll have to apply another thin layer of soil to cover them.  Another option for areas with surface tree roots is to eliminate the grass and cover the area with mulch such as shredded wood. You can also plant the area with a groundcover or perennials in a mulched bed. Just be sure you don’t damage the tree’s roots when planting, and don’t use a rototiller in the area. Instead, hand dig small planting pockets in between the tree’s roots.  How to Deal with Surface Tree Roots – Wisconsin Horticulture  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 7:58 AM EDT
response: thank you! On Wed, May 24, 2023 at 5:56 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Insect ID

Question: I suspect this a wood boring kind of beetle. It is attracted to light. Began search after finding frass on a hosta leaf close to my house and  I live in wet, woodland area. It is slow flying. 
Will it be attracted to Japanese beetle lures?
Will it it be attracted to the boric acid/sweetened traps?
 I plan to drill small holes and inject FiPro foam. 
What else can I do?
I trapped this specimen after dark with a light and diatomaceous earth.
IThe reference item is a dime.

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 23, 2023, 11:53 AM EDT
response: It appears to be a type of Whirligig Beetle or another type of water beetle. Since you are in a wet area, they could be there in a puddle or other water source. They do not bore into trees and there isn't any control that needs to be done, they are harmless. The frass on the hosta leaf could be from something else. Let us know if you have further questions with this.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2023, 6:24 PM EDT
response: Might this be a carpenter ant. 1. Are they attracted to light.2. Is it recommended to bait before spraying a no repellant?Thank you,On Tue, May 23, 2023, 11:53 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 May 30, 2023, 12:05 PM EDT
response: HI,  The photos are a bit blurry so its difficult to say for sure if it is a carpenter ant or another type. Are you finding them inside? If it is a carpenter ant, they would be more attracted to wood. Before spraying for anything, you should definitely make sure you know what it is. See if you can get one of the insects and freeze it in a sandwich bag then try to take a clear photo. You can also refer to our webpage(s) to read about and compare characteristics:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/carpenter-ants https://extension.umd.edu/resource/termites If you do an internet search for homemade Borax ant traps, you could bait them too and see if there is an abundance in population. Some will die in the solution and others will bring back some sugar to the potential nest and end up killing the other ants. If you have pets or small children, just be cautious that they don't get into the solution.  If you would like to send in additional photos, you can attach them to this message.  Emily
Boxwood Issue

Question: All of a sudden these Boxwoods have declined.  They have suffered through many harsh winters.  This past one was mild. Please advise....thanks

responder: Ed Replied May 22, 2023, 10:57 AM EDT
response: There may be a fungus Colletotrichum theobromicola which is a known disease that attacks boxwood.  The previous cold spells probably kept it under control.  The warmer weather has allowed it to grow.  Without a closer look and sampling, I can not say for sure and you probably need to contact your extension office to see if they have someone who can take a closer look.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 11:12 AM EDT
response: What are the treatment procedures for Colletotrichum theobromicola and can it be reversed or cured?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 6:43 PM EDT
response: What are the treatment procedures for Colletotrichum theobromicola and can it be reversed or cured?

responder: Ed Replied May 23, 2023, 8:55 AM EDT
response: First you need to contact someone who can take a closer look to be sure that is the cause of the problem. Further searching came up with another possibility  -  boxwood blight. Here is a link that will provide you with more details on the various organisms that can attack boxwood.  You need to look into these other possibilities since the above mentioned organism seems to be in the southeastern state.  Given our changing climate, it might have made it into NY. https://www.ncipmc.org/projects/pest-alerts/boxwood-dieback-colletotrichum-theobromicola-delacr/
What is causing the holes in the leaves of my hedge?

Question: The leaves have1/4 inch holes that start as a thin scab with a dark brown ring in the center. These fall out leaving the holes. Any suggestions?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 22, 2023, 12:02 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Janet.  In order to diagnose the cause of the holes, we need to know the plant species.  This appears to be a laurel variety, but I'd rather not assume.  Also, are the holes appearing all over the hedge, or only in specific areas.  Thank you for more information.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 1:23 PM EDT
response: Ofcourse! It is a laurel. The holes are all over and the hedge is next to a busy shaded street.Sent from my iPhone On May 22, 2023, at 9:02 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 22, 2023, 1:36 PM EDT
response: Thanks!  I believe it is the fungal disease described here:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/kalmia-mountain-laurel-leaf-spots This recommends removing all diseased leaves, both those remaining on the plant and those on the ground; pruning to increase air flow; and using a fungicide per label directions.  Note that only the Ortho Max is available to homeowners ("H").  In the future, don't water so as to get it on the leaves, and rake up and destroy fallen leaves in the fall.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 11:32 AM EDT
response: Thank you! Pulled off the leaves, raked the litter, spraying next!Sent from my iPhone On May 22, 2023, at 10:37 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2023, 11:34 AM EDT
response: Good!  Be sure to read the label.  Most fungicides do no good once the fungus starts growing, so it needs to be applied in the spring, before the spots become apparent.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2023, 12:36 PM EDT
response: Will do. We are more concerned about a large fir tree that suddenly dropped most of its needles. We purchased our house two years ago and have not disturbed soil in that area but understand the roots may have been damaged earlier.Sent from my iPhone On May 30, 2023, at 8:34 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 07, 2023, 12:39 PM EDT
response: Many conifers are losing needles due to environmental factors:  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/forests/health-managment/stressed-trees-show-dieback

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 08, 2023, 4:10 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response.On Wed, Jun 7, 2023 at 9:39 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 08, 2023, 9:28 AM EDT
response: Welcome!
Tree type

Question: Can you identify the tree in the picture please?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 22, 2023, 11:07 AM EDT
response: Hello, It is hard to be accurate with an ID at that distance, but it appears to be a flowering crabapple tree that has finished blooming.  Here is more information about this tree and its many cultivars. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=249482&isprofile=1&basic=crabapple If you want to view some of the cultivars, click on Back to Previous Page to get to see those. Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Ruth

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 3:27 PM EDT
response: Thank youSent from my iPhone On May 22, 2023, at 11:07 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
New weed 2003

Question: Is this plant a weed?  It's new in my yard in 2003.

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied May 21, 2023, 6:54 PM EDT
response: The top plant with the two different larger leaves is wild cucumber.  See:  https://extension.umn.edu/natural-resources-news/wild-cucumber-vine-growing-all-over The smaller lower plant with toothed leaves is buckthorn.  See:  https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/common-buckthorn

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 9:45 AM EDT
response: Thanks tons.  I meant “New weed 2023," of course.PamOn May 21, 2023, at 5:54 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied May 22, 2023, 3:43 PM EDT
response: You are welcome.  I figured you meant 2023.
House has these everywhere.. what is this?

Question: House infested.. wtf is this?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2023, 3:13 PM EDT
response: Just brought home stray kitten and had worms very bad I didn't notice for several days.. as well as my son who is homeless and has bed bugs and who knows what all else.. now house is infested with these.. I do not know what.. help..

responder: -----------------------------  Replied May 24, 2023, 12:57 PM EDT
response: Hi there, I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through. It's maddening to have an unknown infestation. Thanks for reaching out to Extension.   I'm not able to determine the critter's identity from the image, but I can give you some starting points/tips.  - Consider washing/drying any infested items, using the high heat setting on the dryer for 30 minutes. This kind of heat can kill bed bugs and fleas, including their eggs.  - Vacuuming creates heat and vibrations in the carpet that cause insects a lot of stress. It can make their eggs hatch too early, making them weak. Weaker critters can be sucked up by the vacuum.   There is so much to know about bed bugs, I'm sorry it's a lot. There is no silver bullet, no simple solution. All of the bed bug solutions involve time, and careful effort. Here's a good place to start. http://npic.orst.edu/pest/bedbug/index.html   Please be careful using any pesticides; follow the labels. If you over-apply certain pesticides, it can cause a prickly, stinging sensation on your skin. That can make you think the problem is getting worse! It's a terrible cycle.   Thanks again for reaching out. I hope you'll contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) - in the link above - with your follow-up questions. They are taking calls Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - Noon (Pacific time). <personal data hidden>  Cheers, Kaci
Help Us ID This Plant

Question: We pulled out an ailing Lilac and a little later this sprang up. At first we though it was a piece of Lilac root sprouting but that is obviously not the case. It's not unattractive but if it's some pernicious weed plant..... Many thanks!  Jim

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 23, 2023, 9:33 PM EDT
response: Jim,  What you have is honeysuckle. It's a very invasive plant.  The only way to get rid of it is dedicated removal. I have attached a couple links.  I wish you luck .  Elizabeth-MGV   https://extension.psu.edu/shrub-honeysuckles  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/japanese-honeysuckle

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2023, 12:40 PM EDT
response: Elizabeth,Many thanks for the quick reply. By the end of the day Saturday, Mr Honeysuckle will be nothing more than a hole in the ground and a bad memory! Scouting Ahead,Jim Allen  On May 23, 2023, at 9:33 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Stunted leaf growth

Question: Pictured is a 2 yr old Duchess of Oldenburg apple tree. Soils are very sandy very  near Lake Mich and have been supplemented  with loamy soil and compost. Balanced fertilizer applies with supplemental urea. Foliar application as well as a drench of iron and zinc as well. Dormant dormant spray in early spring as well as foliar app of ziram and captan. Any thoughts?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 21, 2023, 9:49 PM EDT
response: Did you spray glyphosate (Roundup) in the vicinity of the tree.  Symptoms are somewhat similar. What forms of zinc, iron, and fertilizer did you apply, and how much did you apply around the tree? How did you include the compost in the soil?   Did you test the soil to see how much potassium was present?  Sometimes excess potassium will cause leaf chlorosis.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 2:42 PM EDT
response: I did last yr after the tree was planted. I imagine a the air carried some to the tree. Didn’t  realize young trees were very sensitive to glysophate.  The the iron and  zinc were .02 % chelated . I also applied Ziram which added to the zinc applied . Thanks so much for responding .. Regards

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 22, 2023, 4:09 PM EDT
response: See the following article for pictures. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/glyphosate_damage_in_apple_and_cherry_orchards This is a very common problem for backyard and commercial fruit trees.
What’s causing maple tree trunk bark drop?

Question: A. What might be the cause(s) of the trunk bark loss on my maple tree? 
1. Maybe winter sun & freeze-thaw cycle cracked the bark off?
2. Maybe the tree was/is planted too deep into the soil?
3. Other? 

B. What action(s) might you suggest to prevent further tree trunk bark loss?

C. What might you recommend to help keep the tree be healthy?

responder: MJ Replied May 21, 2023, 10:23 AM EDT
response: Hi Andrea, The wound is old and deep and could be from a frost crack or damage from being knocked by a mower or weed whip. And the tree looks like it was planted too deep. You should see a root flare at the base of the trunk. Instead it looks like a telephone pole. This can lead to girdling roots underground, where the tree basically strangles itself with circling roots. There’s nothing you can do about the bark loss. Trees try to heal themselves, but a wound like this interrupts the passage of nutrients up and down the trunk. You have a decision to make. Does the tree otherwise look healthy, with a full canopy? If so, you could excavate around the bottom of the trunk to try to expose the root flare. But if the tree is struggling, it may be time to replace it. A certified arborist can help with this evaluation and also work to expose the root flare and remove girdling roots if you decide it is worth doing. You can find an arborist here: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2023, 3:46 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much. I appreciate your diagnosis & analysis.    On May 21, 2023, at 9:23 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: MJ Replied May 21, 2023, 4:49 PM EDT
response: You’re welcome!
Blackberry question

Question: I just bought a baby cakes blackberry at menard's. The plant has a lot of buds, but some of the leaves are very dark. Can I plant this in my garden, or should I quarantine it? If there is a problem, can you recommend a treatment?

responder: Thank you for your inquiry and good luck!  Replied May 22, 2023, 5:45 PM EDT
response: Hi, This most resembles a leaf spot disease: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FRUIT/DISEASE/leafspot.html If you don’t want to return the plant, you might quarantine, as you said, and plant in a container. I’d snip off dead leaves. If additional leaves turn purple, I wouldn’t plant the blackberry.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 10:49 PM EDT
response: Thank you! I think I will try to return the plant. On Mon, May 22, 2023 at 4:45 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for your inquiry and good luck!  Replied May 25, 2023, 4:32 PM EDT
response: I would, too!