MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
annual weed in Lyons lawn

Question: Hello, I am trying to identify this weed that is growing in a friends lawn in Lyons, CO.  It is an annual and is flowering now.  Thanks for your help!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 26, 2023, 5:03 PM EDT
response: Hello, I am trying to identify this weed that is growing in a friends lawn in Lyons, CO. It is an annual and is flowering now. Thanks for your help! Great job on taking good photos! Unfortunately I was not able to identify it. Meanwhile, I have attached the Boulder county Nuisance Weed Guide as well as Garden Notes with weed descriptions, but unfortunately no photos. https://boulder.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/Boulder-County-Nuisance-Weed-Guide-03122018-small-format.pdf  https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/352.pdf

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 26, 2023, 5:07 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately I was not able to determine the name of this plant.  I have attached the Boulder County Nuisance Weed Guide and Garden Notes on Weed Identification (which unfortunately doesn't seem to have photos.) https://boulder.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/Boulder-County-Nuisance-Weed-Guide-03122018-small-format.pdf https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/352.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 26, 2023, 5:55 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your efforts. I learned, through other resources, that it is likely bur buttercup.  Sounds like it is rather invasive. I’ve not seen it before but something to add to the list of potential invasives for the area.Cheers!NateOn Wed, Apr 26, 2023 at 3:07 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 26, 2023, 5:59 PM EDT
response: Well done!  How did you find this info?  Thanks! pam

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 27, 2023, 12:30 AM EDT
response: Pam,I follow the Colorado Native Plant Society’s Facebook group and I posed the question on there. There are a lot of knowledgeable plant people in that group and they are often willing to help with ID as long as you have decent pictures to go by.Best,NateOn Wed, Apr 26, 2023 at 3:59 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Swiss Needle Cast

Question: We have a medium large Doug fir that seems to be suffering from Swiss needle cast. It's surrounded by Oregon white oaks, Oregon ash, larger Doug firs and understory plants and is growing on the outskirts of a seasonal wetland. We only have a half acre and want to preserve our large trees. Do we need to cut this fir to save our other Doug firs, or is there anything else we can do? I'd appreciate any help with the best plan forward. 
Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 25, 2023, 11:35 AM EDT
response: Hello,  I'm not sure that is swiss needle cast affecting your tree.  It looks like it is in severe decline.  The condition of the tree could be due to many issues, and without close examination, I would only be guessing.  But the tree condition is consistent with other Douglas-fir in the Willamette Valley that have been declining due to drought/heat.  Its exposure away from the group of other conifers may increase the trees drying.  If you have the resources, you may want to remove it, as it could be a hazard.  I would recommend an arborist examine the tree and consider its safety.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 25, 2023, 1:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you. In a way, it's better that it is not a fungal infection that can spread. We will have it looked at. Thank you.On Tue, Apr 25, 2023, 8:35 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Apple Tree Beetles - Prognosis and Treatment

Question: Have noted an infestation of beetles ? on one of our long standing apple trees.  See photos attached.

Questions include - 

1) Prognosis for the tree?  Probability of survival?
2) Best recommended course of treatment? Permethrin, Prymethrin, etc.? Application and frequency?
3) Potential to spread to other fruit trees and potential to impact other insects particularly honey bees?

Thanks for your expertise and perspectives.

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 26, 2023, 1:13 PM EDT
response: The holes on your tree are not caused by beetles but look like the work of our native woodpeckers. They aren't really harming an old apple tree, and we do not recommend that you do anything about it. Here is our page on Woodpeckers: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/woodpecker-and-sapsucker-damage-trees They are not hastening the demise of your tree. Old apple trees can live a long time in various stages of decline. At all stages they are of value to songbirds and other wildlife.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 26, 2023, 5:00 PM EDT
response: Christine -  Thanks much for your review and perspectives.   We will enjoy our apples for the foreseeable future and make plans for future replacement of this tree that has graced our garden for many years. Cheers!

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 27, 2023, 8:53 AM EDT
response: You're welcome. We are happy to help.
Japanese maple discoloration near base

Question: I purchased a Japanese Maple and noticed this absence of bark and discoloration on both front and back near the base.
The growth etc is fine.
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 April 26, 2023, 10:41 AM EDT
response: This is a concerning amount of bark damage on a tree this size, but it's hard to tell what the original cause was. It's possible callus tissue will be able to form along the edges of the wound to close-over the exposed wood to discourage colonization by wood decay organisms, though there is nothing you can do directly to speed this up or jump-start the process. In fact, this sealing may have already occurred, hence the color difference...it's hard to see enough detail. It looks like the characteristic linear scar of old cicada egg-laying injury. In either case, don't coat the injury with anything as this can hamper the sealing-over process. (Trees don't really "heal" the same way animals can, but they do have several defenses against wood decay.) As long as the canopy looks normal, the old wound probably isn't causing any problems and it should become less prominent as the tree ages.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 26, 2023, 1:12 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much, and will keep an eye on it and let it grow Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPadOn Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 10:41 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 26, 2023, 3:49 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Pin Oak tree problem

Question: Hi I live in Fayette County. My house was built in 1964 and I have a large Pin Oak that I’m assuming is close to the same age. Today I noticed som strange deformities at the ends of some branches. It is definitely not on all branches, but I can see several. Could you let me know what it is and if I should do anything about it? Thanks!

responder: Jamie Dockery (he, him)   Replied May 01, 2023, 10:25 AM EDT
response: Hi Diane,  Those are oak leaf galls. No casue for concern. Here is a link to more information.  https://kentuckypestnews.wordpress.com/2017/05/09/the-galls-of-some-trees/ Hope this is helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 01, 2023, 11:03 AM EDT
response: Thank you!On Mon, May 1, 2023 at 10:25 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Puzzling problem with a pothos

Question: Hello!  I recently bought a pothos at locally owned garden shop. Its generally regarded as reputable.  

A couple of days after I got the plant home, I notice a black growth that resembled eyelashes on the underside of the leaf.  I shipped it off. A couple days later there was another, infected leaf, and a few days after that another.  One of the  growths had a short straight tendril.

I've searched the internet, tried an image search and ask my local St Louis County Master Gardeners. 

I took the plant back to the vendor. They tried to convince me it was just dirt from when the leaf emerged...but that explanation defined logic and the timeline.   

I don't have the plant any more, but would still like to solve the mystery.  Picture attached.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 24, 2023, 9:29 PM EDT
response: Sorry about the typos!

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied April 25, 2023, 12:54 PM EDT
response: Hello Esther, While I can’t be sure without seeing the actual leaf it looks like this could be spore prints from mushrooms. The mushrooms could have been from this pot or another that it was near. Spores can travel quite far.
Japanese Umbrella Pine - drooping-breaking new growth

Question: Hi, I have a Japanese Umbrella Pine planted a year ago in Hendersonville , NC. One side of the 4' tree has issues. New growth emerges but flops over. Some new stems survive, but many do not. It seems the new needle growth is just too heavy on the young stem. There is wind on the hill but it hasn't effected any other plants. I've researched and found no other complaints on this issue. I'm secretly thinking of rigging little sprints for the new growth... but that would be unmanageable as the tree grows. Any thoughts on this will be most appreciated. Thank you for your time.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 25, 2023, 6:22 PM EDT
response: Japanese Umbrella Pine, Sciadopitys verticilliata, is not known to have too many problems, if it is grown in favorable conditions. According to the North Carolina Plant Toolbox webpage https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/sciadopitys-verticillata/ it “prefers rich moist, well-drained soil and an open location. The tree is best grown in slightly acidic soils and full sun. It will grow best in cool summer climates and appreciates shade in the afternoon during very hot summers. It is best to have this tree sheltered from harsh winter winds. It is not drought or air pollution tolerant.” Were these conditions met? You mention wind exposure, so that is one possibility that could have damaged your plant. I am not sure about the weather conditions in your area, but in the Raleigh area we went from extreme early warmth to extreme cold in a matter of days. This type of rapid change in the weather is very difficult for plants to adapt to, especially those that are not yet well established; if your tree experienced such rapid change in temperature conditions that is another possibility that could explain its condition. One last possibility is the type of soil. Does it have good drainage? We have had a rainy spring, and poor drainage can cause roots to drown due to lack of oxygen. Too much water can thus cause wilting, similar to what happens with too little water. One final possibility is a fungal root infection. I found one resource that showed the plant was susceptible to Phytophthora. This is a widespread soil fungus.  Wet conditions would favor infection with this fungus if it was present.   You might try moving the tree to a location where its favored conditions exist, or temporarily put it in a pot that has good drainage where you can monitor its condition.  I hope that you can save this lovely plant.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 25, 2023, 6:30 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for all these suggestions. I will move it to a more favorable location. And yes I have had drainage issues. Coming from Florida where the soil is a constant sponge, I was surprised to learn I had previously overwatered some plants and trees that I assumed because they were on a steep mountain hill had adequate draining. I learned that lesson quickly. Thanks again! Happy growing.  Glenn On Tue, Apr 25, 2023 at 6:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Flowering Plant

Question: Do you know what this plant is?

responder: eGardener  Replied April 24, 2023, 4:34 PM EDT
response: Hello,  I'd love to help but several of us are puzzling over what it could be. The leaves look like begonia leaves but the flowers aren't right. And the flowers look like those of a Spanish snapdragon (Antirrhinum hispanicum) but it has bluish-green leaves that are lined in white and appear to be succulent. Could it be two plants together in the photo? I look forward to more information. Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 24, 2023, 5:40 PM EDT
response: A friend from MN saved it from a picture but she can't remember where she saved it from.  My first thought was Begonia, too, due to the foliage.  I Googled a lot of sites and came up with nothing, just like you.  I think you are right and it is a "put together" piece with more than one variety.of plant.  I'm even wondering if it's silks!  Since I don't know from where she originally saved the picture, I guess we can all just rest on this one.  I sure appreciate your response.  You are all just the BEST!  Juli On Mon, Apr 24, 2023 at 3:34 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Unknown substance on house plant leaves

Question: I have a substance appearing on leaves of mother of thousands and baby sun rose vines.  I took the plants to a garden center and they told me it was mildew.  I removed all plants, cleaned area and started over.  The substance is back.  I have used alcohol & water or fungicide to clean the leaves.  I thought it was plant food (hydroguard) getting on the leaves so I have been extremely careful not to get any on the leaves, but no success.  I can rub my fingers across the leaves and remove the white stuff, but it comes back.  All are indoor plants.  Any information you can provide will be appreciated.  Thanks C Arthur

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied April 25, 2023, 11:02 AM EDT
response: Hi Arthur, It does appear to be some kind of fungus or powdery mildew. Are you allowing the soils to dry out between watering? Do the pots have drainage holes? I would go ahead and remove any of the infected leaves to prevent further spread. Thanks, Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 25, 2023, 1:34 PM EDT
response: Is there a product which will remove it?  Yes to all your questions.  I just can't seem to stop it.     On 04/25/2023 9:02 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 25, 2023, 2:22 PM EDT
response: Will washing planters in clorox prior to potting plants help?   On 04/25/2023 9:02 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Hania Oleszak  Replied April 26, 2023, 2:27 PM EDT
response: Hi Arthur, Here is a resource that talks about powdery mildew on houseplants, which is likely what you're dealing with: https://ag.purdue.edu/department/btny/ppdl/potw-dept-folder/2022/powdery-mildew-houseplants.html. While fungicides can be used to get rid of powdery mildew, many of them are labeled for certified applicators only or not registered for use indoors. Fixing up cultural care is usually effective in getting rid of the problem. Make sure that your plants are getting enough air circulation, that you're not misting or watering your plants from overhead, and that you remove symptomatic leaves. It's possible that you'll need to discard the plant if it becomes severely diseased, or you could try to take cuttings of the healthy portions of the plant. Cleaning the pots will not fix the problem. Hania

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 26, 2023, 2:41 PM EDT
response: ThxSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 4/26/23 12:27 PM (GMT-07:00) To: caarthur9 <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Unknown substance on house plant leaves (#0096850)
Apple tree disease?

Question: I have two Honeycrisp and two pink lady apple trees. I noticed these spots on them after a rain, pictures attached. The pictures, except the last one, are of the pink lady and Honeycrisp I purchased from a nursery a week ago, but these spots are also on my other set of trees that I planted a few years ago. The last image with the tag in the background is of my tree I planted a few years ago. 
They are also on my nectarine, pear, and plumb trees. 

I spray my trees in fall/spring with neem oil and copper. 

Are these of concern? If so is there a remedy?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 25, 2023, 8:27 AM EDT
response: Good morning Zack, This appears to be physical damage from rubbing. Do you have deer present in your area? Are these primarily on vertical branches? The fact that these are in multiple species of trees and of different ages suggests that it's animal or weather-related. If these are all on the same side of the branch it could also be hail-related if you had hail in your area (for example every damaged area on the west facing branch across all species).

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 04, 2023, 5:14 PM EDT
response: Hello, thank you for the response. Deer damage is possible. They have walked through in the past. Some of the damage is on the underside of horizontal  branches but there is also some on the main stem. I was concerned it might be some type of canker, but hopefully just physical damage. Is there anything I should do for these? would shaving layers of the damage off and resealing be necessary? I’ve attached a few more images of my Honeycrisp. There are several areas on the central leader with damage.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 04, 2023, 5:17 PM EDT
response: Also attaching images with damage on the nectarine.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 04, 2023, 5:18 PM EDT
response: Attaching image of damage on the pear.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 04, 2023, 7:30 PM EDT
response: Attaching image of damage on the pear.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 04, 2023, 8:21 PM EDT
response: Attaching image of damage on the pear.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 05, 2023, 10:16 AM EDT
response: Based on what you've told me deer seem like the most plausible explanation.Wound dressings aren't recommend as they can cause moisture retention and actually encourage disease. The tree will naturally form calluses, but you don't want to inhibit oxygen availability. For more information I suggest you read Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott's PDF on wound dressing and this article on tree wounds from Purdue.. If a branch is greatly weakened it can be pruned, but otherwise it would be best to leave the wounds alone.Colorado State Extension has a good fact sheet on deer control, but you may also consider plastic tree guards around the trunk as well as deer repellent sprays.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 05, 2023, 12:22 PM EDT
response: Great! Thank you for the feedback and resources.
What is this weed? Is it invasive and how do I get rid of it?

Question: I'm wondering what this weed is. It is taking over my backyard. It spreads like a vine, the roots are shallow and turns into twigs when it dies. 

Also, how do I get rid of creeping charlie without using chemicals?

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied April 27, 2023, 4:07 PM EDT
response: Sorry, but I can't identify your plant.  First of  all, I can't tell what the true leaves look like.  At this early stage, many plants look alike.  Also you've also not told me much about the plant:  flowers? fruit? when does it flower/fruit? what is the habitat (woodland, perennial garden, lawn)?  Write back when you've got more information and photos of important parts of the plant (leaves/flowers/fruit/stems/seeds).

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2023, 9:53 AM EDT
response: Hi, Now it is in full bloom. I used to have a large maple tree in this area so it was all shaded, but the maple tree has been down for a few years now. It only grows where the maple tree shade was in my lawn and nowhere else. It doesn't ever flower or produce any sort of fruit or nut. It grows out rather than getting taller. I hope this helps!

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied June 18, 2023, 4:06 PM EDT
response: My guess would be prostrate knotweed.  Check this description and compare photos: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/weed/broadleaf/creeping/pknotweed.html
Tree identification - invasive?

Question: Can you help me identify this tree. Opposite deciduous leaves, interesting flowers clusters (about to open) and interesting exfoliating bark. Is this an invasive tree? Prone to any disease? Makes a good upright screen but seems to grow fast. Should I take it down? Appreciate your thoughts.

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 24, 2023, 1:51 PM EDT
response: Hi,  This appears to be the Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata) or Pekin Lilac (Syringa pekinensis, which is the one with the peeling bark like that)...both look very similar when in bloom.  It isn't a native tree, but to our knowledge it isn't invasive or have many known pests or diseases.  It is a nice specimen tree with blooms and the exfoliating bark, there doesn't seem to be a reason to remove at this time, other than if it isn't sited properly for the space.  Let us know if you have further questions about this.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 25, 2023, 9:47 PM EDT
response: Thank you! On Mon, Apr 24, 2023 at 1:52 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What’s going on with these plants?

Question: We are mulching with dried leaves for the first year per your suggestion as the past 2 year our straw was contaminated with herbicide and killed off our plants. Please refer to pictures to see what’s wrong this year?

responder: David Hillock  Replied April 24, 2023, 11:22 AM EDT
response: This looks most like frost/freeze damage. If that is the case and most of the growing points weren't damage, they hopefully will recover.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 24, 2023, 1:18 PM EDT
response: The temps have not been below 40. Don’t see how it could be frost. Any other ideas?Pam McNeil On Apr 24, 2023, at 10:22 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Need help identifying a plant

Question: I'm trying to identify this plant in our backyard. It is growing along our fence line and based on locations, might be a plant that spreads? Some of the branches are dead but new ones are growing. There are dark pink flowers that bloom on it in the spring. The trunks or branches are relatively woody.

responder: Adams County Master Gardener  Replied April 25, 2023, 3:49 PM EDT
response: I am researching this?  Does the tree get berries or any type of fruit in the summer?

responder: Adams County Master Gardener  Replied April 25, 2023, 5:02 PM EDT
response: Your shrubs are Tatarian Honeysuckle. They are invasive and will continue to spread.  If you like them and they provide a hedge or privacy for you that is fine.  Looks like they could use some pruning or trimming.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 25, 2023, 5:52 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much! This helps a lot!  Stephanie Thompson<personal data hidden>  On Apr 25, 2023, at 3:02 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: