MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
What is this shrub!

Question: This beautiful plant is in my yard. I want another but can’t fine name. I hope you can help!

responder: Darin C.  Replied May 05, 2023, 7:05 PM EDT
response: Hi. I’m pretty sure that is a type of daphne, Daphne tangutica. There aren’t too many small shrubs with four-petalled pinkish flowers in terminal clusters like that, and the glossy leaves are also a good match. This page from North Carolina State U. has information about its growing characteristics, but it doesn’t have any photos. This page from the Royal Horticultural Society has a nice close-up photo of the flower (I can’t see them in quite that much detail in your photo, but you should be able to verify the match), and you can find another nice photo (from somewhat farther away) on this page from the North American Rock Garden Society. Daphnes tend to be fragrant, so that can be another clue you might be able to verify.

responder: Darin C.  Replied May 06, 2023, 6:47 AM EDT
response: Hello again. A colleague suggested that your plant might be a different type of daphne, a hybrid known as 'Lawrence Crocker'. You can find more information about that plant on this page from Oregon State University. It seems to be more commonly available, so that is probably the case. You plant is clearly a daphne, so I suggest you check at your local nursery to see what is available. You may find another species/hybrid you like even more.

responder: Darin C.  Replied May 06, 2023, 6:47 AM EDT
response: Hello again. A colleague suggested that your plant might be a different type of daphne, a hybrid known as 'Lawrence Crocker'. You can find more information about that plant on this page from Oregon State University. It seems to be more commonly available, so that is probably the case. Your plant is clearly a daphne, so I suggest you check at your local nursery to see what is available. You may find another species/hybrid you like even more.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 06, 2023, 9:59 AM EDT
response: Yes! When I make my photo larger  I do think it’s the Lawrence Crocker. Thanks!Sent from my iPhone On May 6, 2023, at 3:47 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Is this bug OK?

Question: I saw this bug in Bethesda. Curious to know what it is. For a sense of scale the photo includes a samara from a Japanese blood maple.

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 04, 2023, 2:37 PM EDT
response: Hi,  It appears to be a ladybird beetle larvae. Protect them! They are the good guys that will eat the aphids and other plant pests.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 04, 2023, 2:58 PM EDT
response: Awesome thanks!—Adam On May 4, 2023, at 2:37 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 04, 2023, 3:02 PM EDT
response: you're welcome
Plant Identification Question

Question: Hello! I am surveying UMBC's campus for invasive plant species. I often come across this plant that resembles shepherd's purse and virginia pepperweed, but it doesn't quite look like either entirely. Are you able to identify this? The plant is in the bottom half of the photo in front of the japanese knotweed.

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 May 05, 2023, 9:32 AM EDT
response: Thanks for your question. You are helping me learn today too, as I reassess what I have going to seed in my field at home.   Virginia pepperweed (Lepidium virginicum) is one of several pepperweeds found in Maryland. Take a look at this page from the Maryland Biodiversity Project webpage here:  https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/viewChecklist.php?genus=Lepidium  The ones that are most common are the ones with the magnifying glass/photos, so click on those names.  On this site, if it doesn't say "non-native" or "non-native invasive", it is a native plant.  Take a look at the photos and compare details to what you have. You should also take a look at Roadside Pennycress, which is pretty similar:https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/2954   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 05, 2023, 1:23 PM EDT
response: Hi Christine, Thank you so much for your help! It is definitely Roadside Pennycress. All the best, Isabel "Bella"
Arugula white spots

Question: My mom asked if I could find out what is wrong with her newly planted arugula. The leaves are getting more and more white areas on them. What should she do to save the plant?

responder: Cheers,Ricky, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteerwww.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardenerWe do not intend to endorse any products we mention or criticize products we do not mention. When we include a link to a resource that recommends a chemical, it is for informational purposes only; the chemicals may not be registered for use in Vermont. Replied May 05, 2023, 6:32 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Monique (and Monique's Mom), Thanks for attaching a photo! That's always a huge help. Chances are good that what your mom's arugula has is White Rust. Here's an article about it from UC Ag to help you confirm that diagnosis: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/cole-crops/white-rust/ While some commercial growers use a soil-based fungicide to deal with it, that's rarely advisable for home gardeners and definitely not if it's in a pot like yours is. The good news is that the rust is dependent on cool, wet conditions, so if it's been heavily watered and kept inside, you can slowly acclimate it to the warmer, brighter weather outside now that it's late spring. Remember, if it's been kept indoors, even next to a bright window, the leaves will be very sensitive to direct sunlight. Here's a quick guide to hardening off plants: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/hardening-vegetable-seedlings-home-garden Another piece of good news is that the white rust is completely harmless to humans, so you can simply eat the leaves in a "cut and come again" model where you take leaves from the outside of the plant and allow new (hopefully healthy) leaves to grow up in the middle. If you decide to simply re-plant arugula, make sure you don't use the same potting mix since it would be very likely to contain spores for white rust and would simply reinfect the new plants. Good luck! I hope this information helps and you get a good, little crop of arugula!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 05, 2023, 9:43 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much, Ricky! I'll pass the info on to my mom. Have a great weekend!MoniqueOn Fri, May 5, 2023 at 6:32 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Identify tree species - are they invasive?

Question: Can you please help identify the species of 'wild' trees that are currently growing very thick in all different sizes, but all the same type. Most trees are currently covered in white flowers. Leaves are emerging as well. See photos attached. Trees are growing on vacant land that used to be a fruit orchard over 50 years ago. This area is adjacent to a church (with landscaped property), neighborhoods, and extensive vacant land along an expressway NW of Grand Rapids. Can this area be made suitable for gardens/landscaping?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 04, 2023, 11:38 AM EDT
response: Is there a strong odor around these trees now that they are flowering?  I am thinking a type of Callery pear or Bradford pear.  These trees have a very strong smell and it can sometimes but unpleasant.   I see there is old fruit on some of the trees.  Can you tell if there are seeds inside or a pit?   I don't see why you couldn't do something at this site if you removed some of the trees.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 04, 2023, 5:16 PM EDT
response: I presumed these trees to also be Callery Pear based on observation. Yes, I noticed some trees that had a mildly unpleasant scent, but others had almost no scent. It was a cold and rainy day when I checked and the flowers have been open for a couple of weeks. I assume the scent could have been stronger earlier in the flowering cycle or in warmer weather? I have not yet checked the fruit for seed or pit. I noticed the fruit left on the trees has the appearance of an old crabapple in size. I assume trees are spreading by seed since they are coming up EVERYWHERE. Here is my concern, that they spread too quickly and there is hardly any other species to be found. Seems rather odd. Wondered if they are an invasive species? And if so, what should I do about them? On Thu, May 4, 2023 at 11:38 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 05, 2023, 9:11 AM EDT
response: Do you notice any thorns?  Bradford pears will have thorns.  Yes, these trees are invasive and will take over an area and suppress the native plants.  If you want to use this area, the trees would need to be removed.
Tree disease????

Question: Can you please identify the disease on the  Maple pictured.  It appears to be the lower half of the tree to the roots.

responder: Erin Hill, PhD  Replied May 05, 2023, 9:27 AM EDT
response: Hi Kathryn, I am going to give you the email address of our plant pathologist in MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics, Dr. Jan Byrne. She is not part of the Ask Extension network. Her email address is <personal data hidden>. I would recommend sending her the photos directly as I am not aware of any other plant pathology experts in Michigan that are on Ask Extension.  A physical sample is often needed for disease diagnoses, but she can advise you on that after seeing the photos.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 05, 2023, 10:49 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much .On May 5, 2023, at 9:27 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Rabbit devastated birch

Question: We diligently wrapped our new birch and literally swaddled the lower 2 feet of it in chicken wire over the winter, but the exposed top was mowed down by rabbits who were able to reach its upper branches with all the snow.  There are 2 small branches left on the main stalk that are gallantly trying to make a go of it.  They are about 2/3 of the way up the height of the tree.  But it’s all that’s left.  Is this tree a goner, or what can I do to help it out? Bad Pic below of this guy. 

We also have a river birch that was planted last fall, but I think it got too dry.  I see patches of what looks like sap on some of the beaches, but no fresh budding.  Thought on this one?  

Thank you!

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied May 04, 2023, 11:54 AM EDT
response: Good morning Clea and thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. It was a tough winter for everyone and everything! As long as the rabbits didn’t eat the bark off around the trunk of the tree it should make it.  It doesn’t look like they did.  It should shoot out new branches and I see leaves already forming, so it definitely has had a setback, but with time and tlc it should pull through.   be sure to get it an inch of water each week.  Birch need lots of water. As for your other birch, use your finger nails and scrape off a little bark on a couple of the branches.  If you see green under the bark, I’d give them a chance.  Be sure to water it too.   I hope this helps!  Happy Spring!  I think it might finally be here.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 9:37 AM EDT
response: Hello -  UPDATE and question- both trees have leaves -  Hurray!   My question is about all the dead branches and lack of shoots/leaves at the top of the trees.  Should I be pruning the dead branches off and will it grow taller without the top of the tree seeming to have any life? Pic of the tree I thought was a goner.

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied May 12, 2023, 7:06 PM EDT
response: Good evening Clea.  I’m glad you have growth on your trees.  I definitely would trim off the branches that are dead.  Cut them even with the branch, leaving as little of a stub as you can, so if the branch is at an angle, cut at an angle or if straight cut a straight cut.  As far as the leader or top, you can cut it just abound the leaves that are coming out.  The tree should live, but may be a little odd shaped without a leader.   Be sure to give them plenty of water.   For the first several months, you should focus your watering on that “root ball” area. Then, gradually expand the watering area to cover the entire area under the canopyA good rule of thumb is that your watering radius (as described above) should always be moist – not dry and not sopping wet. Newly planted trees are incredibly sensitive to too much or too little water. Usually a steady stream of water from a hose for 30 seconds about twice a week should be sufficient. Increase to three times a week when the weather has been very dry. Good luck with your trees.
Invasive plants in Catonsville

Question: As a member of Charlestown’s invasive plants crew I get to pull up or cut a variety of well known invasives like English ivy and garlic mustard. ( Some of the garlic mustard gets added to my salad at lunch.)
Recently I’ve seen two invasives that I’d like to know more about. One is a low growing weed with sticky stems and the other is a thick vine growing up trees.

responder: -Mikaela Boley, Senior Agent Associate Replied May 04, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT
response: Hi Richard-  The first photo of the low-growing weed looks like something I've always referred to as bedstraw (Galium aparine); the sticky texture is usually a dead give-away. It's a very interesting annual weed if you want to read more about it: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/catchweed-bedstraw-galium-aparine/  The second photo I cannot discern enough to make an I.D. Do those leaves belong to the tree? Are you able to track the vine upwards to find leaves? Any other distinguishing features would be helpful. Those vines also look cut, so it might not be possible to identify without foliage.  Let me know if you have more photos or information-

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 04, 2023, 12:54 PM EDT
response: Hi Mikaela,The foliage on the tree is the vine’s, not the tree’s. I’ve been cutting these and English ivy vines growing up the trees on UMBC property. Some of these vines are actually thicker than those of English ivy.Dick On May 4, 2023, at 9:01 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: -Mikaela Boley, Senior Agent Associate Replied May 05, 2023, 1:21 PM EDT
response: Thanks for following up- It appears the vines of the second photo belong to wintercreeper- more information can be found on this aggressive vine here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/winter-creeper  Thank you for your efforts in removing invasive plants- plant enthusiasts everywhere commend your efforts! -Mikaela

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 05, 2023, 1:35 PM EDT
response: That’s it!  The website says I should apply Roundup to the cut stems. Maybe I will recut the stems and paint them with the herbicide. This is actually the first time I’ve encountered this thick vine on trees in Catonsville.DickOn May 5, 2023, at 1:21 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 08, 2023, 9:35 AM EDT
response: Yes, carefully painting on a systemic herbicide, such as roundup,  to the cut stems will help keep it from coming back.  -Emily
Unusual Object

Question: Hello, I found two of these odd structures in our lawn near our evergreen trees and would like an opinion as to what it is.  It appears to be some kind of bag worm or insect sac since larvae can be seen.  We have two Ponderosa pines, a Fat Albert Spruce and a Douglas fir in the back yard.   Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 04, 2023, 1:13 PM EDT
response: Hello Mr. White, Unusual indeed! The parts of insects on the outside of the mass are mealworms (larvae of darkling beetles). These insects are rarely plant pests, and they certainly do not attack evergreen trees.  What you have observed is a bird’s regurgitation pellet. Akin to the better-known owl pellets, some songbirds regurgitate pellets comprised of insect exoskeletons and other byproducts of feeding. The large size and abundance of mealworm exuviae can be explained by backyard bird feeding, as many people put out mealworms now to feed birds over the winter. There appear to be kernels and fragments of grains in the mass, which are also components of backyard feeders.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 04, 2023, 6:06 PM EDT
response: Please find two more photos, including a cross-section view. The inside was quite dry.It appears almost to be an aggregate of nuts, fruit and other material.  We have a large number of squirrels around, so perhaps the larvae are feeding on organic material. Thank you for the reply.   On Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 01:34:03 PM MDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 04, 2023, 6:11 PM EDT
response: A regurgitation pellet makes sense.  We have seen an owl nesting in our blue spruce on occasion.  I appreciate the help.Thank you.   On Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 01:34:03 PM MDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Peony blight?

Question: What is happening to my peonies? This started last year and has become worse this season. 
Four white peonies  but my reds are fine.
The roots are dark and crumbling but the insides look alive.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 04, 2023, 12:00 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question.  There are several fungal diseases that can cause this, but, without a lab analysis, I suspect this:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/peony-paeonia-spp-botrytis-blight If you take the steps outlined under "Cultural control", you may be able to manage it over the course of time.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 04, 2023, 12:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you!On Thu, May 4, 2023, 9:00 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 04, 2023, 12:13 PM EDT
response: Welcome!
Can you identify this fast growing plant in my yard?

Question: Troy, michigan. Picked today, pictures from todays growth.

Plant is growing between 2-4 inches per day. Choking out my other plants.

Please contact me. Thank you !

Rudy Zoller<personal data hidden>

responder: V/r,  Replied May 05, 2023, 7:27 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, It looks like it could be Yellow rocket or Lesser celandine.  Was there any flowers?  Can you send a picture of the area where it is growing?  Many weeds look alike.  I've attached a weed identifier that may help.  You can also send in a sample for a firm diagnosis.  Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  Plant and Weed Identification - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu) Don't be Deceived by This Beguiling Springtime Plant (psu.edu) Microsoft Word - WRA Ficaria verna.docx (usda.gov) Yellow rocket – Barbarea vulgaris - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 9:38 AM EDT
response: Hi Doreen LCan you please give me an address where I can send in a sample?Thank you so much!RudyOn Fri, May 5, 2023 at 7:27 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: V/r,  Replied May 13, 2023, 5:38 AM EDT
response: Good Morning,  MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics 578 Wilson Road East Lansing, MI 48824  Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  I hope this helps.
Yucky grass

Question: Please help me figure out what to do with this mess!  I'd like to plant native grasses but need to be sure that I can get rid of this preferably without chemicals.

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied May 06, 2023, 3:13 PM EDT
response: It is not clear what was in this site before.  Lawn? Nothing?  If something was planted there, it would be a good idea to find out what went wrong.  Sun? Soil?  In any case, before doing anything, get a soil done: https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden  Before you can plant anything, you must get rid of the weeds.  The quick way is to use a glyphosate product (Roundup).  Glyphosate will kill everything green and does not persist in the soil, so you can plant soon after application (always, always read the label).  Hand pulling can also be effective, but takes a lot of work and more time.  Smothering with cardboard or newspapers is less work, but takes significant time.  Solarization is another possibility.  Read here: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/controlling-weeds-home-gardens https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/solarization-occultation  Before planting, evaluate what will grow, based on the soil test and your evaluation of the site (sun, exposure, etc.).  For instance, most native grasses require full sun.  Finally, before planting, incorporate any amendments (compost, manure) and fertilizers into the site.  Read here: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/planting-and-maintaining-prairie-garden  This is a good site for information about native plants: https://extension.umn.edu/find-plants/native-plants

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 06, 2023, 7:09 PM EDT
response: Dennis,This was my yard where there was patchy grass.  Now it looks bare with weeds and dandelions. I'm using cardboard in other parts of the yard so I'll probably do that because I won't use roundup.  I planted some native grass last summer but it appears I need to try again!On Sat, May 6, 2023, 2:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: