MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Plant identification

Question: I’m having trouble identifying this plant that has popped up in an area where I planted native plants.  It looked like a Crapemyrtle and I have some on the other side of the house, but those leaves are alternate.  I should have added something for scale but these are about 12-24 inches long.  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 August 23, 2024, 10:39 AM EDT
response: This does look like a Crapemyrtle; perhaps suckers (if near a neighbor's plant or where one was removed within the past few years), or possibly seedlings. Their foliage can be opposite or alternate. Seedlings should be fairly easy to remove, but suckers will not come up easily and may return several more times if the roots they are attached to remain after the above-ground growth is cut down.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 23, 2024, 3:49 PM EDT
response: Thanks Miri!I might try moving it to a better location.JaniceSent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Friday, August 23, 2024, 10:39 AM, Ask Extension 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 August 23, 2024, 4:33 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Transplanting mature perennials

Question: We are having a new garage built which will shrink our backyard, and require moving a bunch of perennials (hostas, yew, ground cover) at least temporarily while the slab is poured and the garage and fence built. They are starting the project next week and *should* be done by mid-October.

Is it better to transplant these perennials in the ground in new locations in the yard – and then move them back again next Spring? Or can I put them in pots for a few weeks and then put them back in the ground once the garage project is completed?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 22, 2024, 7:59 PM EDT
response: Transplanting mature perennials can be a delicate process. Generally, perennials such as hostas, yew, and ground cover (I cannot tell what yours is) are best moved in the spring or fall when the plants are dormant or growing slowly. In your case, you could move them to pots for a few weeks while your garage is being constructed. Once the project is completed, transplant them back into their new permanent locations in the yard. Plants can be added as late as mid-November should your project run long. See https://northerngardener.org/when-is-it-too-late-to-plant/ Water the plants thoroughly and consistently after transplanting until the ground has frozen. The newly transplanted hostas would benefit from a layer of mulch after the ground has frozen, too. In the spring remove the mulch so the crown does not rot. Also, water all the plants well in the spring, too. Good luck – your plants look lovely!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 23, 2024, 9:14 AM EDT
response: Thanks so much! This is very helpful!– DWOn Aug 22, 2024, at 6:59 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 25, 2024, 6:39 PM EDT
response: Will keep my fingers crossed your garage is completed on schedule and we don't see early snow! Watering is key!
What bug is this

Question: Found in horse trailer, in living quarters. 100s dead in plastic bins or buckets. No food in there.

responder: MJ Replied August 23, 2024, 10:48 PM EDT
response: Hi Nancy, Can you tell me how big these bugs are? Do they have wings? I can't tell from the photo. Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 23, 2024, 11:12 PM EDT
response: I can not tell either if they have wings, I'm assuming so since I did find some up top in the slpg area.  They are like a spec of sand, so very tiny.  They were discovered in my horse trailer in the living quarters area. Mainly found in the bottom of plastic bins and containers.  95% of them are already dead.  All my searches have pointed to book lice.On Fri, Aug 23, 2024, 9:48 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied August 24, 2024, 5:37 PM EDT
response: Hi Amy, I believe you're right. You didn't need my help! I assume that they were drawn there because at one time there had been grain in this area? Some of these photos look like one of yours. https://bugguide.net/node/view/503896/bgpage https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/23639212 Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 24, 2024, 5:41 PM EDT
response: How do I get rid of them?On Sat, Aug 24, 2024, 4:37 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied August 24, 2024, 5:55 PM EDT
response: I couldn't find any academic sources on that, but found this page: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-get-rid-of-psocids-2656435 Hope this helps.
Silver Maple Tree raining excrement.

Question: My silver maple tree I believe is raining a bug excrement that seems like sap but what I researched is this is not sap raining down on us but some kind of bug poo. This year is exceptional with the amount coming down on the back yard. This tree is very old and large. The circumference of this tree at the trunk is 11'   Is there a fix for this or is this something else wrong with the tree. Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 27, 2024, 8:58 AM EDT
response: Hi Michael, thanks for the question. Looks like cottony maple scale.  These pests are usually not a big problem but can have large outbreaks occasionally.  The substance dropping is honeydew.  Sooty mold can grow on this giving the leaves that black powdery look.  The big black spots in the one picture is a different problem common to maples called tar spot which is not harmful to the tree.  Treating for the scale requires appropriate timing.  The Enviroweather Degree Day model can help. If the tree is too large to handle yourself, a tree service with a Certified Arborist (Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)) may be required.  Please read the following links for additional information: Cottony Maple Scale and Its Management | Ohioline (osu.edu) Cottony maple scale - Integrated Pest Management (msu.edu) TarSpot.pdf (msu.edu) Spongy Moth, Black Vine Weevil, Cottony Maple Scale, and Magnolia Scale Scouting - Deciduous Plants - MSU - Enviroweather (use Escanaba station) I hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 27, 2024, 9:57 AM EDT
response: Thank you
30 year old Willow

Question: What do I do?
Leaves falling since spring; sawdust at base of tree; hole in trunk which we were told to fill with foam or paint over.

responder: Best Regards,   Replied August 26, 2024, 4:07 PM EDT
response: Dear Judith,  Thank you for contacting us about your weeping willow. From your photo, it appears there may have been a double (forked) trunk and that one side has been removed. Is that the case?   We do not recommend filling or painting holes in trees with any type of material. This practice will inhibit the tree from healing itself and can also can seal in pests, moisture, and rot making the tree worse.   Your tree has multiple signs of pests and deterioration. I recommend that you remove the entire tree because of it's size and safety concerns. You may want to consult with a certified arborist, and you can locate them on the Homeowner's tab on this website: https://pnwisa.org/page/choosing-a-qualified-arborist  I hope this information is helpful. Please write again any time your have horticultural questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2024, 10:13 PM EDT
response: Yes, the tree was "pruned" maybe 5 or more years ago. I can't remember what the tree man told my husband was wrong with it.I am going to take your advice and try to get an arborist to look at it. Thank you for your help. It is much appreciated.JudithOn Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 1:07 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Best Regards,   Replied August 26, 2024, 10:27 PM EDT
response: Hello again, Judith,  I'd just like to mention that weeping willows have relatively short life spans. Thirty years is considered the average life for these trees, so it may be time...

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2024, 10:45 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the advice Lynne Marie (lovely name!)Maybe I will skip the arborist as my financial resources are limited. Thanks again.On Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 7:27 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Plant identification for late flowering shrub

Question: Hello, what is this beautiful late-summer flowering shrub that is in a neighbor’s yard? The leaves are shaped like a tear drop and are about 3” long. The blooms are probably about 4” wide. The shrub is shade tolerant. Thanks in advance.

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 August 22, 2024, 2:43 PM EDT
response: This is a variety of azalea. In the past couple of decades, plant breeders have introduced many varieties of reblooming azalea, where they flower as they normally would in spring, bloom a little bit again in summer, and rebloom once more in late summer or early autumn. One widely-sold series of such varieties is called Encore. Cultivars in this series tend to have "autumn" in the variety name, like 'Autumn Embers' and 'Autumn Princess' as examples. Encore isn't the only reblooming series, but it is probably the most widely available, and over two dozen cultivars exist in that series.  Although plant tags or catalogs might suggest growing Encore or similar azaleas in full sun, and they can tolerate it to some extent, azaleas of all types grow best in our area in a mix of sun and shade in summer. Dappled light from light tree shade or a nearby building wall blocking some afternoon sun is probably ideal, but anything that gives them a break from uninterrupted all-day sun is fine. As with the spring-blooming azaleas, the soil must drain well, and they'll need occasional watering during periods of drought. Because of the heritage used in breeding these plants to get that reblooming ability, the foliage might be a bit more vulnerable to winter damage if the weather is cold and/or dry, but they should otherwise survive in all but the coldest areas of Maryland just fine.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 22, 2024, 4:55 PM EDT
response: Hello, Thank you very much, Miri, for the quick and thorough reply. The blooms looked like azalea, but they’re so much bigger than my azalea, and then these blooms had a tiger lily pattern in the blooms, I wasn’t sure….Thank you for clarifying! Your answers are always so helpful.Wishing you  good day,Helen Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Thursday, August 22, 2024, 2:43 PM, Ask Extension 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 August 22, 2024, 6:18 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
What’s happened to my sweet bush?

Question: Bought this sweetbush this past spring. Soil is healthy as all other plants are fine. The leaves started turning brown / black and dropped. I believe the trunk is still green under the bark. What has happened? What should I do?

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 August 22, 2024, 2:27 PM EDT
response: Hi,  Have you provided irrigation through last summer and this summer? They are adaptable to dryer locations but do prefer moist but well draining soils and we have had 2 hot and drought like summers in much of central Maryland back to back.  You can review our guidelines for watering trees and shrubs for more information on watering. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/ Do you know if the roots were loosened from the container when it was planted? If not they could be growing in a circular pattern from the container. Did you use any soil amendments at planting time to help loosening the surrounding soil and incorporate some organic matter into the planting space? Often growers use a very light potting mix for container grown plants and when they are planting it can dry out faster than the surrounding native soil.  From the photos it doesn't appear to have any disease or insect issues. Monitor for water needs through the fall by feeling the soil about 6 inches under the mulch to see if it is dry. If it still has green stems than it could produce some more leaves before winter.   Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 22, 2024, 3:14 PM EDT
response: Thank youSent from my iPhone On Aug 22, 2024, at 2:27 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Weeping Willow Tree

Question: My weeping willow has a black/dark purple raised mass looking protrusion on one of the limbs. What would this be?

responder: MJ Replied August 23, 2024, 10:46 PM EDT
response: Hi Brenda, Can you tell me how large this lump is? Is it the only one? And is it hard or soft? Is the tree doing well otherwise? Thanks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 24, 2024, 8:05 PM EDT
response: It is soft, about 2 inches long and its thickness is about an inch. There is another one on the same limb, but that's all I see.  The tree isn't looking great this year. It is pretty sparse with leaves this year and the leaves jave spots all over them and some seem to be dying...I will post a pic of the leaves...

responder: MJ Replied August 25, 2024, 8:04 PM EDT
response: Hi Brenda, I'm mystified by the purple bumps. I  will send the photos to a U tree specialist and see if they can help. The leaves appear to have bacterial leaf spot. Conditions like this that are linked to moisture are running rampant this year. All you can do is rake up fallen leaves to reduce the chance of reinfection next year and to try to keep the tree in good health.  Here's more information: https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/leaf-spot-diseases-trees-and-shrubs#bacterial-leaf-spots-and-blight-1156513 https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/plant-health-clinic/disease-notes/posts/willow-common-diseases.aspx I'll let you know if I get a response from a tree person. Thanks!
Tomato bacterial canker or insect damage

Question: To whom it may concern This is my first time growing tomatoes. I can't understand whether my Ox heart tomato was infected with Tomato bacterial canker or an insect damaged it. Please help me to identify the issue. Thank you.

responder: PA Virginia Replied August 23, 2024, 1:39 PM EDT
response: Rufina:  Thanks for your question.  From the picture you sent, it does appear that your plant is suffering from bacterial canker.   As the disease is systemic, other parts of the plant are affected as well as the fruit.  You can access a Fact Sheet on this disease at https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/ppfs-vg-06.pdf which provides pictures of other symptoms.  Compare those with your plant.  If your observations support the diagnosis, follow the recommended actions.  Note particularly the stipulation not to plant tomatoes or other related plants (peppers, eggplant, potatoes) in the same place for at least 3 years to allow the bacterial load to subside.  If your plant symptoms do not match those in the Fact Sheet, please send additional pictures of any other symptoms and I can reassess the situation.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2024, 11:55 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your reply. My Ox heart tomato plant doesn't show any other symptoms of the disease.  That's why I am confused. The plant looks healthy and keeps producing tomatoes. I didn't notice any wilt even though the temperature sometimes reached 127F in the greenhouse in July. There is no necrosis of the older leaves. However, I didn't cut the stem to check for stem canker. I don't know if I should keep the plant or remove it from my greenhouse. Thank you.

responder: PA Virginia Replied August 27, 2024, 9:25 AM EDT
response: Rufina:  To me, your latest pictures so appear to show wilted leaves with brown edges.  These are part of the symptoms of bacterial canker.  Do more tomatoes have spots than the one in the picture you sent?  Do please check a stem.  Also, check your other tomato plants.  With this disease it is recommended that the entire plant and nearest neighbors be discarded and anything in contact be discarded or sterilized.  Do not eat the fruit.  Please get back to me with an update.   Virginia
Crocosmia Leaves Dying

Question: I live in what I believe is zone 8b. For several years I have had a 3' x 8' raised bed of "Lucifer" Crocosmia that thrived. They did so well, they became overcrowded and this spring (2024) I dug up the corms, divided and replanted them in the same bed using the same soil. The soil is a bagged garden soil - very rich black soil approximately 8-10" deep. Very few of the corms sprouted and had leaves. Those that did, the leaves turned brown and eventually died (see attached photos). I did not observe any pests (I've had issues with spider mites over the years), but I sprayed the leaves with a mixture of fungicide, miticide and insecticide. I have used this same mixture over the years with great success. This year, the spray did not make any difference, the leaves continue to die. As the spray mixture was not having any effect, I quit spraying just to ensure the spray was not having a detrimental effect. No change - leaves continue to die. I dug up some corms of those leaves that had died to make sure the corms were not rotted. The corms were healthy, solid with good roots. No evidence of rot anywhere on the corms. What could be causing the dying leaves on what otherwise appears to be healthy corms?  Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide to this issue.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 22, 2024, 1:18 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Daniel.  The only disease which impacts this species in the PNW is Corm Rot (https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/freesia-corm-rot).  Although you indicated that the corms look healthy, as the article suggests, you may not be able to see the fungal infection.  A definitive diagnosis can be acquired only by a lab examination, which can be obtained from the OSU Plant Clinic.  https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/how-submit-plant-materials  You don't mention fertilizer or watering.  If you have planted these in the same place every year, they may have exhausted available nutrients without supplemental fertilization.  As the above resource indicates, they are susceptible to fungal diseases if drainage is inadequate.  You might consider having a soil test for pH and soil  nutrients.  The closest lab in our area is in Sherwood:  https://al-labs-west.com/     They can recommend soil amendments for this specific plant.  I hope this is helpful.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 24, 2024, 11:27 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your timely response.     I shall endeavor to do a follow up with the agencies listed.     Thank you for your time and assistance.     Daniel Stutz  On 08/22/2024 10:18 AM PDT Ask Extension wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 24, 2024, 11:38 AM EDT
response: Welcome!
Please advise re: my pine tree

Question: Please tell me if this is a normal fall happening or something worse.
Tree is about 20 feet tall, about 6 inch diameter at base. Probably at least 20 years old.
At elevation 6400 in Roxborough Park.
Other pines appear healthy.
This one looks okay except for the one branch with dead needles.
Should i cut off this one branch? I didn't see insect holes with casual inspection. I could look harder.
Thanks for your help.

responder: Kind Regards,  Replied August 23, 2024, 12:37 PM EDT
response: Hi Jack,   Thank you for reaching out regarding your pine tree.   During the late summer into early fall it is not uncommon for deciduous trees to shed their needles as part of their annual growth cycle; however, based on what I can see, this may be related to stress from drought conditions.  We have had several weeks of very high temperatures and even mature trees require a lot of water.     Considering the tree may already be in a stressed state, I would not recommend cutting the branch, as this could increase stress in the tree. Here is an article regarding watering mature trees that you may find helpful.   https://csfs.colostate.edu/colorado-trees/selecting-planting-and-caring-for-trees/#:~:text=For%20mature%20trees%2010%20inches,to%20measure%20your%20tree's%20diameter. For now, continue monitoring the tree and if more needles seem to be changing color rapidly, please let us know, and we'd be happy to readdress.    Here are a couple of other supporting articles regarding shedding pine needs that may be of help.   https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2123-needle-browning-evergreens/  https://warnercnr.source.colostate.edu/dying-off-color-pine-needles-normal-autumn/  Thank you for contacting us!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 23, 2024, 1:36 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your help Sent from my iPhone On Aug 23, 2024, at 10:37 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Spotted lantern fly Sunday 8/18

Question: Spotted lantern fly on Playford lane silver spring, MD 20901

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 August 22, 2024, 12:14 PM EDT
response: Hi,  Thanks so much for the information but you can relay this to the MDA for data collection. Extension doesn't track their locations or populations. You can visit our page on them for more information. There is a link to send reports into the MDA .  Let us know if you have further questions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 22, 2024, 12:37 PM EDT
response: Oh will do! I guess I chose the wrong link! Thanks! On Thu, Aug 22, 2024 at 12:14 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 August 22, 2024, 12:49 PM EDT
response: no problem - you're welcome
Unfamiliar grubs in my garden

Question: Hi, I pulled my lettuce plants which had bolted, and discovered at least 3 of these grubs in the soil underneath. They're larger than any grub or caterpillar I've seen. Do I need to get rid of them somehow?

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied August 21, 2024, 5:01 PM EDT
response: Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. According to my app it is a white grub.  It is always smart to get rid of any grub you find.  Maybe dig around in the area and see if you find any more.  you can always use a pesticide if they are too numerous to get rid of by hand.  Be sure to follow all label instructions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 21, 2024, 5:38 PM EDT
response: Okay, thank you!  On Wed, Aug 21, 2024 at 4:01 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: