MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
What is wrong with my eponymous?

Question: I live in Southern Carroll County,  near Howard County.  The plant is 2 years old and in full sun. What is this leaf damage? It is not wide spread and I want to stop it before there is more damage. 
Also, it is being bothered by Japanese beetles. I do not use pesticides and pick them off daily. Can I cover the plant with a net?

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 July 05, 2023, 9:32 AM EDT
response: That's a lovely shrub, we can understand why you want to protect it. We don't think that it's a Euonymus though, but a flowering shrub called Weigela, this one with a variegated leaf.  Have you ever seen it bloom? It blooms on wood made the previous season so if you prune at the wrong time you will sacrifice flowers. This page from VA. Tech will tell you the best time to prune shrubs:  chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/bitstream/handle/10919/48788/430-462_pdf.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y  We don't think that the symptoms that you are seeing are terribly concerning.   It could be flea beetle damage but also could be a leaf spot infection, neither likely to be serious. Overall the plant looks great.  While Japanese Beetles may do some damage as well, (they are more likely to flock to other plants like roses and grapes) these are tough plants, that once established can take it without problems. You could net it but it's not worth it.  If they really bother you, going out in the cool of the morning or evening with a container of soapy water and hold it under them while shaking/brushing the leaf- they drop straight down into the water and can't get out. (I live right near you and use a little oil in water instead, and my chickens enjoy the treat:)     Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 12:07 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much. Now I remember it is a Weigela. I will write that down. I really appreciate the information on pruning. Extremely helpful. So happy to know she is a healthy shrub. Thank you for this amazing service. It makes a difference. Thank you, Karen

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 July 06, 2023, 9:24 AM EDT
response: You're welcome!
Tansy ragwort -- help identify?

Question: Hi there, 
I'm in Silverton.  For some reason there seems to be a lot of, what I believe to be, tansy ragwort.  I'm unsure though.  Can you look at this images and tell me if these are like baby tansy ragwort?  They are on the Mark Twain school property.  If you confirm that these are indeed tansy, I will send images to the school's landscape guy.  I've met him before (via email), but don't recall his name right now.

responder: Best Regards,   Replied July 04, 2023, 12:04 AM EDT
response: Dear Marilena,  Thank you for contacting Ask Extension for weed identification. I cannot see the plant clear enough to properly identify it. With only the chainlink fence as a gauge, it appears the plant is very small in which case it may be Black Medick (Medicago lupulina). Compare with the photos at this site: https://luontoportti.com/en/t/1092/black-medick

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2023, 10:58 PM EDT
response: Is Black Medick the same thing as Tansy Ragwort? They don't actually look exactly the same, when I compare Google search images to Tansy Ragwort. I've attached better images of these plants. They look like the images I've found on Google for Tansy Ragwort, but I wanted to be sure.  I can either get a clear image of the flower, or the leaves, but not both at the same time.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2023, 11:03 PM EDT
response: More images.  Not sure the one without flowers is the same plant, though these do eventually produce a flower.

responder: Best Regards,   Replied July 05, 2023, 8:58 PM EDT
response: Dear Marlena,  Thank you for sending the additional photos. It appears that your plant is likely tansy ragwort known botanically as Jacobaea vulgaris or Senecio jacobaea. Here is some information from the state of Washington: https://kingcounty.gov/services/environment/animals-and-plants/noxious-weeds/weed-identification/tansy-ragwort.aspx  Black medic is a very fine, tough weed that grows low to the ground in lawns. Perspective makes all the difference in plant photos.  I hope this information is helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 9:05 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your expertise and confirmation.  It is so valuable to have you as a resource when a person, like me, is unsure about a particular plant.
grass problem

Question: Hello.  On the north side of my house, I have irregular areas in my grass that are brown.  I take good care of my grass by fertilizing, weeding, etc.  Could you please tell me what my problem is?  Also on the north side of my house, I have boxwood and euonymus that I have had to treat for fungus so I suspect the fungus is also in the grass.  Thank you for your help and time.  Best, Margaret

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied July 08, 2023, 4:16 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the photos. It's hard to tell from the photos exactly what might be happening to your lawn. You mentioned that you fertilize and weed your lawn. Do you also aerate your lawn? If not, you should aerate at least once a year.  In general, most problems with lawns are resolved through good cultural practices. Here is a link to another fact sheet on lawn care that you might find interesting:  https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/lawn-care-7-202/  There is a possibility that you could have Ascochyta Leaf Blight which has nothing to do with your boxwood or euonymus. Even though leaf blight can show up after periods of drought it can also show up after periods of excessive moisture which we have experienced this spring. Here is a CSU fact sheet on leaf blight: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/ascochyta-leaf-blight-of-turf-2-901/  As you can see from the fact sheet, even if you have leaf blight the first method to control it is through good cultural practices.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2023, 6:28 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your time and infomation.  I appreciate the work you do for people.  Best, Margaret  On 07/08/2023 2:16 PM MDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Silver Maple frost damage/50% bark is split from the trunk

Question: My 20 yr old Silver Maple has a 4’ ‘frost split’ down the south side of the tree, and smaller ones on the back side.
The the inside of the tree looks like it pulled away from the bark and when I tap on the bark it sounds Hollow and I can fit my arm inside between the bark and trunk.
Our Arborist said it didn’t look good, but my husband wants to save it.
Is that even possible to put a tree wrap around it and save it?
Thank you

responder: Terri   Replied July 03, 2023, 10:17 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately, silver maples are inherently weak trees. They are fast growing, but that comes at a cost. The bark often splits due to sunscald. The pictures indicate that a lot of the bark is coming off. The green area (cambium) that is the lowest level of bark is crucial to the tree. It is the path for the water and nutrients that feed the tree. If the bark is pulling away from the trunk in sufficient quantities, the tree will starve and die. Wrapping won't re-attach the bark. The tree will form a layer to seal off the exposed wood, but that won't be cambium.   We would normally recommend you contact a certified arborist https://www.isa-arbor.com/For-the-Public. This is someone who is certified by an independent organization, not a consulting arborist, who is certified by the company they work for. If the arborist was a certified one, I would trust their opinion. If not, I would get the opinion of a ISA certified person. These people often also work for tree companies, but they should give an objective opinion.   It really looks like the tree is not doing well and it could become a safety hazard. It may take a while for the tree to look bad or dead areas to become apparent. The leaved on the tree now were formed last year, but there may not be a way to for the tree to get enough energy to grow new ones for next year. You could baby this along with expensive treatments and still wind up losing it in a year or two. Or, you could replace it with something stronger and start enjoying it. See https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/trees-and-shrubs-minnesota-landscapes for options.   Sorry!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2023, 11:19 AM EDT
response: Thank you for all the great explanations.I think it will help my husband understand why it must come down.Have a great 4th if July.Thanks again Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 7/3/23 9:17 PM (GMT-06:00) To: Kim Olsen <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Silver Maple frost damage/50% bark is split from the trunk (#0108456)
Disfigured nectarines

Question: Hi. Asked about this several days ago, but thinking it might not have gone through. Basically, almost all my four year old nectarine’s fruit tree’s fruit started leaking goo when about 1” long. All have now either fallen off or are horribly misshapen, with huge amounts of goo. I’m using hormonal traps for Oriental fruit Moth, which has caused withering of branches, but not sure this is also caused by the moth. What do you think? And what should I do?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 03, 2023, 10:10 AM EDT
response: I'm copying in the response to your last question. It's possible that the response ended up in your spam folder.  "The twigs are dying back because larvae of the oriental fruit moth has burrowed into the tip. The larvae are attracted to the tender tips. The same insect will hunt out fruit to enter.  https://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/stone-fruit/oriental-fruit-moth-one-shifty-pest/  I am not sure what is causing the gumming of the branch. You can dig around in the gummy area with a stiff wire or penknife to see if there is a borer present. It would be a pinkish worm with a dark head capsule.   Winter cold damage can result in trunk gumming. Any physical damage such as hail, pruning cut can cause gumming."

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2023, 11:43 AM EDT
response: Thanks. I get the issue with the branch tips. But do you think the fruit damage is being caused by the Oriental Fruit Moth? Sent from my mobile On Jul 3, 2023, at 10:10 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 05, 2023, 11:34 AM EDT
response: Fruit damage is not due to oriental fruit moth, which is generally a round entry hole, often with gumming and frass.  The slashing like damage is similar to bird damage on mature fruit, but generally birds do not bother immature fruit.  Birds would damage several fruit close together.  Hail damage is another possibility--look for tattered leaves as well.  Check to see if other fruit have similar damage coming from the same angle, which would be the case if it was a hail storm.    If all the damaged fruit are on one tree and all surfaces of the fruit are generally affected, then a virus infection is a possibility.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 10:19 AM EDT
response: Thanks. How would I determine what to do about this problem?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 23, 2023, 1:26 PM EDT
response: Occasionally a tree can have a genetic or virus problem that causes the fruit to develop abnormally, but this would be a persistent problem year to year not just a one year problem.  Also, another possibility is that the developing flower/young fruit was exposed to freeze damage, resulting in abnormal fruit development.    Another possibility for a sandy site is boron deficiency which can cause fruit cracking.  This will also generally cause poor tree growth.  If the problem reoccurs in 2024 consider testing the soil for boron.    Sorry, I am still guessing at this point, this is an unusual problem.
Tailored Juniper Bush Care/watering

Question: Hi there!  We recently landscaped our backyard and installed several tailored juniper bushes. They’re shedding a lot of needles and we’re concerned we’re watering too much or too little. Can you help?  Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 01, 2023, 10:27 AM EDT
response: Jessica, Thanks for your email. Your tailored junipers appear to be Italian Cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens). In this heat, there is no chance that you are overwatering. Further, the number one killer of newly planted trees and large shrubs is underwatering. They are grown in rich, loose, very organic soil which is great for growing. However, such soil dries out very rapidly, so hand-watering the first couple of years is recommended until the root have a chance to grow into the surrounding soil. Now the bad news. If you do in fact have Italian Cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens), they suffer from an incurable disease Seiridium canker.   My best advice is to plant something different. Hope this helps, Rick Williams https://www.arborilogical.com/articles/all-articles/article-repository/2017/june/growing-italian-cypress-in-north-central-texas/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2023, 11:37 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your quick response. They are taylor junipers. We verified with our landscaper. Would it be the same?Thank you!Sent from my iPhone On Jul 1, 2023, at 9:27 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 01, 2023, 1:58 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your message. I was not familiar with a Taylor Juniper, but online research shows it is not a cypress (and that’s a good thing), but it is instead a cultivar of the eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Growing up in Austin, Texas the eastern red cedar is what I called a “Cedar tree.” Anyway, the Seiridium Canker does not affect Junipers.  Getting back to your original question, water is likely the issue as I mentioned. Junipers do have issue with bag worms, spider mites, etc., but the good news is not the Seiridium Canker.  Hope this helps,  Rick Williams
Plant ID

Question: Found this and wondering if it is native to Colorado. Can you identify what it is?

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 03, 2023, 11:34 AM EDT
response: Hi Dawn,  Can you be more specific of where you found this plant - was it in your yard? A neighbor's yard? A native area?  Does it appear to have any woody stems?  Is there just one plant in the container? Or is there something else too?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2023, 11:54 AM EDT
response: FOUND IT IN WINDSOR NEXT TO THE HOME GROWING IN ROCKS, SOMEONE PULLED IT UP AND IT WAS DRYING UP. BUT I POPPED IT IN SOME WATER AND IT KIND OF REVIVED, SO I PLANTED IT IN THIS CONTAINER. ONLY ONE PLANT. HERE ARE TWO MORE CURRENT PHOTOS, NOT WOODY YET.  On Mon, Jul 3, 2023 at 9:34 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 03, 2023, 12:13 PM EDT
response: Hmmm...  The best guess I have right now is a type of Bidens. Would you be willing to continue to grow it in the pot and let it flower? That would help with ID. It will likely form a yellow flower like a marigold, if that's the correct genus.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2023, 3:00 PM EDT
response: I disagree with you, I don't think it's a type of Bidens. If it is, I'll rip it out. (smiles) Thanks for your help Alison, Dawn WOn Mon, Jul 3, 2023 at 10:13 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 03, 2023, 3:07 PM EDT
response: Fair enough!  Send more pics if it flowers.

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 03, 2023, 5:22 PM EDT
response: Hi again,  I did some more thinking...and some more research. Could it be tree of heaven? This tree has a distinct odor...kind of musky or some say like burnt peanut butter or gym socks.  It's definitely an invasive. I haven't seen it a lot around Windsor, but it's around.  There are usually more leaflets per leaf as they grow, but it's young, so...maybe? If this fits, then throw it in the trash - it's definitely invasive and not a good guy.
Coleus concerns

Question: My once beautiful and healthy coleus plants have developed small, round, brown spots and holes in their leaves. I have 3 plants each growing in large pots and each of them has developed this problem. I’m wondering what is causing this and what I should be doing to remedy the problem and save my plants.

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied July 01, 2023, 9:32 AM EDT
response: Good morning Leanne and thank you for reach8ng out to ask2.extension. You have an insect eating on your Coleus. It could be any number of insects from slugs to spider mites.  Get some insecticidal soap.  Wet your leaves front and back and spray or wipe down the leaves-both sides looking for insects as you go.  You will need to do this once a day for several days.  Watch and see if any new spots/holes show up.  If so you will have to repeat this.  If you can find the insect you can remove them and drop into a pail of soapy water.  Spider mites you will find webbing on the leaves.  They are too small to remove.   try not to treat the plants if they are in the sun.  Morning would be best. I hope this will help.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2023, 10:13 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Deb, for your quick response. I bought some insecticidal soap and when applying it out flew an insect that I noticed on the plant earlier today, as well. I was able to Google Lens it and identified it as a fourlined plant bug. What I read and saw about it is consistent with the damage we are seeing on our Coleus. I so appreciate your help and am hopeful for good results!Thanks again!LeanneSent from my iPhone On Jul 1, 2023, at 8:32 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
What is this vining plant

Question: What is this vining plant?

responder: Jeramiha E.  Replied July 02, 2023, 6:57 PM EDT
response: Hi tpete2239     It's really hard for me to tell with %100 certainty without more pictures of the leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds. However, from what I am finding. It looks to be Menispermum canadese also known as Canadian moonseed. It fits the leaf shape description and also looks like it lacks the tendrils that a lot of our other vining plants have. The seeds are going to be the biggest clue as to what it is exactly. As moonseed has a single crescent shaped seed in each one of its fruits. Which distinguishes it from our other vining plants, like wild grape and wild cucumber. If you have any pictures of the flowers or seeds we could really narrow it down more.  I am fairly confident that it is Canadian moonseed though. I've attached a couple links you can use to compare to your mystery plant. I really hope this helps. If you have any more questions or concerns. Feel free to reach out to me or the extension. And as always, happy gardening!!!! Menispermum canadense (Canada Moonseed): Minnesota Wildflowers Menispermum canadense - Plant Finder (missouribotanicalgarden.org)

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2023, 8:14 PM EDT
response: Thank youOn Sun, Jul 2, 2023, 5:57 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Bayberry

Question: Hello,  I have two bayberry bushes, about 2 years old.  They are approximately 4 feet tall.  They seem to be growing nicely.  I have sent a photo of the new growth.  Does it look normal?  Thank you 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 July 03, 2023, 12:56 PM EDT
response: Hi,  From what we have experienced the new growth (especially on the Southern Bayberry species, Myrica cerifera), can look a bit 'off' in that it's small, twisted, and paler yellow-green, but this might also be a mild indicator of herbicide exposure. To your recollection was any sprayed near the plants? Even if it was further away than expected, if the wind carried it to to plants, it may have affected the new growth. Given how minimal these symptoms seemingly are though, it's probably nothing to worry about or it can be trimmed off (just those tips) if bothersome.  Let us know if you notice more symptoms that seem to worsen or are alarming.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2023, 3:43 PM EDT
response: Hi Emily,    Thank you for your response and very nice explanation.  You have relieved my concerns about the new growth.   I have not sprayed any herbicides, but I did notice an area in my neighbor’s yard where some may have been sprayed.   I will keep a watch on them and let you know if I see any other symptoms.     Thank you,                Mrs. Diane
Raspberry cane tips dry up and turn brown

Question: Raspberry cane tips with very young berries dry up and turn brown.  Leaves close to the cane tip are apparently not affected.
Seems to be happening randomly among the Raspberry plants. 
The plants are crowded - probably poor air circulation. Also have spotted red necked cane borers among the plants.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied June 30, 2023, 11:05 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the question. It’s difficult to tell what exactly is happening to the tips on your raspberries. Sometimes this is due to winter injury. Since we are now in the 3rd year of a drought it could be stress. Are the browning tips on the same canes that have borers? The borders will cut circulation in the canes.  When you notice a cane with borers, it should be removed quickly. Don’t put it in your compost. Put it in the garbage.  You say your raspberry patch is crowded. I would recommend thinning it in late summer after harvest. Good air circulation is important and there is less competition for water. Also be sure to heavily mulch the patch.  https://extension.umn.edu/raspberry-farming/non-pest-problems https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef209#:~:text=Rednecked%20Cane%20Borer,form%20irregular%20swellings%20or%20galls. https://blog-fruit-vegetable-ipm.extension.umn.edu/2021/10/raspberry-cane-borers-what-you-can-do.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2023, 3:49 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the reply. When you mention winter damage - I think I did have some blooming  and attempted fruiting last fall. These could be those. These are June bearing but have flowered in abnormally warm falls. Thanks, Ray   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Friday, June 30, 2023 10:05 PM To: r.goebel <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Raspberry cane tips dry up and turn brown (#0108360)