MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
maple tree is not leafing out

Question: There are some branches that are dead toward the top.  Most branches seem flexible with some that are dry.  Not many leaves.  Some branches are leafing strangely (in photo) at the base of the branch.  I watered today for the first time.   The soil is sand with shallow top soil.  The tree normally has mulch around it, about 3ft radius.  The other maple trees in the yard are leafing normally.  Any ideas on what is causing it and what I can do about it?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 22, 2023, 11:56 PM EDT
response: Matt, Thanks for the question. It appears your tree is suffering from the stress of drought last summer. Having  mulch around he tree is very good for it. Regular watering when it is dry is also very critical. A good slow soaking once a week is required. Sandy soil may require watering more often. Water until the ground freezes in late fall. No need to fertilize the tree if the lawn gets fertilized. Paul  Tree Care Advisor volunteer

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 12:04 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the feedback.  I am glad to hear it just needs water.   Matt Hazeltine    From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Monday, May 22, 2023 10:56 PM To: matt hazeltine <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: maple tree is not leafing out (#0101416)
Tree stripped by rabbits

Question: Hello! Our poor little Japanese maple had virtually all the bark stripped from its lower half (above the snow line) stripped by rabbits before we noticed over the winter. As you can see from the images, there is new growth at the very bottom, but otherwise nothing. Is there any hope for its survival? Anything we can do to try to bring it back to health?

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied May 23, 2023, 3:19 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately, the bad news is that this will never be a tree again. The side growth coming from the lower portion will create some new branches but it will not grow a new leader. It will also not survive long-term. The same thing happened to mine this year. The rabbits were ravenous.  Japanese Maples are fragile in our Minnesota climate anyway, and this damage will do it in. Below is a good article from the MSHS. https://northerngardener.org/rabbit-damage/ Sorry!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 5:33 PM EDT
response: Hi Deb,Disappointed but not surprised! Thanks for taking the time to respond and for sharing that info.Best,Jessica On May 23, 2023, at 2:19 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Strange new weed

Question: I have a weed in my yard that I cannot identify … could you help me? A photo is attached. The main stalk is about 14” high …
Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.

James Boorman
Brandon, SD
<personal data hidden>
605.370.1047
Sent from my iPhone

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 23, 2023, 10:31 AM EDT
response: James,  I'm going to share this with my colleagues at the SDSU Herbarium to see what they think; more soon! Thanks for sending a nice close-up photo!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 23, 2023, 2:42 PM EDT
response: Two faculty members from our natural resource department weighed in, and they believe it is Salsify, "Seems to me it is Tragopogon dubius. Its leaf and stem contain white milky latex. Biennial and introduced. You check if it has latex to confirm."  https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/yellow-goatsbeard-tragopogon-spp/  https://extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm/ornamental-pest-guide/weeds/w_western-salsify

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 4:12 PM EDT
response: It could be … it does not look like the Western Salsify from the Utah reference. I broke one stem and it is very white, thick and rather copious milky substance. I left one plant still growing that seems near to budding, just for further ID. None of these plants have yet budded or flowered in my yard.Thank you very much for your efforts. Sent from my iPhone On May 23, 2023, at 13:42, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 23, 2023, 7:21 PM EDT
response: The milky substance aka latex is a good tell that this may be a salsify. Letting one bloom would provide confirmation, but that's up to you, of course. Thanks for the feedback on the latex!
Identify the pictures of the tree attached.

Question: Can you identify this tree…

responder: Lindsey K. Kerr, MS, MHP (she, her, hers)  Replied May 23, 2023, 9:35 AM EDT
response: Hi Judy,  Do you remember what the flowers and fruit look like on this shrub? It looks like this shrub has been severely pruned in the recent past, so the growth is all new and fresh. It's hard for me to get a definitive ID with the new leaves and lack of flowers. That said, my best guess is a Viburnum sieboldii. I am not 100% certain that it is the species sieboldii, but it is pretty clearly a Viburnum.  Lindsey K. Kerr, MS, MHP (she, her, hers)Consumer Horticulture EducatorMichigan State University Extension

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 11:15 AM EDT
response: Dear Lindsey,I believe your best guess has nailed for me.  It has been cut back severely each year and I have only seen it flower once.  The picture I can access with its name; the flowers look like I can remember.An additional question; this Fall, I want to transplant it to a more open area where it can grow the way it wants.  Not cutting it back every year.  Will moving it, kill it?FYI, this tree has been in its place a good 10 years.Thanks,Judy Sent from my iPad On May 23, 2023, at 9:35 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Lindsey K. Kerr, MS, MHP (she, her, hers)  Replied May 23, 2023, 3:21 PM EDT
response: Hi Judy, I am glad that I could be of help. Moving it probably won't kill it, but, even if you are very careful, it will probably stunt it. My personal experience as a gardener is that moving such a large plant can hurt it so that it doesn't bloom or grow for several years. In which case, you are better off removing the shrub and buying a new one. The new shrub will often surpass the stunted shrub in a few short years. If you decide to select a new shrub, you might consider planting a native species of Viburnum that is both beautiful and beneficial to birds. Here is a list of shrubs native to Michigan that includes a couple Viburnum that look similar to yours. Lindsey K. Kerr, MS, MHP (she, her, hers)Consumer Horticulture EducatorMichigan State University Extension
Plant identification

Question: What do I have here?

responder: Travis County Master Gardeners  Replied May 23, 2023, 8:10 PM EDT
response: It is difficult to identify a plant with 100% certainty from a photo, but this looks like Tradescantia fluminensis a species of spiderwort native to South America. It is one of several plants known by the common name wandering Jew, but now also commonly called wandering trad. It is also known as small-leaf spiderwort, river spiderwort, inch plant, speedy Henry, and wandering willie.   It has a waxy-like leaf and grows quite quickly  Liz S.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 10:37 PM EDT
response: Thanks!Jim On May 23, 2023, at 7:10 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Evergreen blight

Question: This ornamental evergreen (false cypress?) in our yard has been slowly turning brown over the past year. Is this a condition we can be treating, or should the tree be removed? We don't use any chemical inputs in our yard and manage it mainly for pollinators. Any guidance would be appreciated.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 23, 2023, 3:01 PM EDT
response: Hi,  It looks like it is the normal older leaf shed but also definitely something else contributing to how sparse it is. It could be that there isn't enough sunlight in that location or a reoccurring drought or drainage issue. The roots could have been gridling under the soil when it was planted and it didn't show for a while down the road. Unfortunately it doesn't really look salvageable and probably wont fill back in at this point and may be better to remove it.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT
response: Thank you! Very helpful and informative. On Tue, May 23, 2023 at 3:01 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 23, 2023, 4:03 PM EDT
response: you're welcome!
Plant ID please

Question: Hi! This plant has mostly popped up in one concentrated area of a raised bed that contained various annuals last year (but nothing that looked like this plant). I am also seeing random, mostly individual seedlings of it popping up in other areas near this raised bed. For the life of me, I cannot figure out what it is. I'm wondering if I should leave it and see what it turns out to be, or pull it now. It's rate of growth and spread has me a little concerned. Thanks so much! ~ Karin

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 23, 2023, 2:35 PM EDT
response: Hi,  We aren't sure yet what it could be. Many immature plants can look similar. Would it be a strawberry? Does it seem to have runners?  Or maybe a young Zizia?  If you are thinking it could have been something left from the annuals or re-seeded there, maybe give it a chance? If it looks like it may take over, you could pull it. You could always dig up a few and pot them up and see what they turn into! If its something invasive or unwanted, you can either compost or throw-out.  Some of the small newly emerging leaves look like cilantro. Does it smell like cilantro when crushed? Let us know what you find out! Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 7:55 AM EDT
response: Hi Emily! Thank you so much for your fast and informative reply. I knew it wasn't cilantro or a previous annual, but . . . it turns out that it is indeed Zizia aurea! And I'm laughing at myself because I have a big patch of Zizia intermingled with Pycnanthemum muticum right next to it! I've just never paid attention to what the seedlings look like because they're down in there with the Pycnanthemum. So again, thanks for your help - mystery solved! ~ Karin

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 25, 2023, 9:49 AM EDT
response: Hi Karin,  Oh good! Glad we can help!
Flower Identification

Question: I'm trying to figure out what this is. It's an orange flower and multi-leafed (narrow), stem. Thanks! Courtney

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied May 22, 2023, 10:02 PM EDT
response: It could be Hoary Puccoon.  See if this matches: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/hoary-puccoon

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 9:20 AM EDT
response: Thank you! It sure looks like that's what it is! We have probably 4 blooming and another 10 getting ready right behind our backyard! Courtney Jarboe, DrPH, CIPHRPP Assistant Director, Education and Outreach | Human Research Protection Program research.umn.edu/units/hrpp | research.umn.edu/units/irb 200 Oak St. SE, Suite 350-2 |Office hours: M-F 8:30-5pm University of Minnesota | umn.edu<personal data hidden> |<personal data hidden> |<personal data hidden>“We strive to provide clear, consistent and timely service to maintain a culture of respect, beneficence and justice in research. Complete a brief survey about your experience.”On Mon, May 22, 2023 at 9:02 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Iris foliage damage

Question: I noted damage to bearded iris foliage, thought it to be slug or snail damage but on closer inspection I found a small insect hiding in the base of the leaves. it has a red & black body & creates a slimy foam around itself. The leaves show the residue of some sort around the eaten areas of the leaves that was pretty obvious and these were obviously mobile.
I could drop a damaged leaf by on Tuesday if helpful.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 24, 2023, 7:11 PM EDT
response: Kirk I cannot tell you for sure, but I believe this may be one of the borers of iris. Can you pull the ‘bug’ away from the plant so you can see what it looks like? Where do you live, I am not sure if bringing the pest in will work depending on where you live. Let me know if you have additional questions. Thank you for letting us help you. Rich

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 8:58 PM EDT
response: Hello Rich, I’m in Colton and they appear to have moved on but I will look again. I do have some video of them that is pretty good but couldn’t load it on the photo upload line, is there a way to get the video to you? Thanks - Kirk

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 25, 2023, 11:07 AM EDT
response: Let me check into this. I will be gone till next week, I might not get to you till than.
Poison hemlock

Question: Hello. 
Just wondering if you can look at the attached pictures and tell me if this is poison hemlock. If so, how do we get rid of it?  We have a lot and I've read about it and it sounds very dangerous. 
Thanks,
Angie Davis

responder: Chris Bruynis  Replied May 23, 2023, 10:12 AM EDT
response: Angie,  Yes the pictures appear Poison Hemlock. Control at this time is limited, especially if you want to mechanically control them because of skin irritation and inhalation concerns.  At this time I would just leave it alone. It will mature and die soon. However, be ready to control next spring in April.  Either use Round-Up (glyphosate) or Crossbow (or other generic brands of these products). Crossbow is the prefered product because it only kills the broad leaves (including small trees so be careful not to spray desirable trees) and leaves the grasses growing so there is ground cover.   Here are some additional readings https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-437-w.pdf https://extension.psu.edu/poison-hemlock-facts-about-this-early-season-weed  If you want to discuss this further, call me at my office ay<personal data hidden>.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 10:23 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much for your response. This is very helpful. I appreciate it. Thanks,Angie DavisOn Tue, May 23, 2023, 10:13 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Why won't my grass turn green?

Question: I planted grass seed and it's clear that it's a different type of grass than the existing grass (sod) that was there when we moved.  I've used Scotts 3 and 1 fertilizer and pelletized lime, however, nothing seems to change the seeded grass the same dark green color as the sod.  My seed was planted in December 2022. Will my grass ever turn the same color as the sod or will it remain a brighter green forever due to the seed type? or what else can I try?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 23, 2023, 1:14 PM EDT
response: Hi.  Thank you for your question.   Do you know the variety of grass seed that you planted?  If you do - please share.  Have you had a soil test of the area that was planted?   If not, I would recommend that you do a soil test to be sure the pH is in the correct range for good growing conditions and the nutrients are adequate for a new lawn.   UD Soil Testing information. https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/environmental-stewardship/soil-testing/   You could have a variety that will not get as deep green, but let's eliminate any fertility and pH corrections needed.    I will also consult with our turf person on this question.  If you would like us to call you regarding this problem, please forward your phone number to <personal data hidden>.   Best regards, Tracy

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 1:41 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your response.  I have not had the soil tested. I assume the soil conditions are satisfactory, since the existing grass (which was sod) has grown perfectly fine with no issues.The landscaper told me he used a contractor's seed mix which is typically fescue, bluegrass, etc. blended.You can definitely tell it's a different breed of grass, but I thought the lime would have a similar effect as it did on the other grass.Randy   On Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 01:14:49 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: John Emerson Jr.University of DelawareTurfgrass Nutrient Management Extension AgentEmail: jremer@udel.edu Replied May 25, 2023, 12:06 PM EDT
response: All plant, including turfgrasses, all have inherent genetic color just as humans have inherent colors of eyes, hair, skin etc. There is no amount of nutrients you can apply that will change the genetic color a grass. The seed used within a contractors mix is often of lower quality and you will find species and cultivars in the contractors mix that should not be used if one desires a traditional turfgrass lawn. The only way to remediate the situation is to start over and establish the stand using high quality seed that has shown to have desirable characteristics and performed well in regional turfgrass trials. If you need some recommendations of which seed to purchase, feel free to reach out to me via email. <personal data hidden>
Purple Blotchy Coloring on Espelette Pepper Starts

Question: Hello,

I started Espelette Peppers from seed (Fruition Seeds was the source) in soil blocks in early April, germinating them on a heat mat and recently potted them up into cowpots. They were started in Vermont Compost's Fort Vee mix. Some of the plants seemed to have developed a purple blotchy coloring on some of the leaves that I am wanting to make sure isn't a disease issue.

I contacted Fruition Seeds and they recommended I reach out here as they don't have capacity for problem solving in this way any longer but said it is possible for peppers to develop purple leaves depending on variety and that the other most common reason is mineral deficiency. The latter explanation seemed less likely to me given that I've used fresh (and from 2022/3) batches of this Fort Vee mix each time, but I'm also new to growing peppers so it would be great to know if I should be doing any supplemental feeding of the baby plants too. 

I also read online this can sometimes be caused by a grow light being too close - I admit I didn't lift up the grow lights high enough at first once the plants were up-potted so that seem possible too. I bought the full spectrum LED grow lights from them as well. 

Any insight you can offer would be greatly appreciated! I've attached photos of the peppers for reference.

Thanks so much,

Ella Kinsman (she/they)

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 12:13 PM EDT
response: Here are photos of the plants in natural light. In natural light, the blotchy spots actually look more black than purple.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 12:13 PM EDT
response: Here are photos of the plants in natural light. In natural light, the blotchy spots actually look more black than purple.

responder: Alex Bunten, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied May 24, 2023, 12:52 PM EDT
response: Hi Ella,  Thanks for reaching out to UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline.  Sorry to hear about your issues with the peppers. I was going to ask for more photos so thanks for pre-empting that!  It looks like the plants are otherwise healthy aside from the bronze/black spots on the early leaves. That would seem to point to the light issue you mention rather than a nutrient deficiency.   I would keep the lights a good distance off, monitor them and keep on your current path without adding any further fertilizer unless they lose vigor.  Hope that helps and happy gardening!
Korean lilac

Question: Are korean lilacs edible for humans? Are they also safe to have around the house if there are cats present? I have cats and just want to make sure the flowers will not poison my animals.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 22, 2023, 2:19 PM EDT
response: Lilac flowers are edible for humans although based on the little information I found, they aren't very pleasant to eat.  Unfortunately I am unable to find any information on toxicity for pets. I would supervise your pets closely when they are near the lilac, to prevent them from eating it. You may also find sprays to use on your lilac to discourage them from chewing on the plant. Some contain citrus extracts or bittering agents. I wouldn't recommend making your own as many of the recipes I've found have the potential to damage plants.  https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/edible-flowers-7-237/  https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/430a1ca9-5cb3-4ddd-9925-5d29135664d3/content

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 4:09 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the info!  On Monday, May 22, 2023 at 02:19:18 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What insect?

Question: It looks like these guys are moving in right by my back door. They fly around really quickly but I attempted some photos. They don't look like the yellow jackets I see online. There are a couple possibilities for where they are building their nest. At this point my plan is to wait for a cold night and try to remove those nesting sites. Advice welcome. I have an organic vegetable garden so don't want to spray.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 1:16 PM EDT
response: I've done some more online searching and believe these are European Paper Wasps. I understand they are somewhat beneficial in a garden, but these guys are active right by my back door.

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied May 23, 2023, 6:56 PM EDT
response: They are paper wasps. Their nests are often by porches, doors, pergolas, or eaves. You'll see exposed paper cells in the shape of a hexagon. On a cool morning, you can knock the nests down with a strong jet of water. They may try to build their nest again in the same spot, and you can repeat the water spray. Paper wasps are less aggressive than yellow jackets.
What is this plant/weed?

Question: Can you help me ID this plant/weed that has been popping up in our Corvallis front yard among other plants (Iris tenax, columbines, Indian plum and other plants). The area gets filtered morning sun and is mosty shady in the afternoon, has nice lose soil rich in compost. The plant is easy to pull out but seems to have reproduce by "runner roots rather well. Thank you!

responder: Kevin K.  Replied May 23, 2023, 11:22 AM EDT
response: Zuzana, thank you for your question to "Ask Extension".  Your photos were very helpful in identifying this plant as Aegopodium podagraria, commonly known as goutweed.  I have provided you with a link to a website that has good information on this plant and how to control it.  It is not a desirable plant to have in your landscape. https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/article/433190 I hope that you find this information useful.  As Always Happy Gardening.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 5:59 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for helping me out with this "bad guy" identification. I will definitely go after it. Luckily, it is only in a small are and never grew taller then in the pictures I sent, not it ever bloomed. Thanks again,Zuzana From: "Ask Extension" <<personal data hidden>>To: "Zuzana Vejlupkova" <<personal data hidden>>Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 8:22:10 AMSubject: Re: What is this plant/weed? (#0101298)