What's that plant in your yard?
Answer a few simple questions about what you see. Find out if it is edible, medicinal, invasive, or something to pull out right away.
Start IdentifyingPlant Identifier
Quick Reference: Common Yard Plants
A short list of plants you are likely to find. Tap any row to expand the details.
How This Works
Observe
Look at the leaves, flowers, and how the plant grows. You do not need to dig it up or pick it.
Answer
Pick the option that matches what you see. If you are not sure, choose the closest one.
Learn
Get a result with notes on what the plant is, whether it is safe, and what to do about it.
Before You Eat Anything
This guide covers common species in North America. It is not a substitute for a regional field guide or expert advice. Some edible plants have toxic look-alikes. Always double-check with at least two sources before eating any wild plant. Start with a small amount even when you are sure, in case of personal sensitivity.
Plants growing near roads, treated lawns, or industrial areas may carry heavy metals or pesticide residue. Harvest from clean ground only.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing young poison hemlock with wild carrot. Hemlock has purple-spotted stems and no hairs. Wild carrot has hairy stems and a carrot-like smell.
- Eating raw elderberries. They need to be cooked first. Raw berries can cause nausea.
- Assuming all yellow flowers are the same. Dandelion, buttercup, and celandine all have yellow flowers but very different properties.
- Ignoring the root structure. Some plants are easiest to identify by how they grow from the ground, not just the leaves.
Seasonal Tips
Spring is the best time for leafy greens like dandelion, chickweed, and violets. Summer brings flowers that help with identification. Fall is when roots and seeds become useful. Some plants like garlic mustard are invasive and should be pulled whenever you find them, but spring is when they are most recognizable.
Save your results with the print or copy button so you can compare what you find across seasons. Many yards have completely different plants in April than in August.
What to Do with Invasive Species
If the tool flags a plant as invasive, remove it before it sets seed. Bag the plant material and dispose of it in the trash, not compost. For large infestations, contact your local extension office. Some invasives like Japanese knotweed may require professional removal.
Priority removals: garlic mustard, Japanese honeysuckle, English ivy, and kudzu. These spread fast and crowd out native plants that support local wildlife.