TREE IDENTIFICATION APPS

The quickest and easiest way to identify a tree is by having a mobile app installed on your phone. There are many tree identification apps available for both ios and android phones. Some suggested apps are below:

vtree ID
Virginia Tech University developed the dendrology app to assist with tree id and offers a ‘help feature’ where you can ask ‘Dr. Dendro’ (a tree expert in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation at Virginia Tech) if you get stuck. The app contains factsheets, range maps, and images. It allows users to define their location using a network, GPS Location, or by typing in coordinates. VT Tree ID also offers something similar to a dichotomous key in a form of questions the user answers to help with identification.

Pl@ntNet
Pl@ntNet helps you to identify from pictures rather than factsheets. Instead of only using the process of elimination, you are given the option to upload a picture of a tree and choose from potential matches. Pl@ntNet offers an app and website so you are not limited to using your smart portable device/phone. Pl@ntNet is also available for multiple countries and can be an option to identify while on trips or visits with family outside of the United States.

PlantSnap
To identify a plant you simply need to snap a photo of the plant, and the app will tell you what it is in a matter of seconds! PlantSnap claims that it can currently recognize 90% of all known species of plants and trees, which covers most of the species you will encounter in every country on Earth.

iNaturalist
iNaturalist is an app designed more for biologists, naturalists, and scientists to enable them to quickly share their findings with other colleagues and individuals passionate by nature. iNaturalist can recognize both plants and animals and is one of the apps with the largest databases and communities.