Get started with plant identification

Tools for identifying plants and pollinators around you.

Curious about that plant or insect you spotted?

Discover it in a snap with simple, powerful identification tools on your smartphone! 

Here are a few to get you started:

  • iNATURALIST is a robust community science platform with millions of users across the globe sharing images of all types of living things.Get help identifying species, join data collection projects, and connect with other nature lovers

  • Seek is an easy point-and-click app that allows you to quickly identify plants, animals, fungi, and more.

  • Flora of Virginia provides in depth, county-specific information about Virginia’s native plants and also rates the degree to which plants are threatened or invasive.

How to join our data collection project on the iNaturalist App:

Download the free iNaturalist app

  • Check out the quick tutorial

  • At the end of the tutorial, choose "Sign up now!"

  • Provide your email, username, and password, and click "Sign up"

  • In the “projects” section, search for and join our Sustainability Matters projects

  • You’re ready to use the app!

Tips for easy identification on iNaturalist and other apps: 

Include a picture of each of the following

  • Closeup of the leaves

  • Underside of leaves

  • A shot of the whole plant if possible

  • Flowers, berries, or seeds if present

Bioblitzes

Want to learn more about identifying plants, insects, and birds? During the spring, summer, and fall, many organizations host events called “bioblitzes” to document the living things located in a particular place. Check out our Calendar to see when we’re conducting our annual bug bioblitz or one of our regular plant count events.

A bioblitz is a hands-on sampling technique that measures the biodiversity of our meadows and local habitats by having a group of people all collect data in a certain space over a set amount of time!