plant identification

How to identify plants with photos

Take photos of leaves, flowers, fruits and whole plant shapes, and use environmental clues to identify plants.

Hydrangea identification example
Hydrangea identification example

When is it appropriate to use CapKnow to identify plants?

When you see unfamiliar flowers, leaves, trees or indoor green plants, take a clear picture of the subject first. CapKnow will give you possible names, observable characteristics, and similar plants to help you proceed.

Take the overall picture first

Let the whole plant, inflorescences, leaves and growing environment enter the picture.

Make up part of it

The front and back of leaves, flowers, fruits, stems and bark can help distinguish similar plants.

preserve environment

Indoor potted plants, wetlands, roadside or mountain environments can all affect judgment.

Shooting method

Sufficient light

Shoot in natural light and avoid backlighting, severe blur, and strong filters.

Subject integrity

Take a picture of the complete plant first, and then take additional pictures of the leaves, flowers and fruits.

Don’t just shoot the remaining leaves

A single broken leaf or withered part is likely to lack clues for judgment.

Safety first

If you are unsure whether it is poisonous, edible, or suitable for pets to eat, do not get close to it and try it.

What should you focus on when looking at the results?

Look at possible names first, then look at leaf shape, flower type, color, leaf veins, branches and stems, and similar plants. Results are suitable as learning cues and not used to judge edibility or medicinal value.

  • Possible name
  • blade clues
  • Flower and fruit clues
  • similar plants
  • Maintenance direction
  • Safety reminder

Things to note

Plant identification should not be used to determine edibility, medicinal value, toxicity, or risk to pets. Professionals should be consulted when it comes to food, child or pet safety.

The next time you encounter the unknown, don’t miss it.

When you see something you don’t recognize, take a photo of it. CapKnow will give possible answers, basis and related knowledge, and save them to your knowledge record.

Download CapKnow