Identify a Plant by Picture
Snap a photo of any plant - a mystery seedling, a tree in the park, a shrub in your new yard - and upload it here. Our free plant identifier names it, explains how to care for it, and tells you whether it's safe around pets.
Upload a photo of the plant
Photos are analyzed by Google AI only to identify them and are not stored. Do not upload sensitive images. Privacy
Step by step
- 1
Photograph the most distinctive part
Flowers, fruit and leaves identify a plant best. For trees, add a photo of the bark.
- 2
Get close and in focus
Fill the frame with the plant, in natural daylight, without harsh shadows.
- 3
Upload and identify
Add the photo above and press Identify plant.
- 4
Check the look-alikes
Compare the result with the similar plants listed, especially before you touch or eat anything.
What you'll learn about your plant
Along with its common and botanical names, you'll get the details that matter for living with it: what kind of plant it is, where it's native, how much light and water it needs, whether it's toxic to cats and dogs, and which USDA zones it grows in. You'll also see look-alike plants and how to tell them apart, plus similar photos from around the web to compare.
How to photograph a plant for an accurate ID
Plant identification depends on detail. A blurry photo of a green bush could be dozens of species, but a sharp photo of a single leaf or flower narrows it down fast.
- Flowers and fruit are the most reliable clues - photograph them if the plant has any
- Show one leaf clearly, including its edge and how it attaches to the stem
- For trees, take separate photos of the leaves, the bark and the overall shape
- Shoot in daylight and skip the filters
- If the result has low confidence, try a photo of a different part of the plant
Is this plant safe for pets and kids?
Many common plants are toxic to pets, including lilies (dangerous for cats), sago palms, oleander, azaleas and pothos. When a plant is known to be toxic, the results say so. If you're not sure, check the ASPCA's list of toxic and non-toxic plants, and if a pet may have eaten something toxic, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away.
Never eat a wild plant based on a photo ID
Some edible plants have deadly look-alikes - wild carrot and poison hemlock is the classic example. No photo identifier, including this one, is reliable enough to decide whether a plant is safe to eat. Use the result as a starting point and confirm with a local expert or your Cooperative Extension office before you forage.
Other free ways to identify plants
Google Lens is great for quick IDs on the go. Pl@ntNet and iNaturalist - and its kid-friendly Seek app - are free, run by scientists and nature lovers, and let you share sightings that help research. For tricky plants, a local nursery or Cooperative Extension office can confirm an ID in person.
Frequently asked questions
How do I identify a plant from a picture?
Upload a clear photo of the plant to the tool above and press Identify plant. You'll get its name, care tips, pet safety info and look-alikes in seconds.
Is this plant identifier free?
Yes. It's completely free, works in any browser on phone or computer, and doesn't need an app or an account.
How accurate is plant identification from a photo?
Clear photos of flowers, fruit or leaves usually give accurate results. Seedlings, bare branches and blurry photos are much harder, so check the confidence level and the look-alikes.
Can it tell me if a plant is poisonous?
When a plant is known to be toxic to people or pets, the results say so. Double-check with the ASPCA plant list or a professional before you rely on it.
Can I identify a tree from a photo?
Yes. Upload a sharp photo of a leaf first, and if you can, try separate photos of the bark and the whole tree.
How is this different from a plant ID app?
There's nothing to install. It works in your browser, so you can identify a plant from any photo - including one someone sent you - without downloading an app.
Related
Identify a Flower by Picture
Identify a flower by picture in seconds. Upload a photo of the bloom to get its name, bloom season, growing tips and pet safety - free, no app needed.
Identify Your Houseplant
Find out what houseplant you have. Upload a photo to get its name, light and watering needs, pet safety and look-alikes - free, no app required.
Identify Weeds in Your Lawn
Identify the weed in your lawn from a photo. Get its name, whether it's broadleaf or grassy, and the best way to get rid of it - free and fast.
Identify Your Succulent
Identify a succulent or cactus from a photo. Get its name, care needs, look-alikes and pet safety - and find out why it's stretching or turning mushy.
Last updated: 2026-10-04
