plant identification - Ask Extension
Hello - just moved into a home, located in what was recently a heavily wooded area. There are some plants I'd appreciate having some help in identifyi...
Knowledgebase
plant identification #866318
Asked April 29, 2024, 2:32 PM EDT
Hello - just moved into a home, located in what was recently a heavily wooded area. There are some plants I'd appreciate having some help in identifying. I have attached the photos. I especially want to see if any of them are harmful.
Macomb County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Amanda,
I believe I was able to identify your plants. Plants 1 and 2 are native to Michigan. Plant 4 is an invasive, non-native weed that is considered noxious in many states. I have included links for each plant for your information.
Plant 1: Wild lettuce (Lactuca canadensis) or tall blue lettuce
(Lactuca pulchella)
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/wild_lettuces_reaching_impressive_size_this_growing_season
Plant 2: Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) shrub: This one was more difficult to identify since it doesn't appear to have leafed- out enough to make the leaves more visible, but I think it's a chokecherry. It produces an abundant amount of berries that birds love.
https://bealbotanicalgarden.msu.edu/-/media/assets/bealbotanicalgarden/docs/resources/chokecherry---knowing-our-natives_jt.pdf?rev=23a4363f42494b30b25e8a4334c357ea&hash=7BFED32B1E7654DB3B7340B9110E014C
Plant 4: Garlic mustard (Allaria petiolata) Very aggressive and out-competes the desirable plants in the landscape.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/annual_invasion_of_garlic_mustard_is_now_underway
I hope the articles give you enough information to determine if the identifications are correct. Don't hesitate, though, to contact us if you think an identification is incorrect or if you have further questions or concerns.
Have a great spring!
I believe I was able to identify your plants. Plants 1 and 2 are native to Michigan. Plant 4 is an invasive, non-native weed that is considered noxious in many states. I have included links for each plant for your information.
Plant 1: Wild lettuce (Lactuca canadensis) or tall blue lettuce
(Lactuca pulchella)
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/wild_lettuces_reaching_impressive_size_this_growing_season
Plant 2: Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) shrub: This one was more difficult to identify since it doesn't appear to have leafed- out enough to make the leaves more visible, but I think it's a chokecherry. It produces an abundant amount of berries that birds love.
https://bealbotanicalgarden.msu.edu/-/media/assets/bealbotanicalgarden/docs/resources/chokecherry---knowing-our-natives_jt.pdf?rev=23a4363f42494b30b25e8a4334c357ea&hash=7BFED32B1E7654DB3B7340B9110E014C
Plant 4: Garlic mustard (Allaria petiolata) Very aggressive and out-competes the desirable plants in the landscape.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/annual_invasion_of_garlic_mustard_is_now_underway
I hope the articles give you enough information to determine if the identifications are correct. Don't hesitate, though, to contact us if you think an identification is incorrect or if you have further questions or concerns.
Have a great spring!
