Knowledgebase

Plant identification resources #872216

Asked June 08, 2024, 5:03 PM EDT

Hello. I'm a new resident of the UP. I have been searching online for some local resources for learning about the local plants and mushrooms. I haven't had much luck. Can you make any recommendations? I am mostly interested in learning about edible plants and being able to safely, confidently, and accurately identify plants on my land. I'd prefer in-person training, ideally on my land but am also interested in online/book formats if they are good. Thank you and have a great day!

Keweenaw County Michigan

Expert Response

For identifying plants, you may want to start with an app on your phone. There are plant apps for both the Apple and the Android phones. Some examples are “Picture This,” “Plant Snap” and “Seek.” Michigan State did a study on several of these apps and the results of the study can be found here: Plant identification? There is an app for that—actually several! - Landscaping (msu.edu)


The Michigan Flora web site by the University of Michigan Herbarium is a good search tool to identify plants from around Michigan. The web page can be found here: Michigan Flora


If you are looking for a plant identification guide specific to Michigan, I recommend checking out the “Field Manual of Michigan Flora” published by the University of Michigan Press. This comprehensive resource provides concise identification keys, habitat information, and updated distribution maps for over 2,700 seed plant species recorded in the state. It is a valuable tool for anyone interested in Michigan’s flora.


You may be interested in joining the wild Ones Keweenaw Chapter. There you may be able to connect with another individual who could help with your search. The following is a link to their web site: Wild Ones Keweenaw Chapter - Wild Ones Keweenaw Chapter


Thank you for your question and have a great gardening experience.


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