Instructions for submitting samples for plant identification
What to collect:
1. Short grasses, small flowering herbaceous plants, low shrubs: Collect several (at least three if possible) ENTIRE plants, including roots, plus extra flowers and/or fruits if available. Clean debris and soil from roots before shipping.
2. Tall grasses and shrubs, herbaceous forbs, trees, long vines: Collect several samples that adequately show stem features, leaves and leaf arrangement, and flowers and/or fruits. Collect extra flowers and/or fruits if available. If possible, collect or provide information about underground parts, ie. roots, rhizomes, bulbs, tubers, etc.
3. Record collection data and include State, County, geographic location of collection site, and date. This information is important to the identification process. Please remember to fill out a separate Plant Identification Form or Aquatic Plant ID form for each plant specimen/species submitted for identification.
Mailing:
1. Plant identification Form needs to be filled out for each species/specimen submitted for identification. Extension Agents: use the Plant Diagnostic Information System (PDIS) to submit specimen information and remember to send the specimen with the form (please enclose the plant form within a protective covering. Package the specimen to minimize potential damage from mail handling (place dried specimens between pieces of cardstock or cardboard within the outer package. A box is a preferable mailing container to an envelope.2. Please send packages to the address in the left navigation bar.