Many home gardeners and plant enthusiasts wonder whether it’s possible identify plants using a smart phone. In this article, learn about phone ID apps, how to use them and the important limitations of this technology.
Can You Identify Plants with a Phone?
The short answer is: yes, you can. Phone functions for plant ID can serve as a great jumping off point to finding the correct ID for any plant species. There are a few ways to identify plants with a phone depending on the type of phone you have.
…never use your phone to identify plants you may want to consume; for this purpose, proper identification must always be done by a expert.
Using Apple iPhone for Plant ID
If you have an Apple phone (IOS 15 or later), you can use Visual Look Up in the camera app to identify plants and other objects in photos & videos.
- Open the camera app and take a photo of the plant you want to identify.
- Tap on the lower left image. This will take you to your phone’s camera roll.
- If the info button displays a symbol with stars, Visual Look UP is available. Tap to activate.
- Under the photo, click on the “leaf” icon to look up the plant.
- Several results will then appear helping guide your plant identification.
Using Android for Plant ID
For Android users, use Google Lens to identify plants and other objects in photos & videos.
- Go to Google and tap on the Google Lens icon.
- Once the plant is on your screen, tap the white circle.
- A list of ID selections will appear on the screen which can aid in identification.
Limitations of SmartPhone IDs
It’s important to note that while these phone functions are easy, user friendly and accessible, they are not always accurate and the limitations of these ID capabilities needs addressing. As such, never use your phone to identify plants you may want to consume; proper identification must always be done by a expert.
Resources
Plant resources
Camosun College HORTICULTURE
KPU School of Horticulture Plant Database
E-Flora BC/Electronic Atlas of the Flora of BC
Visual Look Up & Google Lens
The Garden Family. (2022) iPhones have built in plant ID!
iPhone User Guide. (2026). Use Visual Look Up
Google. (2026). Get info about your photos
Photo Credits
VIMGA Members 2026 Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association
Vancouver Island Master Gardeners
Vancouver Island Master Gardeners are local volunteers who educate the gardening public with current, science-based and environmentally responsible horticultural information. As a chapter of the Master Gardeners Association of BC (MGABC), our program and priorities shape healthy communities and a healthy planet.