How to Identify a Plant or Weed

When you want to identify a plant (weed), the first thing you need to do is take a picture of it. Then, collect and press the entire plant, if possible, and record information about it. Record where you collected the plant, the date you collected it, and any key characteristics you observe about the plant. The Hermiston Agricultural Research & Extension Center is located at 2121 South First Street in Hermiston, Oregon. Office hours are 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday - Friday, closed during the lunch hour, noon - 1:00pm.

HAREC plant pathology diagnostic lab services

Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension: Weeds

Was this page helpful?

Related Content from OSU Extension

Could weeds be controlled by zapping them? Extension is investigating

As organic production increases in the United States and Europe, non-chemical control becomes more essential.

Kym Pokorny | Sep 21, 2021 | News story

The Economic Impact of Pests and Pest Management on Oregon Sweet Cherries

A collection of real-world data show how insects, diseases, weeds and other pests affected the 2016 Oregon cherry crop. The aim is to raise yields and inform growers about the causes of crop losses.

Katie Murray, Isaac Sandlin, Peter Ellsworth, Paul Jepson, Al Fournier, Hang-Kwang Luh, Chris Hedstrom | Dec 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Plants Causing Irritation in Pastures

Plants in this group contain compounds that may irritate an animal's digestive tract, mouth or skin if consumed. These plants are not generally palatable and are typically avoided.

Mylen Bohle, David Hannaway, Andy Hulting, Karin Neff | Apr 2018 | Educational gallery

Are Your Weed-control Products Damaging Nearby Vineyards?

A brief guide for anyone living near a vineyard to understand the damaging effects that common herbicides can have on grapevines. With the Oregon grape industry growing rapidly near urban boundaries throughout the ...

Michael Kennedy, Patricia A. Skinkis | Jan 2016 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Integrated Management of Downy Brome in Winter Wheat

Downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.), also known as cheatgrass, is especially troublesome in low precipitation production areas where crop rotations are mostly limited to winter wheat followed by a year of summer ...

Drew J. Lyon, Andy Hulting, Don W. Morishita, Frank Young | Aug 2020 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Weed and Vegetation Management Strategies in Christmas Trees

This publication offers an integrated approach to effective weed management in Christmas trees, incorporating diverse strategies and practices to keep weed populations off balance. It includes strategies for using ...

Ed Peachey, Chal Landgren, Tim Miller-Morgan | Dec 2017 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Weed Management in the Garden & Landscape: Understanding Herbicides

1-hour webinar. Topics include: how herbicides work, how to choose the 'right' herbicide, debunking myths, and sharing safe application techniques.

Kaci Buhl | Dec 2018 | Video

Scotch Broom Removal

A brief video snippet of a scotch broom eradication project using a variety of tools to remove scotch broom. (From "Oregon Ecoregions.)

Dennis Isaacson | Dec 2012 | Video

Rich Affeldt, OSU Extension Plot Tour, COARC, June 9, 2009

Rich Affeldt, OSU Extension Crop Scientist conducts a plot tour at the Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center looking at Calliso a new herbicide from Syngenta registered on Kentucky bluegrass grown for seed.

May 2018 | Video

Onion Response to Talinor Herbicide - A Virtual Field Tour

A Malheur Experiment Station virtual field tour. Weed Scientist Joel Felix discusses a field trial evaluating the herbicide Talinor for use in onions.

Christy Tanner | Aug 2020 | Video Peer reviewed (Gray level)

IPM Downy Brome

Presentation by Judit Barroso, OSU Weed Scientist, on Integrated Weed Management for Downy Brome in Winter Wheat

Judit Barroso | Jun 2015 | Video

Is vinegar effective for killing weeds?

What do you recommend for keeping weeds at bay in planting beds? We'd like to stop using Round-Up. Our beds are too big and the weeds are too numerous to be able to keep up mechanically. Would a vinegar solution be harmful to the soil?

Brooke Edmunds | Oct 2023 | Featured question

What should I be doing in the winter for weed control?

The straw mulch I used at the end of summer to suppress the weeds doesn't seem to be working. Should I till it and cover with plastic? black or clear? Is there something better. Or should I add more straw. I could probably bring some cardboard home from work. Is this a healthy option?

Ann Kinkley | Dec 2017 | Featured question

How can I naturally kill dandelions?

Is there a solution I can spray on dandelions instead of pulling them up? Not Roundup.... does vinegar, dawn soap and Epson salts work? Or is there a better one?

Anne Schmidt | Oct 2019 | Featured question

Small Broomrape Biology and Management in the Pacific Northwest

Provides identification, life cycle, and management information for this parasitic weed that recently has become a problem in red clover seed production in Oregon.

Ryan D. Lins, Jed B. Colquhoun | Aug 2008 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Invasive Weeds in Forestland: English Ivy

Management options for English ivy in forest land: biological, chemical, and mechanical controls, plus grazing. Includes description of weed and its life cycle, history of infestation in the U.S. and West, and sources of more information.

Anonymous | Sep 2008 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

Ask us a question