Christina Cone's ID Key

There are three ways to ID a plant. One, you know it because you have seen and experienced it.  A good botanist is often right, though an excellent botanist is not afraid to say, "I'm not sure" and keep on exploring. 

Two, use at least three clues to guess your plant. A fruit or flower is best as plants are categorized by these parts. Other features like leaf shape, bark, overall form, and habitat can help, too.

And three, gather many close up photos or fallen plant material as clues to conduct further research. You can use a basic field book organized by families, or a dichotomous key that takes you through "this or that" decisions like a choose your own adventure book. There are online resources, and you can also check with local government and nonprofit plant groups. Make sure the pictures are very detailed and the descriptions include measurements, colors, and unique identifiers.