The PlantNet app is a powerful free tool for identifying plants from photos and can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
PlantNet Plant Identification
With PlantNet, simply photograph a plant—flower, leaf, stem, or fruit—and it compares the image with its extensive botanical database to suggest possible matches. Completely free, the app is also part of a citizen science project that aids biodiversity research. Learn all about it below.
Advantages of PlantNet
Free and no subscription required
PlantNet is completely free for basic use, requiring no payment or subscription. Users report paying nothing to use its core features.
High-precision photo identification
The image recognition system uses machine learning and vast botanical collections to identify plants with a good degree of accuracy, comparing the submitted photo with thousands of records.
Citizen science project
User photos help expand and refine the PlantNet database, contributing real-world data to global biodiversity research.
Available for Android and iOS
The app can be downloaded for free from the App Store (iPhone, iPad) and Google Play (Android), offering wide compatibility.
Simple interface in Portuguese
It has an intuitive interface, translated into several languages, including Portuguese. It allows use without registration, with easy navigation and is beginner-friendly.
Support for diverse species of wild plants
PlantNet is particularly effective at identifying wild flora species—trees, grasses, cacti, ferns, vines, and more—with global coverage in its database.
Conservation and environmental education
In addition to identifying plants, the app educates about biodiversity and encourages environmental care, raising ecological awareness.
How to use the PlantNet application
After installing the app via the App Store or Google Play, follow these steps:
- Take a clear photo of the plant (leaf, flower, fruit, or stem) with a uniform background and good lighting — this helps with accurate identification.
- Upload the image to the app; within seconds, it displays a list of possible species.
- Select the closest match; users can confirm or reject suggestions to improve the algorithm.
- Save tags to a personal gallery within the app for future reference.
- Optional: Sign up to submit your observations to the global database and collaborate with researchers.
Additional features and limitations
PlantNet has some limitations, especially with ornamental plants or less common species — accuracy may decrease in these cases.
It does not require registration for basic use, but it provides an account option for those who wish to send contributions to the scientific project.
The database is most robust in wild and cultivated species, but may have gaps in regionally specific or poorly studied flora.
Some users report that accuracy decreases when photographing tall trees with inaccessible leaves or rare species, and they may only be able to accurately identify the plant's gender.
User experience
Users in online communities praise PlantNet for being a free and functional option:
“PlantNet is free and works great for me so far”
“PlantNet is fantastic and free, I've been using it for years”
“I use PlantNet as my main IDing app. It does not work for any tree that has needles rather than leaves… better than nothing but I would not rely on it.”
These testimonials show that, while not perfect, the app has real utility and value for nature enthusiasts.
Who the app is best suited for
PlantNet is ideal for:
- Students, gardeners and botanical enthusiasts who want to identify plants in a practical way.
- People who enjoy hiking, trails and exploring nature regularly.
- Those who wish to contribute real data to scientific research.
- Users who want a free tool, without subscriptions or recurring fees.
However, users looking for growing tips, identifying ornamental crops, or diagnosing problems (such as diseases or pests) may prefer apps like PictureThis or PlantSnap with paid features.
Conclusion
PlantNet is an excellent option for those looking to identify plants from images for free, with good accuracy and an easy-to-use interface. It's also a tool that promotes citizen science and environmental education by allowing users to contribute real botanical observations.
Despite some limitations with ornamental or rare plants, its database is constantly growing. Users praise its simplicity, reliability for common species, and the fact that it's completely free.
Whether you want to learn about botany, catalog your discoveries, or help preserve biodiversity, PlantNet is the ideal choice.
