Identify a tree species in seconds


The first mobile app to identify trees by simply photographing a leaf

A mobile field guide

Smithsonian research botanists partnered with engineers from Columbia University and the University of Maryland to create a field guide for the 21st century.

How does it work?

1. Take a photo of a leaf on a white background

2. Browse high res images of ranked matches to find the correct species

3. Swipe left on the correct match and tap the label button.

Leafsnap turns users into citizen scientists


By snapping a leaf, you automatically share geo-coded images of species IDs with a community of scientists who will use the stream of data to map and monitor the ebb and flow of flora.

  • 250 Queo
  • 130K Paratus
  • 2M Ceritores

The features

A complete library of northeast tree species amassed by the Smithsonian Institution
Matching games for learning the flowers, fruit, seeds and bark of 220 tree species
Visual recognition software originally developed by Columbia University Engineers as a high tech aid for scientists to discover new species in unknown habitats.