MANHATTAN (KSNT) - Kansas homeowners looking to identify weird or unknown plants in their backyard can get help from local experts with Kansas State University. Cynthia Domenghini, a horticulture expert with K-State, said in a recent publication that people may find odd plants growing around their homes which are difficult to properly identify. She is offering homeowners a few tips to follow when trying to identify any unknown plants found growing outside. “There are many smart phone apps available that can sometimes accurately identify plants through photos,” Domenghini said. “Your local extension office is a great resource, especially if you provide a complete plant sample for identification.” Domenghini said there are several tips people should keep in mind when trying to identify mystery plants. These include the following: Include as much of the plant as possible, especially if it is small. This includes flowers, leaves, fruits and roots. Gently remove loose soil but do not wash the roots. Keep the plant's roots in a moist plastic bag to prevent wilting. Cover stems and leaves with a newspaper. Harvest a sample of the plant as close to the day you will deliver it as possible. If you're trying to identify a tree, shrub or vine, include a branch that is about one to two feet in length along with several buds and/or leaves. Store the plant samples in a box in a cool, dark location until you are ready to deliver it. Homeowners can also send in photos to help with identification of plants. Domenghini recommends these be in-focus, show the entirety of the plant in question and the growing site. Officials confirm invasive pest in new area in NE Kansas “Sending in photos to accompany a live sample is a great way to show the surroundings where the specimen is growing and can aid in identification,” Domenghini said. “In general, include enough information in your plant sample, whether live or digital, to tell a complete story for the best chance of accurate identification.” People who have additional questions on plant identification can send an email to [email protected]. If you have garden or yard-related questions, reach out to your local K-State research and extension office. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf