Frequently asked questions

How accurate is plant ID software?

Every suggestion is probabilistic. Sharp, well-lit photos from multiple angles, plus honest location and season, dramatically improve results. For land management, health, education, or law, confirm with an expert or authoritative reference. See Accuracy and limitations.

What photos help most?

In focus, natural light, and close enough to see margins and vein pattern. Add context shots: full habit, attachment to stem, and flowers or fruit when present. Our field photography tips go deeper.

Do you store my images?

We process what you submit to run the service and improve it where permitted. Details are in the Privacy policy.

Does Edlyst work worldwide?

We aim for global coverage, but reference density varies by region. Sparse areas may return wider candidate lists—use geography and season aggressively to narrow them.

Can I use Edlyst to decide if a plant is edible?

No. Misidentification can be fatal. Edlyst is not medical or foraging advice. Consult qualified instructors, local regulation, and multiple independent sources before consuming or handling plants for food or medicine.

How is this different from a field guide?

Field guides are curated narratives for learning; Edlyst helps you jump from a photo to a shortlist quickly. The two complement each other—use both when stakes are high.