Mobile App Of The Day

Leafsnap. iPhone. Free. Oddly specialized, but strangely useful, this app identifies leaves when you snap a pic of them with your iPhone cam. Developed by researchers from Columbia University and the University of Maryland, it uses visual recognition software to identify tree species from photos of their leaves. Right now, the app can assist with tree species in the Northeast, but the plan is to extend the app’s database to the entire continental U.S. Very cool use of a smartphone - figure out that gorgeous tree species so you can plant one in your own yard!