New app available to identify Montana grasses

A new app is now available for identifying more than 100 grasses and grass-like plants in Montana and nearby states and provinces.

Designed for beginners and experts alike, the app will work on iOS and Android devices. An Internet connection is not required. The app provides images, species descriptions, range maps and other information. It was produced by Montana State University’s College of Agriculture and High Country Apps in Bozeman, with plant expertise provided by MSU faculty and staff in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences and the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology.

“Grasses are economically and ecologically vital to our state, and are iconic of Montana’s open landscapes,” said Matt Lavin, a professor in the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology. “’Montana Grasses’ brings a wealth of information to your mobile device in an easy to use format helpful to landowners, researchers, and the general public.”

Users can browse the species list or search for specific plants by common or scientific name. The app provides 13 sets of characteristics to help define a search, including overall appearance, seed head, blade width, habitat, elevation and origin (native or introduced). 

Montana Grasses allows users to select a custom list of species for future reference and sharing via email and social networks. Detailed information on grass identification basics, sources and resources, as well as a glossary of botanical terms and diagrams of grass anatomy are also provided.

Montana Grasses is available at Amazon, Apple, and Google app stores for $4.99. The app will be updated on a regular basis at no additional charge. High Country Apps will dedicate a portion of the revenues to support plant conservation in Montana.

For more information, go to High Country Apps at www.highcountryapps.com.