How to use (and not use) plant identification phone apps

Q: How reliable are plant identification apps?

I’ve tested several plant identification apps and have found them surprisingly, but not completely, accurate. You simply snap a photo of the plant in question, and the app can provide an identification. Some apps can (supposedly) diagnose diseases and other plant problems and offer solutions as well.

Plant identification depends on several factors. First, if you want to identify a plant in the wild, location is an essential piece of information...