If you spot a plant outdoors and don't have the first clue as to what it is, start identifying it by scanning your surroundings. In particular, consider the overall climate, the conditions of the terrain, and any nearby water sources. A quick glance should be able to tell you whether you're looking at a cattail reed or a cactus.  Mosses, for instance, only grow on cool, moist surfaces, whereas woody shrubs tend to spring up in places where precipitation is scarce. Your location may also help point to the identity of larger clusters of trees making up wooded areas. You're more likely to find coniferous "evergreens" in cold, temperate climates, while the majority of trees in warm, humid regions are deciduous. Whenever you come across a species you've never seen before, stop and take note. Look over each of the individual parts, like the stems, leaves, and flowers. Most plants can be grouped and differentiated according to the appearance of these structures.  As a general rule, you should always start by examining the plant's stem and branching pattern, then enlarge your focus to the leaves, flowers, shoots, and other outlying structures. Some of the broadest plant classifications include woody plants, herbaceous plants, aquatic plants, wildflowers, grasses, and lichens. Note the appearance of any bulbs, blossoms, or berries growing on the plant. While it's possible to wager a guess about what family a given plant belongs to based on its physical characteristics, highlighting its reproductive structures will enable you to pinpoint its exact species with a little research. Many plants that fall within the same basic classification are distinguishable only by their flowers and fruit. A magnifying glass will allow you to zoom in and analyze a plant's features in more vivid detail. Similarly, you may require a pair of binoculars or a telescopic lens when you want to inspect a particular specimen from a distance. Without these tools, you'll be stuck doing a lot of guesswork.  A ruler or tape measure can also come in handy for comparing the size of like species. Get in the habit of carrying a few pieces of equipment around with you in your car or book bag so you'll be ready at any time. Pull out your phone and get a few photos of the plant you want to identify. That way, you'll be able to review the image later on and use the clues you see there to narrow down the possibilities. Focus in on each of the plant's main parts individually and shoot it from multiple angles to give yourself more material to make a positive match.  Consider investing in a quality standalone camera. Top-of-the-line models tend to boast more powerful photographic capabilities, and may also come with bonus accessories like interchangeable lenses, a high-capacity memory card, and a strap for portability. If all else fails, you can show your pictures to a wildlife expert or upload them to a plant ID app to get some outside assistance. Record each trait in your own words in a notebook or a digital note on your device. Be sure to make mention of attributes like size, shape, color, and texture, as well as any unique patterns or other distinguishing marks. In order to learn to identify plants on your own, you'll need to hone your use of descriptive language to be as precise as possible. Photos can be useful for reference, but they won't get you very far when you're looking up mystery plants based on a rough verbal description.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Take your environment into consideration. Study the plant's features carefully. Pay particular attention to flowers and fruit. Use viewing aids to take a closer look. Take pictures of the plant. Write down the plant's key features.


You may get evicted if you get caught with a dog. If dogs are clearly against the rules in the lease, you have broken the lease by hiding your dog. Your landlord may require you to move fast.  Moving is expensive. In addition to paying for things like moving trucks and gas, you will have to pay to transfer your utilities. You will also have to put down a deposit on a new apartment, and may have to pay first month's rent upfront. Make sure you have a nest egg to front these expenses in the event you have to move fast. The potential financial fallout is one of the reasons it's risky to sneak a dog in an apartment. It's hard to judge your neighbors' attitude. Some of them may not mind you bending the rules, while others may be irritated. Some people may have specifically chosen that apartment complex because they dislike dogs.  Be polite to your neighbors at all times. Keep your dog from jumping on them, barking, or generally disturbing anyone. If you're respectful of your neighbors, they're more likely to like you. This will decrease the likelihood they'll report you to the landlord if they catch you with a dog. A pet deposit usually covers any damage caused by a pet. If your dog, say, chews up the carpet, the $300 you put down for the pet deposit will cover this. However, if you're sneaking your dog in, you won't have a pet despot as a buffer. In the event your dog damages the unit, you will have to pay any damages upfront. It's always best not to break the rules. You could get in a lot of trouble and end up spending a lot of money sneaking in a dog. You may be able to convince a landlord to make an exception to the no pets rule.  You can explain to a potential landlord that you have a dog. If there are any reasons you cannot give the dog up, let him or her know. For example, maybe your dog has special needs and would not do well with another owner. Offer to write up a contract. You could provide a legal document promising to take care of any damages done by your dog. You and your landlord could both agree on the terms of the document. If the landlord sees you're willing to take responsibility and pay potential damages, he or she may be more willing to allow you to have a dog.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary --
Make sure you have the money to move fast. Watch out for your neighbors. Prepare to pay for damages upfront. Try to negotiate with your landlord instead.