Any thoughts on what type of plant tag/label will last the longest without needing re-writing?
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I have seen plastic, zinc, copper, and other aluminum ones. Some are written on, while others require punching or stamping. Some say use a permanent marker, others to use a grease pencil. For a long lasting identification use, will it require stamped metal tags/labels? Thanks for any thoughts and sharing any experience. I am thinking of labels that will last at least 10-15 years on specimen plant material.
8 answers
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There was a discussion of plant labels a few days ago, including engraving on metal and painting on glass. Either should last quite a while. Here is the conversation: http://www.hometalk.com/activity/143625
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3po3
on Mar 04, 2012
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Thanks Steve, I just posted the question on that discussion thread.
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Southern Trillium LLC
on Mar 04, 2012
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Thank you for the suggestions but this doesn't answer my question because the linked thread was for different types of tags, but not necessarily a long lasting label/tag.
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Southern Trillium LLC
on Mar 08, 2012
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As KMS said toward the bottom of that thread, the stamped metal tags should last forever. Not sure what you are looking for, if not that.
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3po3
on Mar 08, 2012
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I knew that stamping a metal tag will last indefinitely, but I just didn't know if there is any other tag/label that will provide a long life. Sitting down with a hammer and punch to create every tag would be very time consuming, but I know they will always be there. I guess I am also thinking of labels that will be easier for others to read as they walk by. I have heard people mention using grease pencils, or even laminated UV resistant labels, but didn't know just how long those might last. Hope this helps explain my question a little more.
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Southern Trillium LLC
on Mar 08, 2012
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Yes, thank you. Unfortunately, I don't know of any other long-lasting options that you haven't considered. Maybe somebody else will have some.
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3po3
on Mar 08, 2012
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What I have done is using Popsicle sticks I write on them with a permanent marker and then enclosing the whole thing in packing tape. the tape prevents the wood from rotting and keeps the writing bright. You could also use anything that you can write on and cover with tape. They need to be totally enclosed with the tape.
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Becky Broadhead
on Jun 29, 2015
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I have used lightweight aluminium drink cans and you can cut them into label size with kitchen scissors or secaturs then imprint the plant name with the point of an old pen to make an indent into the aluminium, pierce a hole in it and tie it to the plant or dig into the ground
![Carmen Evans]()
Carmen Evans
on Jan 25, 2016
Southern Trillium LLC
on Mar 04, 2012
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