Phenophase Questions

Hello everyone!

My name is Oskar Anderson and I'm the new Plant Specialist at the USA-NPN. Part of my work here is to review our observing protocols and plant phenophase definitions and make them more clear through additional resources and revisions. This forum thread is a place to bring any concerns, challenges, or questions that have come up in your observations. I’d love to hear about them!

For example:
Are there phenophase definitions that aren’t clear or don’t seem to match what you’re seeing in the field? 

In reviewing the Smugmug photo gallery, I noted that the library gallery for Lupinus texenis has "0" images on file.

Can anyone tell me if someone has been assigned to gather these images or is someone needed to gather photos using the Phenophase Photo Guide guidelines?  

I suspect this plant was added to the Nature's Notebook species list after last year's early spring flower and seeding phase of the Texas Bluebonnet.  

If someone is already assigned to gather the phenophase photos, I would like to connect with the person or persons gathering the photos.

I have had a request to observe and record Rose sawfly, however, it doesn't look like it is available in Nature's Notebook. Is there a way to request to have it be added?
I realize that Rose sawfly can be a number of different insects. Once spring arrives in Southeast Michigan, I will capture one and have it identified so I can request the species I need to observe and record.

I have a mature little leaf linden, Tilia cordata. I’m not entirely sure what phenophase is happening. It looks like there are fruit and new buds.
It’s a little hard to see in the pictures.
The fruit is starting to drop, but I’m not sure if it’s ripe.
How should this be reported?

Hi! Could anyone let me know if these would be considered flowers or open flowers? Species is rush-desert milkweed. Thanks

Would you report ripe fruit if the capsules have burst and white fluff is visible, or only if the seeds are actually beginning to disperse/float away?

How do we determine dormancy in the jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) flower buds?

I'm trying to figure out how to count fruits for the plant I'm tracking Gregg's mistflower, Conoclinium greggii. 

What counts as a fruit?