diff --git a/Dockerfile b/Dockerfile
index 59ce1ec..3742042 100644
--- a/Dockerfile
+++ b/Dockerfile
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ WORKDIR /app
 
 RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends \
     libpq-dev gcc \
+    tesseract-ocr tesseract-ocr-eng tesseract-ocr-nld \
     && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*
 
 COPY requirements.txt .
diff --git a/docker-compose.yml b/docker-compose.yml
index 3f37498..4665f4d 100644
--- a/docker-compose.yml
+++ b/docker-compose.yml
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ services:
     command: >
       sh -c "python manage.py migrate --noinput &&
              python manage.py collectstatic --noinput &&
-             gunicorn plantdb.wsgi:application --bind 0.0.0.0:8000 --workers 2"
+             gunicorn plantdb.wsgi:application --bind 0.0.0.0:8000 --workers 1"
     restart: unless-stopped
 
   nginx:
diff --git a/plants/migrations/0010_add_frost_density_to_species.py b/plants/migrations/0010_add_frost_density_to_species.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c0fabe5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plants/migrations/0010_add_frost_density_to_species.py
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+# Generated by Django 5.2.1 on 2026-05-29 12:55
+
+from django.db import migrations, models
+
+
+class Migration(migrations.Migration):
+
+    dependencies = [
+        ('plants', '0009_update_watering_sunlight_choices'),
+    ]
+
+    operations = [
+        migrations.AddField(
+            model_name='species',
+            name='frost_hardiness_c',
+            field=models.SmallIntegerField(blank=True, null=True),
+        ),
+        migrations.AddField(
+            model_name='species',
+            name='planting_density_m2',
+            field=models.PositiveSmallIntegerField(blank=True, null=True),
+        ),
+    ]
diff --git a/plants/services/card_ocr.py b/plants/services/card_ocr.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc6ace7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plants/services/card_ocr.py
@@ -0,0 +1,201 @@
+"""
+Extract structured plant data from card photos using Tesseract OCR.
+
+Designed for hellogarden.nl / Elburg & Smit style cards but the regex patterns
+are generic enough to handle most Dutch/international plant labels.
+"""
+import re
+from PIL import Image, ImageEnhance, ImageFilter
+
+from plants.services.vpc import _parse_months
+
+
+# Tesseract config: treat as a single block of text, best for card layouts
+_TESS_CONFIG = '--psm 6'
+_TESS_LANGS = 'nld+eng'
+
+
+def extract_from_card(image) -> dict:
+    """
+    Run OCR on a card image (path or PIL Image) and return extracted fields.
+
+    Returned dict keys: scientific_name, bloom_months, max_height_cm,
+    frost_hardiness_c, planting_density_m2, bee_attractant.
+    Values are None / [] / False when not found.
+    """
+    from PIL import ImageOps
+    if not isinstance(image, Image.Image):
+        image = Image.open(image)
+    image = ImageOps.exif_transpose(image)
+
+    text = _ocr_image(image)
+    return parse_card_text(text)
+
+
+def extract_plant_photo(image) -> Image.Image | None:
+    """
+    Crop just the plant photo from the front of a card.
+    Scans rows from the bottom upward to find where the dark banner ends,
+    then returns everything above that boundary.
+    Returns None if detection fails.
+    """
+    from PIL import ImageOps
+    if not isinstance(image, Image.Image):
+        image = Image.open(image)
+    image = ImageOps.exif_transpose(image)
+
+    w, h = image.size
+    gray = image.convert('L')
+
+    # Scan upward from the bottom half to find the first bright row
+    # (transition from dark banner to colourful plant photo)
+    boundary = None
+    for y in range(h - 1, h // 3, -1):
+        samples = [
+            gray.getpixel((x, y))
+            for x in range(w // 4, 3 * w // 4, max(1, w // 20))
+        ]
+        if samples and sum(samples) / len(samples) > 100:
+            boundary = y
+            break
+
+    if boundary is None or boundary < h // 4:
+        return None
+
+    return image.crop((0, 0, w, min(boundary + 20, h)))
+
+
+_OCR_MAX_WIDTH = 1200  # cap before upscaling — phone photos are 4K+
+
+
+def _ocr_image(img: Image.Image) -> str:
+    """Downscale, auto-rotate, upscale 2×, enhance contrast, run OCR."""
+    import pytesseract
+
+    max_side = max(img.width, img.height)
+    if max_side > _OCR_MAX_WIDTH:
+        scale = _OCR_MAX_WIDTH / max_side
+        img = img.resize((int(img.width * scale), int(img.height * scale)), Image.LANCZOS)
+
+    # Auto-detect orientation and rotate to upright
+    try:
+        osd = pytesseract.image_to_osd(img, config='--psm 0')
+        angle = int(re.search(r'Rotate: (\d+)', osd).group(1))
+        if angle:
+            img = img.rotate(angle, expand=True)
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+
+    img = img.resize((img.width * 2, img.height * 2), Image.LANCZOS)
+
+    def _run(image, cfg):
+        try:
+            return pytesseract.image_to_string(image, lang=_TESS_LANGS, config=cfg)
+        except Exception:
+            return pytesseract.image_to_string(image, config=cfg)
+
+    # Pass 1: color image, block mode — best for scientific name / structured text
+    color = ImageEnhance.Contrast(img).enhance(1.5)
+
+    # Pass 2: OpenCV CLAHE + adaptive threshold, sparse mode — best for data-strip values
+    import cv2
+    import numpy as np
+    arr = np.array(img.convert('L'))
+    clahe = cv2.createCLAHE(clipLimit=2.0, tileGridSize=(8, 8))
+    arr = clahe.apply(arr)
+    arr = cv2.adaptiveThreshold(arr, 255, cv2.ADAPTIVE_THRESH_GAUSSIAN_C,
+                                cv2.THRESH_BINARY, 31, 10)
+    binarized = Image.fromarray(arr)
+
+    return _run(color, '--psm 6') + '\n' + _run(binarized, '--psm 11')
+
+
+def parse_card_text(text: str) -> dict:
+    """
+    Parse raw OCR text into structured fields.
+    Exposed as a standalone function so it can be unit-tested without Tesseract.
+    """
+    result = {
+        'scientific_name': None,
+        'bloom_months': [],
+        'max_height_cm': None,
+        'frost_hardiness_c': None,
+        'planting_density_m2': None,
+        'bee_attractant': False,
+    }
+
+    # Scientific name strategy:
+    # 1. Look for genus in the plant passport section ("A Lupinus", "B NL-..." pattern).
+    #    This is the most reliable signal on Elburg & Smit cards.
+    # 2. Look for a cultivar in quotes anywhere in the text.
+    # 3. Fall back to scanning for a genus+species pair in sequence.
+
+    passport_match = re.search(r'(?:^|\s)A\s+([A-Z][a-z]{3,})(?:\s|$)', text, re.MULTILINE)
+    cultivar_match = re.search(r"['‘’ʼ]([A-Z][^'‘’ʼ\n]{2,30})['‘’ʼ]", text)
+
+    if passport_match:
+        genus = passport_match.group(1)
+        if cultivar_match:
+            result['scientific_name'] = f"{genus} '{cultivar_match.group(1).strip()}'"
+        else:
+            # Try to find species epithet on the line after the genus in the text body
+            genus_line_match = re.search(rf'^{genus}\s*$', text, re.MULTILINE)
+            if genus_line_match:
+                after = text[genus_line_match.end():].lstrip('\n')
+                epithet_line = after.splitlines()[0].strip() if after.splitlines() else ''
+                epithet_clean = re.sub(r'[^\w\s\'\-]', '', epithet_line).strip()
+                first_epithet_word = epithet_clean.split()[0] if epithet_clean.split() else ''
+                if re.match(r'^[a-z]{3,}$', first_epithet_word):
+                    result['scientific_name'] = f"{genus} {epithet_clean}"
+                else:
+                    result['scientific_name'] = genus
+            else:
+                result['scientific_name'] = genus
+    else:
+        # Fallback: scan lines for a strictly title-case genus word
+        name_lines = []
+        for line in text.splitlines():
+            line = re.sub(r'[^\w\s\'\-]', '', line).strip()
+            if not line:
+                continue
+            if not name_lines:
+                first_word = line.split()[0] if line.split() else ''
+                if re.match(r'^[A-Z][a-z]{4,}$', first_word) and not re.search(r'\d', line):
+                    name_lines.append(line)
+            else:
+                if re.match(r'^[A-Za-z]', line) and not re.search(r'\d', line) and len(line) < 40:
+                    name_lines.append(line)
+                break
+        if name_lines:
+            result['scientific_name'] = ' '.join(name_lines)
+
+    # Bloom months: Roman numeral range — OCR misreads 'I' as 'E'/'e'
+    roman = re.search(r'\b([IVXEe]{1,4}\s*[-–]\s*[IVXEe]{1,4})\b', text)
+    if roman:
+        normalized_roman = roman.group(1).replace(' ', '').upper().replace('E', 'I')
+        result['bloom_months'] = _parse_months(normalized_roman)
+
+    # Height: "120 cm" — OCR misreads: '0'→'o', '5'→'s'/'S'
+    height = re.search(r'([0-9soSO]{2,3})\s*cm', text, re.I)
+    if height:
+        h_str = height.group(1).lower().replace('s', '5').replace('o', '0')
+        if h_str.isdigit():
+            result['max_height_cm'] = int(h_str)
+
+    # Frost hardiness: "-20 °C" — OCR misreads: '-'→'„'/'=', '1'→'i'/'l'/'|', 'C'→'G'
+    frost = re.search(r'[-−„=]\s*([0-9il|]{1,3})\s*[o°]?\s*[CcGg]', text)
+    if frost:
+        f_str = frost.group(1).replace('i', '1').replace('l', '1').replace('|', '1')
+        if f_str.isdigit():
+            result['frost_hardiness_c'] = -int(f_str)
+
+    # Planting density: "7/m²" or "7/m2" or "7/m" (OCR often reads ² as ? or 2 or drops it)
+    density = re.search(r'(\d+)\s*/\s*m[²2?]?(?!\w)', text)
+    if density:
+        result['planting_density_m2'] = int(density.group(1))
+
+    # Bee attractant: Dutch, English, German keywords
+    if re.search(r'bijenlokker|attracts bees|bienen', text, re.I):
+        result['bee_attractant'] = True
+
+    return result
diff --git a/plants/services/card_processing.py b/plants/services/card_processing.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..696f2ec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plants/services/card_processing.py
@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+"""
+Card image processing: extract card shape from background and reduce dirt/noise.
+
+Uses OpenCV Otsu thresholding + morphological cleanup to isolate the card shape
+regardless of background colour. Works at reduced resolution for speed, then
+upscales the mask to apply to the original image.
+"""
+import io
+import numpy as np
+import cv2
+from PIL import Image, ImageFilter
+
+
+_PROCESS_SCALE = 0.25  # work at 25% resolution, upscale result
+_MIN_COVERAGE = 0.05   # fail if detected card covers < 5% of image
+
+
+def process_card_photo(pil_image: Image.Image) -> Image.Image:
+    """
+    Return the card isolated on a white background, lightly denoised.
+    Falls back silently to the original image if extraction fails.
+    """
+    try:
+        mask = _find_card_mask(pil_image)
+        if mask is None:
+            return pil_image
+
+        arr = np.array(pil_image.convert('RGB'))
+        white = np.full_like(arr, 255)
+        # mask is (H, W) bool → broadcast over RGB channels
+        result_arr = np.where(mask[:, :, np.newaxis], arr, white).astype(np.uint8)
+        result = Image.fromarray(result_arr)
+
+        # Mild median filter to soften dirt spots
+        result = result.filter(ImageFilter.MedianFilter(size=3))
+
+        # Crop to card bounding box
+        mask_img = Image.fromarray((mask * 255).astype(np.uint8))
+        bbox = mask_img.getbbox()
+        if bbox:
+            result = result.crop(bbox)
+
+        return result
+    except Exception:
+        return pil_image
+
+
+def _find_card_mask(pil_image: Image.Image) -> np.ndarray | None:
+    """
+    Return a boolean mask at original resolution covering the card, or None.
+    Uses Otsu threshold on the L channel of LAB colour space so it adapts
+    to any background brightness.
+    """
+    w, h = pil_image.size
+    small_w = max(int(w * _PROCESS_SCALE), 80)
+    small_h = max(int(h * _PROCESS_SCALE), 80)
+
+    # Resize for speed
+    small = pil_image.resize((small_w, small_h), Image.LANCZOS).convert('RGB')
+    bgr = cv2.cvtColor(np.array(small), cv2.COLOR_RGB2BGR)
+
+    # L channel of LAB is perceptually uniform luminance
+    lab = cv2.cvtColor(bgr, cv2.COLOR_BGR2LAB)
+    L = lab[:, :, 0]
+
+    # Otsu threshold: automatically finds the best separation
+    _, mask = cv2.threshold(L, 0, 255, cv2.THRESH_BINARY + cv2.THRESH_OTSU)
+    mask = mask.astype(bool)
+
+    coverage = mask.mean()
+    if not (_MIN_COVERAGE < coverage < (1 - _MIN_COVERAGE)):
+        return None
+
+    # Morphological cleanup: open removes isolated specks, close fills gaps
+    kernel_open = cv2.getStructuringElement(cv2.MORPH_ELLIPSE, (5, 5))
+    kernel_close = cv2.getStructuringElement(cv2.MORPH_ELLIPSE, (11, 11))
+    m = mask.astype(np.uint8) * 255
+    m = cv2.morphologyEx(m, cv2.MORPH_OPEN, kernel_open)
+    m = cv2.morphologyEx(m, cv2.MORPH_CLOSE, kernel_close)
+
+    # Keep only the largest connected component (the card itself)
+    n_labels, labels, stats, _ = cv2.connectedComponentsWithStats(m, connectivity=8)
+    if n_labels <= 1:
+        return None
+    # stats[0] is background; find largest foreground component
+    largest = 1 + np.argmax(stats[1:, cv2.CC_STAT_AREA])
+    m = ((labels == largest) * 255).astype(np.uint8)
+
+    # Slight dilation to recover edges lost during thresholding
+    kernel_dilate = cv2.getStructuringElement(cv2.MORPH_ELLIPSE, (5, 5))
+    m = cv2.dilate(m, kernel_dilate)
+
+    # Upscale mask to original resolution
+    mask_full = cv2.resize(m, (w, h), interpolation=cv2.INTER_NEAREST)
+    return mask_full > 127
diff --git a/plants/services/vpc.py b/plants/services/vpc.py
index 1ebd2c0..0aee83f 100644
--- a/plants/services/vpc.py
+++ b/plants/services/vpc.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 """
 Scraper for vasteplantencatalogus.nl (VPC).
-- search_species(query) → list of lightweight result dicts
-- scrape_plant(slug)    → full detail dict ready to store as Species
+- search_species(query) -> list of lightweight result dicts
+- scrape_plant(slug)    -> full detail dict ready to store as Species
 
 Notes on VPC data:
 - Plant titles ARE the Latin names (no separate common name)
@@ -29,6 +29,14 @@ _ROMAN_MAP = {
     'IX': 9, 'IV': 4, 'III': 3, 'II': 2, 'X': 10, 'V': 5, 'I': 1,
 }
 
+# VPC uses curly/smart quotes around cultivar names in product titles.
+# Straight apostrophe + left/right single quotation marks + modifier apostrophe.
+_QUOTE_CHARS = "'" + chr(0x2018) + chr(0x2019) + chr(0x02bc)
+_Q = '[' + re.escape(_QUOTE_CHARS) + ']'
+_NQ = '[^' + re.escape(_QUOTE_CHARS) + ']'
+_CULTIVAR_RE = re.compile(_Q + '(' + _NQ + '+)' + _Q)
+_CULTIVAR_STRIP_RE = re.compile(r'\s*' + _Q + _NQ + '+' + _Q)
+
 
 class VPCError(Exception):
     pass
@@ -90,6 +98,13 @@ def slug_from_query(query):
     return ''
 
 
+_STRIP_QUOTES_RE = re.compile('[' + re.escape(_QUOTE_CHARS) + ']')
+
+
+def _strip_quotes(text):
+    return _STRIP_QUOTES_RE.sub('', text)
+
+
 def search_species(query):
     """
     Search VPC and return up to 8 result dicts:
@@ -98,10 +113,17 @@ def search_species(query):
     On VPC, the title IS the Latin name so both name fields are set to it.
     Raises VPCError on network failure.
     """
+    # VPC's WordPress search breaks on multi-word and quoted queries.
+    # Strategy: search with only the first word (genus), then filter
+    # client-side so all query words appear in the result title.
+    # Quote chars are stripped from both query and titles before matching.
+    words = _strip_quotes(query).split()
+    vpc_query = words[0] if words else query
+
     try:
         resp = requests.get(
-            f'{_BASE}/',
-            params={'s': query, 'post_type': 'product'},
+            _BASE + '/',
+            params={'s': vpc_query, 'post_type': 'product'},
             timeout=_TIMEOUT,
             headers=_HEADERS,
         )
@@ -109,7 +131,7 @@ def search_species(query):
     except requests.Timeout:
         raise VPCError('VPC timed out.')
     except Exception as e:
-        raise VPCError(f'VPC unreachable: {e}')
+        raise VPCError('VPC unreachable: ' + str(e))
 
     soup = BeautifulSoup(resp.text, 'html.parser')
     seen_slugs = set()
@@ -139,6 +161,15 @@ def search_species(query):
         if len(results) >= 8:
             break
 
+    if len(words) > 1:
+        words_lower = [w.lower() for w in words]
+        filtered = [
+            r for r in results
+            if all(w in _strip_quotes(r['common_name']).lower() for w in words_lower)
+        ]
+        if filtered:
+            return filtered
+
     return results
 
 
@@ -150,14 +181,14 @@ def scrape_plant(slug):
 
     Raises VPCError on failure.
     """
-    url = f'{_BASE}/soorten/{slug}/'
+    url = _BASE + '/soorten/' + slug + '/'
     try:
         resp = requests.get(url, timeout=_TIMEOUT, headers=_HEADERS)
         resp.raise_for_status()
     except requests.Timeout:
         raise VPCError('VPC timed out while fetching plant page.')
     except Exception as e:
-        raise VPCError(f'Could not fetch plant page: {e}')
+        raise VPCError('Could not fetch plant page: ' + str(e))
 
     soup = BeautifulSoup(resp.text, 'html.parser')
 
@@ -165,7 +196,7 @@ def scrape_plant(slug):
     h1 = soup.find('h1')
     name = h1.get_text(strip=True) if h1 else slug.replace('-', ' ').title()
 
-    # Hero image — VPC wraps the plant photo in a .wp-caption figure
+    # Hero image -- VPC wraps the plant photo in a .wp-caption figure
     hero_img = ''
     for sel in ['.wp-caption img', 'figure img', '.elementor-widget-image img']:
         img = soup.select_one(sel)
@@ -204,7 +235,15 @@ def scrape_plant(slug):
             except (AttributeError, ValueError):
                 pass
         elif label == 'Standplaats':
-            result['sunlight'] = value
+            v = value.lower()
+            if 'halfschaduw' in v or 'half' in v or 'part' in v:
+                result['sunlight'] = 'part_sun'
+            elif 'schaduw' in v or 'shade' in v:
+                result['sunlight'] = 'full_shade'
+            elif 'zon' in v or 'sun' in v:
+                result['sunlight'] = 'full_sun'
+            else:
+                result['sunlight'] = value
         elif label in ('Groeisnelheid', 'Groeivorm'):
             result['growth_rate'] = value
 
diff --git a/plants/templates/plants/base.html b/plants/templates/plants/base.html
index 4d6608c..a425f10 100644
--- a/plants/templates/plants/base.html
+++ b/plants/templates/plants/base.html
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@
         <a class="navbar-brand fw-bold" href="{% url 'dashboard' %}">🌿 PlantDB</a>
         <div class="d-flex gap-2">
             <a href="{% url 'plant_list' %}" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-light">Plants</a>
+            <a href="{% url 'add_plant_from_scan' %}" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-light" title="Add plant by card scan">📷</a>
             <a href="{% url 'plant_add' %}" class="btn btn-sm btn-light fw-bold">+</a>
         </div>
     </nav>
diff --git a/plants/templates/plants/crop_thumbnail.html b/plants/templates/plants/crop_thumbnail.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9a2b0f4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plants/templates/plants/crop_thumbnail.html
@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+{% extends "plants/base.html" %}
+{% block title %}Crop thumbnail — {{ plant.name }}{% endblock %}
+{% block content %}
+
+<div class="d-flex align-items-center gap-2 mb-3">
+    <a href="{% url 'plant_detail' plant.pk %}" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary">←</a>
+    <h5 class="mb-0">Crop thumbnail — {{ plant.name }}</h5>
+</div>
+
+<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/cropperjs/1.6.2/cropper.min.css">
+
+{% if card_photos|length > 1 %}
+<div class="d-flex gap-2 mb-3">
+    {% for photo in card_photos %}
+    <img src="{{ photo.image.url }}" width="60" height="60"
+         class="rounded card-source-thumb {% if forloop.first %}border border-success border-2{% endif %}"
+         style="object-fit:cover;cursor:pointer;"
+         data-url="{{ photo.image.url }}"
+         onclick="switchSource(this)">
+    {% endfor %}
+</div>
+{% endif %}
+
+<div style="max-height:60vh;overflow:hidden;background:#111;border-radius:8px;" class="mb-3">
+    <img id="crop-image" src="{{ card_photos.0.image.url }}"
+         style="display:block;max-width:100%;max-height:60vh;">
+</div>
+
+<form method="post" id="crop-form">
+    {% csrf_token %}
+    <input type="hidden" name="x" id="f-x">
+    <input type="hidden" name="y" id="f-y">
+    <input type="hidden" name="width" id="f-w">
+    <input type="hidden" name="height" id="f-h">
+    <input type="hidden" name="natural_width" id="f-nw">
+    <input type="hidden" name="natural_height" id="f-nh">
+    <input type="hidden" name="source_url" id="f-src" value="{{ card_photos.0.image.url }}">
+    <button type="submit" class="btn btn-success w-100">Save as thumbnail</button>
+</form>
+
+<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/cropperjs/1.6.2/cropper.min.js"></script>
+<script>
+let cropper;
+
+function initCropper(img) {
+    if (cropper) cropper.destroy();
+    cropper = new Cropper(img, {
+        viewMode: 1,
+        dragMode: 'move',
+        autoCropArea: 0.7,
+        restore: false,
+        guides: true,
+        center: true,
+        highlight: false,
+        cropBoxMovable: true,
+        cropBoxResizable: true,
+        toggleDragModeOnDblclick: false,
+    });
+}
+
+initCropper(document.getElementById('crop-image'));
+
+function switchSource(thumb) {
+    document.querySelectorAll('.card-source-thumb').forEach(t => {
+        t.classList.remove('border', 'border-success', 'border-2');
+    });
+    thumb.classList.add('border', 'border-success', 'border-2');
+    const img = document.getElementById('crop-image');
+    img.src = thumb.dataset.url;
+    document.getElementById('f-src').value = thumb.dataset.url;
+    img.onload = () => initCropper(img);
+}
+
+document.getElementById('crop-form').addEventListener('submit', function(e) {
+    const data = cropper.getData(true);
+    const imgData = cropper.getImageData();
+    document.getElementById('f-x').value = data.x;
+    document.getElementById('f-y').value = data.y;
+    document.getElementById('f-w').value = data.width;
+    document.getElementById('f-h').value = data.height;
+    document.getElementById('f-nw').value = imgData.naturalWidth;
+    document.getElementById('f-nh').value = imgData.naturalHeight;
+});
+</script>
+
+{% endblock %}
diff --git a/plants/templates/plants/partials/card_gallery.html b/plants/templates/plants/partials/card_gallery.html
index 940f912..92dbaa0 100644
--- a/plants/templates/plants/partials/card_gallery.html
+++ b/plants/templates/plants/partials/card_gallery.html
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<div class="mb-3">
+<div id="card-gallery" class="mb-3">
     {% with card_photos=plant.card_photos.all %}
     {% if card_photos %}
     <div class="d-flex flex-wrap gap-2 mb-2">
@@ -23,15 +23,15 @@
     {% if card_photos|length < 3 %}
     <form method="post" action="{% url 'upload_card_photo' plant.pk %}" enctype="multipart/form-data"
           hx-post="{% url 'upload_card_photo' plant.pk %}" hx-target="#card-gallery" hx-swap="outerHTML"
-          hx-encoding="multipart/form-data">
+          hx-encoding="multipart/form-data" id="card-upload-form">
         {% csrf_token %}
-        <div class="d-flex gap-2 align-items-center">
-            <input type="file" name="image" accept="image/*" capture="environment"
-                   class="form-control form-control-sm" style="max-width:220px;">
-            <button type="submit" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary">Upload</button>
-        </div>
+        <label class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary">
+            📷 Add card photo
+            <input type="file" name="image" accept="image/*" class="d-none"
+                   onchange="document.getElementById('card-upload-form').requestSubmit()">
+        </label>
     </form>
-    <small class="text-muted">Up to 3 photos — front &amp; back of the label</small>
+    <small class="text-muted d-block mt-1">Up to 3 photos — front &amp; back of the label</small>
     {% endif %}
     {% endwith %}
 </div>
diff --git a/plants/templates/plants/partials/plant_list_results.html b/plants/templates/plants/partials/plant_list_results.html
index 4caa2a9..f6c84d2 100644
--- a/plants/templates/plants/partials/plant_list_results.html
+++ b/plants/templates/plants/partials/plant_list_results.html
@@ -2,10 +2,10 @@
 <a href="{% url 'plant_detail' plant.pk %}" class="text-decoration-none">
     <div class="card mb-2">
         <div class="card-body d-flex align-items-center gap-3 py-2">
-            {% if plant.photo %}
-            <img src="{{ plant.photo.url }}" width="48" height="48" class="rounded" style="object-fit:cover; flex-shrink:0;">
-            {% elif plant.species and plant.species.api_image_url %}
+            {% if plant.species and plant.species.api_image_url %}
             <img src="{{ plant.species.api_image_url }}" width="48" height="48" class="rounded" style="object-fit:cover; flex-shrink:0;">
+            {% elif plant.thumbnail_url %}
+            <img src="{{ plant.thumbnail_url }}" width="48" height="48" class="rounded" style="object-fit:cover; flex-shrink:0;">
             {% else %}
             <div style="width:48px; height:48px; background:#d8f3dc; border-radius:.375rem; flex-shrink:0; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;">🌿</div>
             {% endif %}
diff --git a/plants/templates/plants/plant_card.html b/plants/templates/plants/plant_card.html
index 3a97e4e..b1e973c 100644
--- a/plants/templates/plants/plant_card.html
+++ b/plants/templates/plants/plant_card.html
@@ -7,8 +7,19 @@
     <h5 class="mb-0">Plant card</h5>
 </div>
 
-<div id="card-gallery">
-    {% include "plants/partials/card_gallery.html" %}
+{% include "plants/partials/card_gallery.html" %}
+
+{% if plant.card_photos.all %}
+<div class="mt-3">
+    <a href="{% url 'extract_card_data' plant.pk %}" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-success"
+       onclick="document.getElementById('scan-spinner').style.display='flex'">
+        🔍 Extract data from card
+    </a>
 </div>
+<div id="scan-spinner" style="display:none; position:fixed; top:0; left:0; width:100%; height:100%; background:rgba(255,255,255,0.88); z-index:9999; align-items:center; justify-content:center; flex-direction:column; gap:12px;">
+    <div class="spinner-border text-success" role="status"><span class="visually-hidden">Loading…</span></div>
+    <p class="text-muted small mb-0">Scanning card…</p>
+</div>
+{% endif %}
 
 {% endblock %}
diff --git a/plants/templates/plants/plant_card_extract.html b/plants/templates/plants/plant_card_extract.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0b74955
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plants/templates/plants/plant_card_extract.html
@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+{% extends "plants/base.html" %}
+{% load plant_extras %}
+{% block title %}Extract card data — {{ plant.name }} — PlantDB{% endblock %}
+{% block content %}
+
+<div class="d-flex align-items-center gap-2 mb-3">
+    <a href="{% url 'plant_card' plant.pk %}" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary">← Card</a>
+    <h5 class="mb-0">Extract from card</h5>
+</div>
+
+<p class="text-muted small mb-3">Review the data extracted from your card photos. Correct anything that looks off, then save.</p>
+
+<form method="post" action="{% url 'extract_card_data' plant.pk %}">
+    {% csrf_token %}
+
+    <div class="mb-3">
+        <label class="form-label fw-semibold">Scientific name</label>
+        <input type="text" name="scientific_name" class="form-control"
+               value="{{ extracted.scientific_name|default:'' }}">
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="mb-3">
+        <label class="form-label fw-semibold">Bloom months</label>
+        <div class="month-toggle-group">
+            {% for val, label in month_choices %}
+            <div class="month-toggle">
+                <input type="checkbox" id="month_{{ val }}" name="bloom_months" value="{{ val }}"
+                       {% if val in extracted.bloom_months %}checked{% endif %}>
+                <label for="month_{{ val }}">{{ label|slice:":1" }}</label>
+            </div>
+            {% endfor %}
+        </div>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="row g-2 mb-3">
+        <div class="col-6">
+            <label class="form-label fw-semibold">Height (cm)</label>
+            <input type="number" name="max_height_cm" class="form-control"
+                   value="{{ extracted.max_height_cm|default:'' }}">
+        </div>
+        <div class="col-6">
+            <label class="form-label fw-semibold">Frost hardiness (°C)</label>
+            <input type="number" name="frost_hardiness_c" class="form-control"
+                   value="{{ extracted.frost_hardiness_c|default:'' }}">
+        </div>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="mb-3">
+        <label class="form-label fw-semibold">Planting density (per m²)</label>
+        <input type="number" name="planting_density_m2" class="form-control" style="max-width:140px;"
+               value="{{ extracted.planting_density_m2|default:'' }}">
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="mb-3">
+        <label class="form-label fw-semibold">Sunlight <small class="text-muted fw-normal">(select manually — icons can't be read)</small></label>
+        <div class="d-flex flex-wrap gap-2">
+            {% for val, label in sunlight_choices %}
+            <div>
+                <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="sunlight"
+                       id="sunlight_{{ val|default:'none' }}" value="{{ val }}"
+                       autocomplete="off"
+                       {% if plant.species.sunlight == val %}checked{% endif %}>
+                <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary btn-sm" for="sunlight_{{ val|default:'none' }}">{{ label }}</label>
+            </div>
+            {% endfor %}
+        </div>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="mb-3 form-check">
+        <input type="checkbox" class="form-check-input" id="bee_attractant" name="bee_attractant"
+               {% if extracted.bee_attractant %}checked{% endif %} disabled>
+        <label class="form-check-label" for="bee_attractant">🐝 Bee attractant (detected from card)</label>
+    </div>
+
+    {% if plant_photo_preview_url %}
+    <div class="mb-3">
+        <img src="{{ plant_photo_preview_url }}" class="rounded mb-2"
+             style="max-width:100%; max-height:260px; object-fit:contain; display:block;">
+        <div class="form-check">
+            <input type="checkbox" class="form-check-input" id="save_plant_photo" name="save_plant_photo" value="1" checked>
+            <label class="form-check-label" for="save_plant_photo">
+                📷 Add this photo to gallery
+            </label>
+        </div>
+    </div>
+    {% endif %}
+
+    <div class="d-grid gap-2">
+        <button type="submit" class="btn btn-success">Save to species</button>
+        <a href="{% url 'plant_card' plant.pk %}" class="btn btn-outline-secondary">Cancel</a>
+    </div>
+</form>
+{% endblock %}
diff --git a/plants/templates/plants/plant_detail.html b/plants/templates/plants/plant_detail.html
index d60277c..68dc3c9 100644
--- a/plants/templates/plants/plant_detail.html
+++ b/plants/templates/plants/plant_detail.html
@@ -8,10 +8,10 @@
     <a href="{% url 'plant_edit' plant.pk %}" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary">✏️</a>
 </div>
 
-{% if plant.thumbnail_url %}
-<img src="{{ plant.thumbnail_url }}" class="plant-hero rounded mb-3" alt="{{ plant.name }}">
-{% elif plant.species and plant.species.api_image_url %}
+{% if plant.species and plant.species.api_image_url %}
 <img src="{{ plant.species.api_image_url }}" class="plant-hero rounded mb-3" alt="{{ plant.species.common_name }}">
+{% elif plant.thumbnail_url %}
+<img src="{{ plant.thumbnail_url }}" class="plant-hero rounded mb-3" alt="{{ plant.name }}">
 {% else %}
 <div class="plant-hero-placeholder rounded mb-3">🌿</div>
 {% endif %}
@@ -43,6 +43,12 @@
     {% if plant.species.max_height_cm %}
     <span class="care-chip" style="background:#f3e5f5; color:#4a148c;">📏 up to {{ plant.species.max_height_cm }} cm</span>
     {% endif %}
+    {% if plant.species.frost_hardiness_c is not None %}
+    <span class="care-chip" style="background:#e3f2fd; color:#0d47a1;">❄️ {{ plant.species.frost_hardiness_c }}°C</span>
+    {% endif %}
+    {% if plant.species.planting_density_m2 %}
+    <span class="care-chip" style="background:#f9fbe7; color:#558b2f;">🌿 {{ plant.species.planting_density_m2 }}/m²</span>
+    {% endif %}
     {% if plant.species.growth_rate %}
     <span class="care-chip" style="background:#e8f5e9; color:#1b5e20;">🌱 {{ plant.species.growth_rate }}</span>
     {% endif %}
@@ -81,8 +87,9 @@
     {% include "plants/partials/photo_gallery.html" %}
 </div>
 
+<a href="{% url 'plant_card' plant.pk %}" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary mb-2">🪧 Plant card</a>
 {% if plant.card_photos.all %}
-<a href="{% url 'plant_card' plant.pk %}" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary mb-2">🪧 View plant card</a>
+<a href="{% url 'crop_thumbnail' plant.pk %}" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary mb-2">✂️ Crop thumbnail</a>
 {% endif %}
 
 <a href="{% url 'plant_delete' plant.pk %}" class="btn btn-outline-danger btn-sm mt-2">Delete plant</a>
diff --git a/plants/templates/plants/plant_scan_new.html b/plants/templates/plants/plant_scan_new.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c62cf44
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plants/templates/plants/plant_scan_new.html
@@ -0,0 +1,213 @@
+{% extends "plants/base.html" %}
+{% block title %}Add plant from card — PlantDB{% endblock %}
+{% block content %}
+
+<div class="d-flex align-items-center gap-2 mb-3">
+    <a href="{% url 'plant_list' %}" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary">←</a>
+    <h5 class="mb-0">Add plant from card</h5>
+</div>
+
+{% if step == 'upload' %}
+
+<p class="text-muted small mb-3">
+    Take a photo of the front and back of the plant card, then tap Scan.
+</p>
+
+{% if error %}
+<div class="alert alert-warning py-2 small">{{ error }}</div>
+{% endif %}
+
+<form method="post" enctype="multipart/form-data" action="{% url 'add_plant_from_scan' %}"
+      id="scan-form">
+    {% csrf_token %}
+    <input type="file" name="images" accept="image/*" class="d-none" id="file-picker">
+    <div class="mb-3">
+        <div id="preview-thumbs" class="d-flex flex-wrap gap-2 mb-2"></div>
+        <label id="add-photo-btn" class="btn btn-outline-secondary w-100 py-3" for="file-picker">
+            📷 Add card photo <span id="photo-count" class="text-muted small"></span>
+        </label>
+    </div>
+    <button type="submit" class="btn btn-success w-100" id="scan-btn" disabled>
+        🔍 Scan card
+    </button>
+</form>
+
+<div id="scan-spinner" style="display:none; position:fixed; top:0; left:0; width:100%; height:100%; background:rgba(255,255,255,0.88); z-index:9999; align-items:center; justify-content:center; flex-direction:column; gap:12px;">
+    <div class="spinner-border text-success" role="status"><span class="visually-hidden">Loading…</span></div>
+    <p class="text-muted small mb-0">Scanning card…</p>
+</div>
+
+<script>
+const selected = [];
+const picker = document.getElementById('file-picker');
+
+picker.addEventListener('change', function () {
+    if (!this.files[0] || selected.length >= 3) return;
+    selected.push(this.files[0]);
+    this.value = '';
+    render();
+});
+
+function render() {
+    const thumbs = document.getElementById('preview-thumbs');
+    thumbs.innerHTML = '';
+    selected.forEach((file, i) => {
+        const wrap = document.createElement('div');
+        wrap.style.position = 'relative';
+        const img = document.createElement('img');
+        img.src = URL.createObjectURL(file);
+        img.style.cssText = 'width:80px;height:80px;object-fit:cover;border-radius:6px;';
+        const btn = document.createElement('button');
+        btn.type = 'button';
+        btn.textContent = '✕';
+        btn.style.cssText = 'position:absolute;top:2px;right:2px;background:rgba(0,0,0,.5);color:#fff;border:none;border-radius:50%;width:20px;height:20px;font-size:10px;cursor:pointer;padding:0;';
+        btn.onclick = () => { selected.splice(i, 1); render(); };
+        wrap.appendChild(img); wrap.appendChild(btn);
+        thumbs.appendChild(wrap);
+    });
+    document.getElementById('photo-count').textContent = selected.length ? `(${selected.length}/3)` : '';
+    document.getElementById('add-photo-btn').style.display = selected.length >= 3 ? 'none' : '';
+    document.getElementById('scan-btn').disabled = selected.length === 0;
+}
+
+document.getElementById('scan-form').addEventListener('submit', function (e) {
+    if (selected.length === 0) { e.preventDefault(); return; }
+    const dt = new DataTransfer();
+    selected.forEach(f => dt.items.add(f));
+    picker.files = dt.files;
+    document.getElementById('scan-spinner').style.display = 'flex';
+});
+</script>
+
+{% else %}
+
+<p class="text-muted small mb-3">Review the scanned data, fill in the plant name, then save.</p>
+
+<form method="post" action="{% url 'add_plant_from_scan' %}">
+    {% csrf_token %}
+    <input type="hidden" name="step" value="confirm">
+    <input type="hidden" name="scan_id" value="{{ scan_id }}">
+
+    <input type="hidden" name="vpc_slug" id="vpc_slug_input" value="">
+
+    {% if vpc_results %}
+    <div class="mb-3">
+        <label class="form-label fw-semibold">VPC match <small class="text-muted fw-normal">tap to use enriched data</small></label>
+        <div class="d-flex flex-column gap-2" id="vpc-results">
+            {% for r in vpc_results %}
+            <div class="vpc-option d-flex align-items-center gap-2 p-2 border rounded" style="cursor:pointer;"
+                 data-slug="{{ r.slug }}" onclick="selectVpc(this)">
+                {% if r.thumbnail_url %}
+                <img src="{{ r.thumbnail_url }}" width="48" height="48" style="object-fit:cover;border-radius:4px;" alt="">
+                {% endif %}
+                <div class="flex-grow-1 small">
+                    <div class="fw-semibold">{{ r.common_name }}</div>
+                </div>
+                <span class="vpc-check text-success fw-bold" style="display:none;">✓</span>
+            </div>
+            {% endfor %}
+            <div class="vpc-option d-flex align-items-center gap-2 p-2 border rounded text-muted small"
+                 style="cursor:pointer;" data-slug="" onclick="selectVpc(this)">
+                <div class="flex-grow-1">Skip — use scan data only</div>
+                <span class="vpc-check text-success fw-bold" style="display:none;">✓</span>
+            </div>
+        </div>
+    </div>
+    <script>
+    function selectVpc(el) {
+        document.querySelectorAll('.vpc-option').forEach(o => {
+            o.classList.remove('border-success');
+            o.querySelector('.vpc-check').style.display = 'none';
+        });
+        el.classList.add('border-success');
+        el.querySelector('.vpc-check').style.display = '';
+        document.getElementById('vpc_slug_input').value = el.dataset.slug;
+    }
+    // Pre-select first result
+    const first = document.querySelector('.vpc-option');
+    if (first) selectVpc(first);
+    </script>
+    {% endif %}
+
+    <div class="mb-3">
+        <label class="form-label fw-semibold">Plant name <span class="text-danger">*</span></label>
+        <input type="text" name="name" class="form-control" value="{{ suggested_name }}"
+               placeholder="e.g. Liatris" required autofocus>
+        <small class="text-muted">How you want to refer to this plant in your collection</small>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="mb-3">
+        <label class="form-label fw-semibold">Scientific name</label>
+        <input type="text" name="scientific_name" class="form-control"
+               value="{{ extracted.scientific_name|default:'' }}">
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="mb-3">
+        <label class="form-label fw-semibold">Bloom months</label>
+        <div class="month-toggle-group">
+            {% for val, label in month_choices %}
+            <div class="month-toggle">
+                <input type="checkbox" id="month_{{ val }}" name="bloom_months" value="{{ val }}"
+                       {% if val in extracted.bloom_months %}checked{% endif %}>
+                <label for="month_{{ val }}">{{ label|slice:":1" }}</label>
+            </div>
+            {% endfor %}
+        </div>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="row g-2 mb-3">
+        <div class="col-6">
+            <label class="form-label fw-semibold">Height (cm)</label>
+            <input type="number" name="max_height_cm" class="form-control"
+                   value="{{ extracted.max_height_cm|default:'' }}">
+        </div>
+        <div class="col-6">
+            <label class="form-label fw-semibold">Frost hardiness (°C)</label>
+            <input type="number" name="frost_hardiness_c" class="form-control"
+                   value="{{ extracted.frost_hardiness_c|default:'' }}">
+        </div>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="mb-3">
+        <label class="form-label fw-semibold">Planting density (per m²)</label>
+        <input type="number" name="planting_density_m2" class="form-control" style="max-width:140px;"
+               value="{{ extracted.planting_density_m2|default:'' }}">
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="mb-3">
+        <label class="form-label fw-semibold">Sunlight <small class="text-muted fw-normal">(select manually)</small></label>
+        <div class="d-flex flex-wrap gap-2">
+            {% for val, label in sunlight_choices %}
+            <div>
+                <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="sunlight"
+                       id="sunlight_{{ val|default:'none' }}" value="{{ val }}"
+                       autocomplete="off">
+                <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary btn-sm" for="sunlight_{{ val|default:'none' }}">{{ label }}</label>
+            </div>
+            {% endfor %}
+        </div>
+    </div>
+
+    {% if plant_photo_preview_url %}
+    <div class="mb-3">
+        <img src="{{ plant_photo_preview_url }}" class="rounded mb-2"
+             style="max-width:100%; max-height:260px; object-fit:contain; display:block;">
+        <div class="form-check">
+            <input type="checkbox" class="form-check-input" id="save_plant_photo"
+                   name="save_plant_photo" value="1" checked>
+            <label class="form-check-label" for="save_plant_photo">
+                📷 Add this photo to gallery
+            </label>
+        </div>
+    </div>
+    {% endif %}
+
+    <div class="d-grid gap-2">
+        <button type="submit" class="btn btn-success">Save plant</button>
+        <a href="{% url 'add_plant_from_scan' %}" class="btn btn-outline-secondary">Start over</a>
+    </div>
+</form>
+
+{% endif %}
+
+{% endblock %}
diff --git a/plants/tests/test_card_ocr.py b/plants/tests/test_card_ocr.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f0a5e37
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plants/tests/test_card_ocr.py
@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+from plants.services.card_ocr import parse_card_text
+
+# Simulated OCR output matching the Veronicastrum card back
+_SAMPLE_TEXT = """
+ELBURG SMIT
+G1L-901126
+
+Veronicastrum
+virg. 'Red Arrows'
+
+Virginische Ereprijs, Kandelaber-Ehrenpreis,
+Culver's root, Grande veronique, Kransveronika
+
+VII-VIII
+
+7/m2           120 cm
+
+-20 oC
+
+Bijenlokker
+Plant that attracts bees
+"""
+
+
+def test_scientific_name():
+    result = parse_card_text(_SAMPLE_TEXT)
+    assert result['scientific_name'] is not None
+    assert 'Veronicastrum' in result['scientific_name']
+
+
+def test_bloom_months():
+    result = parse_card_text(_SAMPLE_TEXT)
+    assert result['bloom_months'] == [7, 8]
+
+
+def test_height():
+    result = parse_card_text(_SAMPLE_TEXT)
+    assert result['max_height_cm'] == 120
+
+
+def test_frost_hardiness():
+    result = parse_card_text(_SAMPLE_TEXT)
+    assert result['frost_hardiness_c'] == -20
+
+
+def test_planting_density():
+    result = parse_card_text(_SAMPLE_TEXT)
+    assert result['planting_density_m2'] == 7
+
+
+def test_bee_attractant():
+    result = parse_card_text(_SAMPLE_TEXT)
+    assert result['bee_attractant'] is True
+
+
+def test_empty_text():
+    result = parse_card_text('')
+    assert result['scientific_name'] is None
+    assert result['bloom_months'] == []
+    assert result['max_height_cm'] is None
+    assert result['frost_hardiness_c'] is None
+    assert result['planting_density_m2'] is None
+    assert result['bee_attractant'] is False
diff --git a/plants/urls.py b/plants/urls.py
index b9b0020..2dfdcc1 100644
--- a/plants/urls.py
+++ b/plants/urls.py
@@ -5,10 +5,13 @@ urlpatterns = [
     path('', dashboard.dashboard, name='dashboard'),
     path('plants/', plants.plant_list, name='plant_list'),
     path('plants/add/', plants.plant_add, name='plant_add'),
+    path('plants/scan/', plants.add_plant_from_scan, name='add_plant_from_scan'),
     path('plants/<int:pk>/', plants.plant_detail, name='plant_detail'),
     path('plants/<int:pk>/edit/', plants.plant_edit, name='plant_edit'),
     path('plants/<int:pk>/delete/', plants.plant_delete, name='plant_delete'),
     path('plants/<int:pk>/card/', plants.plant_card, name='plant_card'),
+    path('plants/<int:pk>/crop-thumbnail/', plants.crop_thumbnail, name='crop_thumbnail'),
+    path('plants/<int:pk>/card/extract/', plants.extract_card_data, name='extract_card_data'),
     path('plants/<int:pk>/log-pruning/', plants.log_pruning, name='log_pruning'),
     path('plants/<int:pk>/upload-photo/', plants.upload_photo, name='upload_photo'),
     path('plants/<int:pk>/card-photos/upload/', plants.upload_card_photo, name='upload_card_photo'),
diff --git a/plants/views/plants.py b/plants/views/plants.py
index c5d0131..d07d3ac 100644
--- a/plants/views/plants.py
+++ b/plants/views/plants.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ from plants.utils.pruning import pruning_status
 
 
 def plant_list(request):
-    qs = Plant.objects.select_related('species', 'location').all()
+    qs = Plant.objects.select_related('species', 'location').prefetch_related('photos').all()
     q = request.GET.get('q', '')
     indoor_filter = request.GET.get('filter', '')
 
@@ -131,6 +131,25 @@ def upload_card_photo(request, pk):
     return render(request, 'plants/partials/card_gallery.html', {'plant': plant})
 
 
+def _process_card_photo_async(card_photo):
+    """Apply card shape extraction + denoising to the uploaded image in-place."""
+    try:
+        from plants.services.card_processing import process_card_photo
+        from PIL import Image
+        import io
+        from django.core.files.base import ContentFile
+
+        original = Image.open(card_photo.image.path).convert('RGB')
+        processed = process_card_photo(original)
+
+        buf = io.BytesIO()
+        processed.save(buf, format='JPEG', quality=88)
+        filename = card_photo.image.name.split('/')[-1]
+        card_photo.image.save(filename, ContentFile(buf.getvalue()), save=True)
+    except Exception:
+        pass  # silently keep the original if processing fails
+
+
 @require_POST
 def delete_card_photo(request, card_photo_pk):
     card_photo = get_object_or_404(PlantCardPhoto, pk=card_photo_pk)
@@ -141,7 +160,56 @@ def delete_card_photo(request, card_photo_pk):
     return render(request, 'plants/partials/card_gallery.html', {'plant': plant})
 
 
-@require_POST
+def crop_thumbnail(request, pk):
+    plant = get_object_or_404(Plant, pk=pk)
+    card_photos = list(plant.card_photos.all())
+    if not card_photos:
+        return redirect('plant_detail', pk=pk)
+
+    if request.method == 'POST':
+        from PIL import Image, ImageOps
+        import io
+        from django.core.files.base import ContentFile
+
+        try:
+            x = int(request.POST['x'])
+            y = int(request.POST['y'])
+            w = int(request.POST['width'])
+            h = int(request.POST['height'])
+        except (KeyError, ValueError):
+            return redirect('plant_detail', pk=pk)
+
+        source_url = request.POST.get('source_url', '')
+        photo_obj = next(
+            (cp for cp in card_photos if cp.image.url == source_url),
+            card_photos[0]
+        )
+        img = Image.open(photo_obj.image.path)
+        img = ImageOps.exif_transpose(img)
+        cropped = img.crop((x, y, x + w, y + h))
+
+        max_side = 900
+        if max(cropped.width, cropped.height) > max_side:
+            scale = max_side / max(cropped.width, cropped.height)
+            cropped = cropped.resize(
+                (int(cropped.width * scale), int(cropped.height * scale)), Image.LANCZOS
+            )
+
+        buf = io.BytesIO()
+        cropped.save(buf, format='JPEG', quality=88)
+
+        PlantPhoto.objects.filter(plant=plant).update(is_thumbnail=False)
+        photo = PlantPhoto(plant=plant, is_thumbnail=True)
+        photo.image.save(f'thumb_{plant.pk}.jpg', ContentFile(buf.getvalue()), save=True)
+
+        return redirect('plant_detail', pk=pk)
+
+    return render(request, 'plants/crop_thumbnail.html', {
+        'plant': plant,
+        'card_photos': card_photos,
+    })
+
+
 def upload_photo(request, pk):
     plant = get_object_or_404(Plant.objects.prefetch_related('photos'), pk=pk)
     if request.FILES.get('image'):
@@ -168,3 +236,271 @@ def delete_photo(request, photo_pk):
     plant.refresh_from_db()
     plant = Plant.objects.prefetch_related('photos').get(pk=plant.pk)
     return render(request, 'plants/partials/photo_gallery.html', {'plant': plant})
+
+
+def extract_card_data(request, pk):
+    plant = get_object_or_404(Plant.objects.prefetch_related('card_photos'), pk=pk)
+    card_photos = list(plant.card_photos.all())
+
+    if not card_photos:
+        return redirect('plant_card', pk=pk)
+
+    if request.method == 'POST':
+        return _save_extracted_data(request, plant, card_photos)
+
+    # Run OCR on all card photos, merging results (later photos fill gaps)
+    from plants.services.card_ocr import extract_from_card, extract_plant_photo
+    merged = {
+        'scientific_name': None, 'bloom_months': [], 'max_height_cm': None,
+        'frost_hardiness_c': None, 'planting_density_m2': None, 'bee_attractant': False,
+    }
+    for cp in card_photos:
+        data = extract_from_card(cp.image.path)
+        for key, val in data.items():
+            if val:
+                merged[key] = val
+
+    # Extract plant photo from the first card photo (assumed front) and save as preview
+    from PIL import ImageOps
+    import io
+    from django.core.files.base import ContentFile
+    from django.core.files.storage import default_storage
+
+    plant_photo_preview_url = None
+    front_img = extract_plant_photo(card_photos[0].image.path)
+    if front_img:
+        from PIL import Image, ImageEnhance, ImageFilter
+        front_img = ImageOps.exif_transpose(front_img)
+        # Resize to max 900px on longest side
+        max_side = 900
+        if max(front_img.width, front_img.height) > max_side:
+            scale = max_side / max(front_img.width, front_img.height)
+            front_img = front_img.resize(
+                (int(front_img.width * scale), int(front_img.height * scale)),
+                Image.LANCZOS,
+            )
+        # Enhance: auto-contrast, boost saturation slightly, sharpen
+        front_img = ImageOps.autocontrast(front_img, cutoff=1)
+        front_img = ImageEnhance.Color(front_img).enhance(1.2)
+        front_img = front_img.filter(ImageFilter.SHARPEN)
+        buf = io.BytesIO()
+        front_img.save(buf, format='JPEG', quality=88)
+        preview_name = f'plants/previews/preview_{plant.pk}.jpg'
+        if default_storage.exists(preview_name):
+            default_storage.delete(preview_name)
+        default_storage.save(preview_name, ContentFile(buf.getvalue()))
+        plant_photo_preview_url = default_storage.url(preview_name)
+
+    # Normalise bloom_months to strings so template `val in bloom_months` works
+    merged['bloom_months'] = [str(m) for m in merged['bloom_months']]
+
+    from plants.forms import MONTH_CHOICES
+    from plants.models import SUNLIGHT_CHOICES
+    return render(request, 'plants/plant_card_extract.html', {
+        'plant': plant,
+        'extracted': merged,
+        'plant_photo_preview_url': plant_photo_preview_url,
+        'month_choices': MONTH_CHOICES,
+        'sunlight_choices': [('', '—')] + list(SUNLIGHT_CHOICES),
+    })
+
+
+def _save_extracted_data(request, plant, card_photos):
+    from plants.models import WATERING_CHOICES, SUNLIGHT_CHOICES
+    import io
+    from django.core.files.base import ContentFile
+    from django.core.files.storage import default_storage
+
+    def _int_or_none(val):
+        try:
+            return int(val) if val not in (None, '') else None
+        except (ValueError, TypeError):
+            return None
+
+    bloom_raw = request.POST.getlist('bloom_months')
+    bloom_months = [int(m) for m in bloom_raw if m.isdigit()]
+
+    fields = {
+        'common_name': request.POST.get('scientific_name', '').strip(),
+        'scientific_name': request.POST.get('scientific_name', '').strip(),
+        'bloom_months': bloom_months,
+        'max_height_cm': _int_or_none(request.POST.get('max_height_cm')),
+        'frost_hardiness_c': _int_or_none(request.POST.get('frost_hardiness_c')),
+        'planting_density_m2': _int_or_none(request.POST.get('planting_density_m2')),
+        'sunlight': request.POST.get('sunlight', ''),
+    }
+
+    if plant.species:
+        for attr, val in fields.items():
+            if val not in (None, '', []):
+                setattr(plant.species, attr, val)
+        plant.species.save()
+    else:
+        species = Species.objects.create(**{k: v for k, v in fields.items() if v not in (None, '', [])})
+        plant.species = species
+        plant.save(update_fields=['species'])
+
+    preview_name = f'plants/previews/preview_{plant.pk}.jpg'
+    if request.POST.get('save_plant_photo') and default_storage.exists(preview_name):
+        with default_storage.open(preview_name, 'rb') as f:
+            photo = PlantPhoto(plant=plant)
+            photo.image.save(f'card_front_{plant.pk}.jpg', ContentFile(f.read()), save=True)
+
+    if default_storage.exists(preview_name):
+        default_storage.delete(preview_name)
+
+    return redirect('plant_detail', pk=plant.pk)
+
+
+def add_plant_from_scan(request):
+    from plants.forms import MONTH_CHOICES
+    from plants.models import SUNLIGHT_CHOICES
+
+    if request.method == 'GET':
+        return render(request, 'plants/plant_scan_new.html', {'step': 'upload'})
+
+    if request.POST.get('step') == 'confirm':
+        return _create_plant_from_scan(request)
+
+    # Step 1 POST: save uploaded photos, run OCR, show confirmation
+    import uuid, io
+    from django.core.files.storage import default_storage
+    from django.core.files.base import ContentFile
+    from plants.services.card_ocr import extract_from_card, extract_plant_photo
+    from PIL import Image, ImageOps, ImageEnhance, ImageFilter
+
+    files = request.FILES.getlist('images')
+    if not files:
+        return render(request, 'plants/plant_scan_new.html', {
+            'step': 'upload', 'error': 'Please select at least one photo.'
+        })
+
+    scan_id = uuid.uuid4().hex
+    temp_names = []
+    for i, f in enumerate(files[:3]):
+        temp_name = f'plants/temp_scans/{scan_id}_{i}.jpg'
+        default_storage.save(temp_name, ContentFile(f.read()))
+        temp_names.append(temp_name)
+
+    merged = {
+        'scientific_name': None, 'bloom_months': [], 'max_height_cm': None,
+        'frost_hardiness_c': None, 'planting_density_m2': None, 'bee_attractant': False,
+    }
+    for temp_name in temp_names:
+        data = extract_from_card(default_storage.path(temp_name))
+        for key, val in data.items():
+            if val:
+                merged[key] = val
+
+    plant_photo_preview_url = None
+    front_img = extract_plant_photo(default_storage.path(temp_names[0]))
+    if front_img:
+        front_img = ImageOps.exif_transpose(front_img)
+        max_side = 900
+        if max(front_img.width, front_img.height) > max_side:
+            scale = max_side / max(front_img.width, front_img.height)
+            front_img = front_img.resize(
+                (int(front_img.width * scale), int(front_img.height * scale)), Image.LANCZOS
+            )
+        front_img = ImageOps.autocontrast(front_img, cutoff=1)
+        front_img = ImageEnhance.Color(front_img).enhance(1.2)
+        front_img = front_img.filter(ImageFilter.SHARPEN)
+        buf = io.BytesIO()
+        front_img.save(buf, format='JPEG', quality=88)
+        preview_name = f'plants/temp_scans/{scan_id}_preview.jpg'
+        default_storage.save(preview_name, ContentFile(buf.getvalue()))
+        plant_photo_preview_url = default_storage.url(preview_name)
+
+    merged['bloom_months'] = [str(m) for m in merged['bloom_months']]
+
+    vpc_results = []
+    if merged.get('scientific_name'):
+        try:
+            from plants.services.vpc import search_species, VPCError
+            vpc_results = search_species(merged['scientific_name'])[:3]
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+    return render(request, 'plants/plant_scan_new.html', {
+        'step': 'confirm',
+        'scan_id': scan_id,
+        'extracted': merged,
+        'suggested_name': merged.get('scientific_name') or '',
+        'plant_photo_preview_url': plant_photo_preview_url,
+        'month_choices': MONTH_CHOICES,
+        'sunlight_choices': [('', '—')] + list(SUNLIGHT_CHOICES),
+        'vpc_results': vpc_results,
+    })
+
+
+def _create_plant_from_scan(request):
+    import io
+    from django.core.files.storage import default_storage
+    from django.core.files.base import ContentFile
+
+    scan_id = request.POST.get('scan_id', '')
+    if not scan_id.isalnum():
+        return redirect('add_plant_from_scan')
+
+    def _int_or_none(val):
+        try:
+            return int(val) if val not in (None, '') else None
+        except (ValueError, TypeError):
+            return None
+
+    bloom_raw = request.POST.getlist('bloom_months')
+    bloom_months = [int(m) for m in bloom_raw if m.isdigit()]
+    name = request.POST.get('name', '').strip() or request.POST.get('scientific_name', '').strip() or 'New plant'
+
+    species_fields = {
+        'scientific_name': request.POST.get('scientific_name', '').strip(),
+        'common_name': request.POST.get('scientific_name', '').strip(),
+        'bloom_months': bloom_months,
+        'max_height_cm': _int_or_none(request.POST.get('max_height_cm')),
+        'frost_hardiness_c': _int_or_none(request.POST.get('frost_hardiness_c')),
+        'planting_density_m2': _int_or_none(request.POST.get('planting_density_m2')),
+        'sunlight': request.POST.get('sunlight', ''),
+    }
+    species = Species.objects.create(**{k: v for k, v in species_fields.items() if v not in (None, '', [])})
+    plant = Plant.objects.create(name=name, species=species)
+
+    vpc_slug = request.POST.get('vpc_slug', '').strip()
+    if vpc_slug:
+        try:
+            from plants.services.vpc import scrape_plant, VPCError
+            data = scrape_plant(vpc_slug)
+            species.scientific_name = data.get('scientific_name') or species.scientific_name
+            species.common_name = data.get('common_name') or species.common_name
+            species.bloom_months = data.get('bloom_months') or species.bloom_months
+            species.max_height_cm = data.get('max_height_cm') or species.max_height_cm
+            species.frost_hardiness_c = data.get('frost_hardiness_c') or species.frost_hardiness_c
+            species.planting_density_m2 = data.get('planting_density_m2') or species.planting_density_m2
+            species.sunlight = data.get('sunlight') or species.sunlight
+            species.api_image_url = data.get('api_image_url', '')
+            species.vpc_slug = vpc_slug
+            species.vpc_raw = data
+            species.save()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+    i = 0
+    while True:
+        temp_name = f'plants/temp_scans/{scan_id}_{i}.jpg'
+        if not default_storage.exists(temp_name):
+            break
+        with default_storage.open(temp_name, 'rb') as f:
+            card_photo = PlantCardPhoto(plant=plant)
+            card_photo.image.save(f'card_{plant.pk}_{i}.jpg', ContentFile(f.read()), save=True)
+        default_storage.delete(temp_name)
+        i += 1
+
+    preview_name = f'plants/temp_scans/{scan_id}_preview.jpg'
+    if request.POST.get('save_plant_photo') and default_storage.exists(preview_name):
+        with default_storage.open(preview_name, 'rb') as f:
+            photo = PlantPhoto(plant=plant, is_thumbnail=True)
+            photo.image.save(f'card_front_{plant.pk}.jpg', ContentFile(f.read()), save=True)
+
+    if default_storage.exists(preview_name):
+        default_storage.delete(preview_name)
+
+    return redirect('plant_detail', pk=plant.pk)
diff --git a/plants/views/species.py b/plants/views/species.py
index 86253b2..8b1f5b0 100644
--- a/plants/views/species.py
+++ b/plants/views/species.py
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-from concurrent.futures import ThreadPoolExecutor
 from django.shortcuts import render, redirect, get_object_or_404
 from django.urls import reverse
 from django.views.decorators.http import require_POST
@@ -20,35 +19,31 @@ def species_search(request):
     vpc_results = []
     error = None
 
+    include_perenual = bool(request.GET.get('include_perenual'))
+
     if len(q) >= 2:
-        # If the query looks like a VPC URL or slug, skip the search and show
-        # it directly as a single importable result.
+        # If the query looks like a VPC URL or slug, skip search and show it
+        # directly as a single importable result.
         vpc_slug = vpc_service.slug_from_query(q)
         if vpc_slug:
             vpc_results = [{'slug': vpc_slug, 'common_name': vpc_slug.replace('-', ' ').title(),
                             'scientific_name': '', 'thumbnail_url': '', 'source': 'vpc'}]
         else:
-            def _run_perenual():
+            try:
+                vpc_results = vpc_service.search_species(q)
+            except VPCError:
+                pass
+
+            if include_perenual:
                 try:
-                    return perenual_search(q), None
+                    perenual_results, error = perenual_search(q), None
                 except PerenualError as e:
-                    return [], str(e)
-
-            def _run_vpc():
-                try:
-                    return vpc_service.search_species(q)
-                except VPCError:
-                    return []
-
-            with ThreadPoolExecutor(max_workers=2) as ex:
-                f_p = ex.submit(_run_perenual)
-                f_v = ex.submit(_run_vpc)
-                perenual_results, error = f_p.result()
-                vpc_results = f_v.result()
+                    error = str(e)
 
     return render(request, 'plants/partials/species_results.html', {
         'perenual_results': perenual_results,
         'vpc_results': vpc_results,
+        'include_perenual': include_perenual,
         'q': q,
         'error': error,
     })
diff --git a/requirements.txt b/requirements.txt
index e818999..094fbaf 100644
--- a/requirements.txt
+++ b/requirements.txt
@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@
 asgiref==3.11.1
+opencv-python-headless>=4.9
+pytesseract>=0.3.13
 beautifulsoup4==4.14.3
 certifi==2026.5.20
 charset-normalizer==3.4.7