In this case study we explore the use of Augmented Reality (AR) as a pedagogical tool to promote student teachers learning about plants in a biology course module within teacher education. Traditionally, when studying plants in science education, flora books are used. However, digital technology has contributed to new ways of exploring plants, and AR is suggested as an important tool. This requires teacher educators who are familiar with AR and the pedagogical implications of using AR when teaching about plants. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate student teachers’ experiences of using the AR app Seek by iNaturalist during an excursion to identify and learn about plants, as well as discuss the pedagogical implications of integrating the app into a biology course module. The student teachers took part in the excursion using the app to practice plant identification. Afterwards, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three student teachers. A thematic analysis approach was used to explore the student teachers’ experiences when using Seek. The findings indicate that Seek increases student teachers’ awareness of plants, which promotes their interest and engagement in plants. The easy accessibility in their phone makes them use Seek in their spare time. The increased interest and easy access support learning. By knowing the name of plants, the student teachers establish relationships with plants, which increases awareness of the importance of caring for nature. Hence, Seek could be seen as a pedagogical tool that promotes student teachers’ learning and interest about plants. © 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG