The first time I ever saw the Star of Bethlehem was actually in a town called Bethlehem. It sure makes the name easy to remember. The most important thing any foraging can do is learn poisonous plants in their region. Why? There are fewer poisonous plants so they are...
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a critical plant for any gardener or forager to know how to identify for safety reasons. I encourage all of my students to learn how to identify all poisonous plants that grow in the area before starting to forage because there are fewer poisonous...
Most of us who grew up spending time outdoors are family with buttercup, but many may not realize it is poisonous. Its a common weed in gardens and yards all over the United States and in Europe. There are two species, creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) and Bulbous Buttercup (Ranunculus...
Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum), also called Hemp Dogbane, is a very useful wild plant, but also very poisonous. It can be deadly to pets, so you really don’t want it in your yard. However, it can be used to make very strong, very thin string, so it’s a great survival...
Ramps are a commonly known wild edible plant especially because chefs love them for their flavor. They are like leeks are great in a variety of dishes. Special Note: Foragers have been depleting wild ramp populations in the Appalachians for many years. It takes 7 years for a ramp...
Ramps Burgers 1 lb Ground Beef1/2 tsp Kosher Salt1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper4 oz Fresh Ramp Leaves Harvest only the ramp leaves. Leave the bulbs to keep the population strong. Wash thoroughly. Chop the ramp leaves finely and add to the ground beef. Add the salt.Form 4 thin, beef...
Purslane, Portulaca oleracea, is a common garden weed. You may also hear it called pigeweed, little hogweed, fatweed, or pusley. You’ll find it throughout most of the United States, but it is native to India and Persia. It has been spread throughout most continents as a food crop. You...
It’s a little-known foraging secret even among well-seasoned foragers that maple seeds are edible. Identification: Branching: Opposite Leaves: Star-like, toothed leaves with many points. Turn a gorgeous red or orange in the fall. Bark: Smooth when young, but then turns rough with age. Seeds: Helicopter seeds in pairs. Height:...
There are few different plants found in North America that can be used to make a coffee or tea substitute. However finding caffeine can be a challenge. Cleaves are oddly enough (at least, it’s odd to me) in the same family as coffee. Yes, coffee. It’s seeds can be...
There are few different plants found in North America that can be used to make a coffee or tea substitute. However finding caffeine can be a challenge. Cleaves are oddly enough (at least, it’s odd to me) in the same family as coffee. Yes, coffee. It’s seeds can be...