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Edible Plants

Foraging for Butternut

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Butternut, also known as white walnut, is a delicious and nutritious nut (see nutrition chart below) that can be found in the forests of eastern North America. It is one of the trees “my” neighborhood squirrels have gifted me over the years. Butternut along with black walnut are easy trees to identify once you have seen one or two. Butternuts are also known as white walnut, oilnut, and lemon walnut (see below for the reason). For you Latin name loving people, its scientific name is Juglans cinerea. Butternut wood is prized for its strength and durability, and has been used for furniture, flooring, and other woodworking projects. The tree is also a valuable source of food and habitat for wildlife, including squirrels, chipmunks, and birds.

Description:

General Appearance and Size

  • Height: Butternut trees typically grow to a height of 40 to 60 feet, though they can occasionally reach up to 100 feet under ideal conditions.
  • Crown: The tree has a broad, spreading crown that is often irregular in shape, giving it a somewhat open and airy appearance.

Bark

  • Color: The bark of the butternut tree is light gray.
  • Texture: It features broad, flat-topped ridges and shallow furrows, which can develop into a diamond-shaped pattern as the tree matures. The ridges are generally softer and more flattened compared to the more rugged bark of the black walnut.

Leaves

  • Type: The leaves are pinnately compound, meaning they have multiple leaflets arranged along a central stem.
  • Number of Leaflets: Typically, a butternut leaf has 11 to 17 leaflets. The leaflets are pointed at both ends and are serrated along the edges.
  • Size: The leaflets are usually 2 to 4 inches long.
  • Color: The upper surface of the leaflets is a dark green, while the underside is lighter and often slightly hairy.
  • Aroma: When crushed, the leaves emit a lemon-like scent, which is a distinguishing feature.

Flowers and Catkins

  • Flower Type: Butternut trees are monoecious, meaning they have both male and female flowers on the same tree.
  • Male Flowers (Catkins): The male flowers are borne in long, slender catkins, typically 3 to 6 inches in length. These catkins hang down and are densely packed with small flowers. Each flower consists of several stamens, which produce pollen.
  • Female Flowers: The female flowers are smaller and less conspicuous, usually found at the ends of the new growth. They appear in clusters and develop into the fruit after pollination.

Fruit

  • Description: The fruit is an oblong, ridged nut encased in a thick, green, fuzzy husk. The husk is sticky and, when mature, splits open to reveal the nut inside.
  • Nut: The nut itself is elongated, typically 1.2 to 2.4 inches long (black walnuts are typically a bit smaller), with sharp ridges running along its length. The shell is hard and light brown, enclosing a sweet, oily kernel.

Roots

  • Root System: Butternut trees have a relatively deep root system, which helps them access groundwater and contributes to their preference for well-drained soils.

Range:

Butternut trees are native to eastern North America, ranging from southern Quebec and Ontario to northern Florida and west to Minnesota and eastern Texas.

Habitat:

Butternut trees are found in mixed hardwood forests, often growing near other nut trees such as black walnut and hickory and even oaks and maples. They prefer well-drained soils and can be found in a variety of habitats, including upland woods, floodplains, and rocky slopes.

Edible Part:

The edible part of the butternut is the nut itself, which is rich in protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids. The nut has a sweet, buttery flavor and can be eaten raw or roasted. It is also a popular ingredient in baking, often used in recipes for cakes, cookies, and bread.

How to Harvest:

To harvest butternuts, look for ripe nuts that have fallen to the ground or are still attached to the tree. The husks will have split open, revealing the hard shell of the nut inside. The too I use is called a nut gatherer or nut picker-upper. It is basically a wire cage or basket on a handle that rolls over the ground, collecting nuts as it moves. If you have found areas with many trees and you plan on making a good harvest, think about investing in one.

Use a nutcracker or hammer to crack the shell and remove the meat. The nutmeat can be eaten raw or roasted. You can also, if you have the equipment, extract the oil from the nuts and use it as salad dressing etc. I think it has a low smoke point so frying is probably not a good idea. Butternut fruit can be stored in the shell in a cool, dry place for several months.

Look A-like Identification

How to tell the difference between a butternut tree and a black walnut tree can be done by observing several key characteristics, including the leaves, bark, fruit, and general appearance. Here are the main differences:

Leaves

  • Butternut: The leaves are compound and typically have 11 to 17 leaflets. The leaflets are usually elongated and pointed, with a more serrated edge. The terminal leaflet (at the end of the compound leaf) is often smaller than the others.
  • Black Walnut: The leaves are also compound but tend to have 15 to 23 leaflets. The leaflets are generally larger and rounder compared to butternut, and the terminal leaflet is often absent or much smaller.

Bark

  • Butternut: The bark is light gray and has a more ridged and furrowed appearance, often with a distinctive diamond pattern. The ridges are generally flatter and wider.
  • Black Walnut: The bark is darker, almost black, with a deeply furrowed, rough texture. The furrows are more pronounced and give the bark a rugged look.

Fruit

  • Butternut: The fruit of the butternut tree is an oblong, sticky nut covered with a green, fuzzy husk. The husk is generally more elongated, and the nut inside is also elongated with sharp ridges.
  • Black Walnut: The fruit is a round nut covered with a thick, green, rough husk. The husk is often smoother compared to the butternut’s, and the nut inside is round with a thicker shell.

General Appearance

  • Butternut: Butternut trees tend to be smaller and have a more spreading crown. The leaves, when crushed, often emit a lemon-like scent.
  • Black Walnut: Black walnut trees can grow larger and have a more rounded crown. The leaves and husks of the black walnut release a characteristic pungent, spicy odor.

Additional Notes

  • Habitat: While both trees can be found in similar habitats, butternuts prefer slightly cooler climates and are often found in riparian (riverbank) areas or moist, well-drained soils. Black walnuts can grow in a wider range of conditions, including richer soils.
  • Butternut Canker: Butternut trees are particularly susceptible to a disease called butternut canker, which has significantly reduced their population. Black walnuts, although they can also be affected by diseases, are generally more robust in this regard.

Conservation Status

Unfortunately, butternut trees are currently under threat from a fungal disease called butternut canker. This disease has devastated populations of butternut trees across their range which has led to a significant decline in their numbers. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed butternut as a vulnerable species, and it is also listed as endangered in several U.S. states.

The origin of butternut canker is not entirely clear, but it was first observed in Wisconsin, USA, in 1967. It has since spread throughout the natural range of the butternut tree in North America. The disease is believed to have been introduced, possibly from Asia (why not!!), though definitive evidence of its origin is lacking. The spread of the fungus is facilitated by factors such as wind, rain, and insects, which can carry the spores to healthy trees.

Foraging for butternuts is a great way to build a store of nutritious food for later use and, along with black walnuts, is an autumn ritual for me. However, it is important to be mindful of the conservation status of butternut trees and before setting out to forage for them, check with your state to make sure you can do so legally. As always, follow responsible harvesting practices and support conservation efforts to protect this valuable resource as well as all resources for future generations.

Sources:

  • “Butternut.” United States Department of Agriculture. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/jugcin/all.html
  • “Juglans cinerea.” International Union
Edible Plants

Broadleaf Arrowhead A Wetland Edible

Broadleaf Arrowhead A Wetland Edible

Introduction:

One of nature’s hidden treasures, the broadleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), is an interesting . This wetland plant not only captivates us with its distinctive appearance but also its edible tubers, seeds, and young shoots. Join me as we delve into the realm of this edible plant.

Common Names:

This versatile plant goes by several common names, each reflecting its various features and cultural significance. Among the most widely used names are “broadleaf arrowhead” and “duck-potato.” The term “arrowhead” is derived from the shape of its leaves, which resemble the tip of an arrowhead. Additionally, the name “duck-potato” is inspired by the fact that ducks and other waterfowl frequently feed on the plant’s tubers.

Description of the Plant:

wapato - duck potato

The broadleaf arrowhead plant boasts a distinct appearance that makes it easy to identify and appreciate. Let’s dive into its key characteristics:
Foliage:
The arrowhead-shaped leaves, typically measuring 4” – 10” long, sprout on long stalks emerging from the water’s edge. The dark green leaves feature prominent veins and have a glossy texture. Their unique shape gives the plant its common name, “arrowhead.”
Flowers:
In the summer months, broadleaf arrowhead blooms with delicate white flowers that rise above the water’s surface on long, slender stems. These flowers exhibit three petals and a yellow center, adding a touch of elegance to the plant’s overall appearance. From August to October round clusters of seed casings develop.
Tubers:
Perhaps the most enticing feature of the broadleaf arrowhead lies beneath the water’s surface. The plant develops underground tubers, which are swollen, starchy structures that store nutrients and energy. These tubers can range in size from a few inches to over 5 inches in diameter. Their shape is elongated and somewhat reminiscent of a potato, hence the name “duck-potato.” These tubers serve as an excellent food source when foraging.

broadleaf arrowhead

Territory:

The broadleaf arrowhead, like the cattail, is native to North America, where it can be found in a wide range of locations, including Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It thrives in both temperate and subtropical climates, allowing it to occupy a vast territory.

Habitat:

This versatile plant is predominantly found in wetlands, including marshes, ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams where it can be found alongside pickerelweed. It demonstrates a remarkable adaptability to different water conditions, from shallow, still waters to those with a moderate current. The broadleaf arrowhead has even been known to establish itself in muddy or partially submerged areas, displaying its ability to colonize various habitats.

Edible Parts:

One of the most intriguing aspects of the broadleaf arrowhead is its edible nature. The plant offers several edible parts, including its tubers, young shoots, and seeds.
Tubers:
The tubers of the broadleaf arrowhead are the most harvested and consumed part. These underground, potato-like structures are rich in carbohydrates and offer a mild, nutty flavor. They can be harvested in late summer or early autumn when the plant’s energy is concentrated in the tubers.
Young Shoots:
The tender young shoots that emerge from the water are also edible. They can be harvested in spring and early summer and have a flavor like asparagus.
Seeds:
The seeds of the broadleaf arrowhead are small and can be ground into flour or used as a thickener in soups and stews. However, they are less commonly harvested compared to the tubers and shoots.

How to Harvest:

Harvesting broadleaf arrowhead requires some careful consideration to ensure sustainability and minimize ecological impact. Here are some guidelines to follow when harvesting:
Tubers:
To harvest tubers, gently loosen the soil around the base of the plant and carefully lift them from the mud. Select mature tubers, leave smaller ones for future plant growth and reproduction.
Young Shoots:
Harvest young shoots by cutting them close to the base of the plant. Choose shoots that are about 6 to 10 inches tall for optimal tenderness.
Seeds:
When collecting seeds, wait until the seed heads are mature and brown. Shake the seeds loose and separate them from the chaff by winnowing or using a sieve.

Cooking and Consumption:

Once harvested, the tubers can be cooked and enjoyed in various culinary applications. They can be boiled, roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews, providing a nutritious and flavorful addition to your meals.
Young shoots can be eaten raw, added to salads, or steamed and boiled.
Seeds can be dried and ground into flour.

Conservation Status:

The conservation status of the broadleaf arrowhead is of concern in some regions due to habitat loss and degradation caused by human activities. Although it is not globally threatened, it is important to be mindful of the local regulations and guidelines regarding the harvesting of wild plants. It is advisable to obtain permission from landowners or consult with local conservation agencies before harvesting broadleaf arrowhead or any other wild edible plant.

Notes of Interest:

Indigenous peoples in North America historically relied on the broadleaf arrowhead as a food source and used it for medicinal purposes.

Some wildlife, such as waterfowl and beavers, also consume the broadleaf arrowhead, contributing to its ecological importance.

The Lewis and Clark expedition depended on the plant when they were in the Columbia River basin.

Know the Plant: Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of broadleaf arrowhead, paying special attention to its distinctive leaves and tubers, to ensure accurate identification.

The emergent foliage of this species provides cover for the same animals with the addition of fish and aquatic insects.

A single plant can annually yield up to 40 tubers.

Picture of plant: Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA NRCS. 1992. Western wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. West Region, Sacramento.

Poison Plants

pokeberry poison plant

Pokeberry is a highly versatile plant with a wide range of uses. Although it is often considered a weed due to its rapid growth and invasive tendencies, it has also been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In addition to its medicinal properties, pokeberry is also used for food and dye. Due to its poison, I am not one to use this plant. I do not support medicinal use or culinary use, there are so many other wild plants I see no reason to mess with the pokeberry poison plant.

Common Names:

Pokeberry is known by several different common names, including poke, poke salad, inkberry, pigeonberry, and pokeberry weed.

Description:

Poke weed is an herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 10 feet tall under ideal conditions. The plant typically grows in disturbed areas such as fields, roadsides, and forest edges.

Pokeberry has simple leaves on green to red or purplish stems and a large white taproot. The flowers are green to white

The leaves of poke weed are simple and alternate, with a length of 6 to 12 inches and a width of 2 to 6 inches. They are smooth and ovate, with a pointed tip and a smooth margin. The leaves are typically green but may take on a reddish or purplish tint as they mature.

The flowers of poke weed are small, white to greenish white in color, and are arranged in long, drooping clusters called racemes. The fruit of poke weed is a dark purple to black, juicy berry that is about the size of a pea. The berries contain a dark red juice that can stain skin and clothing.

Range:

Pokeberry is native to North America and can be found throughout the eastern and central regions of the United States.

Habitat:

It prefers moist, fertile soil and is commonly found in fields, pastures, and along roadsides.

Poison Part:

While the berries of pokeberry are edible when cooked properly, the plant is highly toxic and can be deadly if consumed in large quantities. The root, stem, leaves, and unripe berries contain high levels of toxins, including saponins and lectins. Pokeberry poison plant .

pokeweed does die back to ground level every winter, it is a difficult weed to get rid of. Winter kills off only the above-ground growth. pokeberry poison plant
Symptoms of Poison:

Ingesting pokeberry can cause a wide range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory failure and death.

Conservation Status:

Pokeberry is considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is a highly adaptable plant that can

thrive in a wide range of environments and is not currently threatened by extinction.

Notes of Interest:

In addition to its medicinal and culinary uses, pokeberry has also been used as a natural dye for textiles. The deep purple color of the berries can be extracted and used to dye fabric, yarn, and other materials.

Pokeberries should be handled with care due to the toxicity. It is important to properly cook any berries before consuming them and to avoid ingesting any other part of the plant. It’s important to note that while poke weed can be used for medicinal purposes, it is also toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress if ingested in large amounts. With its versatility and unique properties, pokeberry remains an important plant in North American ecology and culture.

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Sources:
Edible Plants

Purple Flowering Raspberry

Purple Flowering Raspberry – Rubus odoratus

General Information:

Rubus odoratus, commonly known as Purple Flowering Raspberry or Virginia Raspberry, is a deciduous shrub native to the eastern regions of North America. It belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) and is closely related to other brambles like blackberries and raspberries.

Common Names:

Purple Flowering Raspberry is known by several common names, including Virginia Raspberry, Flowering Raspberry, and Thimbleberry.

Identification:

The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and has large, dark green leaves with three to five lobes. The stem is prickly and covered with fine hairs. The flowers are pink to purple and have five petals, which give them a rose-like appearance. The fruit is a small, red raspberry that is edible and sweet but not as flavorful as other raspberry varieties.

Purple Flowering Raspberry is native to the eastern regions of North America Found in Rotterdam NY along the Mohawk River
Look-Alikes:

The plant can be confused with other raspberry or blackberry plants, especially when not in bloom. However, the plant’s distinctive pink to purple flowers make it easy to identify when in bloom.

Distribution:

This raspberry is native to the eastern regions of North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to Georgia and Alabama. It is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and along roadsides and stream banks.

Preferred Habitat:

Purple Flowering Raspberry prefers well-drained soil and partial to full shade. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils.

Edible Parts:

The fruit is edible and sweet but not as flavorful as other raspberry or blackberry varieties. The fruit can be eaten fresh, cooked, or used to make jams and jellies.

Harvest:

The fruit of ripens in late summer or early fall. It can be harvested by hand, but the prickly stems make it difficult to pick. It is recommended to wear gloves and long sleeves when harvesting.

Interesting Facts:

Purple Flowering Raspberry is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping due to its beautiful flowers.

The plant has historically been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous people in North America.

The leaves and roots were used to treat various ailments, including sore throats, coughs, and fevers.

This raspberry is an important food source for wildlife, including birds and small mammals.

In conclusion, this raspberry is a beautiful and useful native plant that deserves a place in any garden or landscape. Its striking pink to purple flowers, edible fruit, and wildlife value make it a great addition to any ecosystem.

Citations:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (2023). Rubus odoratus. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ruod 
Missouri Botanical Garden. (2023). Rubus odoratus. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e681
United States Department of Agriculture. (2021). Plant Guide: Purple-flowering Raspberry (Rubus odoratus). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_ruod.pdf
Edible Plants

chokecherry Foraging

Chokecherry – Prunus Virginiana

Chokecherry foraging was a staple for numerous Native American tribes across the North American continent, especially those who lived on the plains and prairies. The Cheyenne used the limbs to make arrow shafts and bows. The Crows used it for tipi stakes and pins. Early trappers washed their steel traps in water boiled with the bark to remove the scent.

The name chokecherry came from the bitter and astringent taste of the fruit.

In their journals, Lewis and Clark recorded that while camped on the upper Missouri River Captain Lewis became ill with abdominal cramps and fever. He made a tea from chokecherry twigs and was well the next day.

The leaves, bark, stem, and seed pit of chokecherry are all toxic due to production of hydrocyanic acid.
The leaves of the chokecherry serve as food for caterpillars and the tree can be a host for the tent caterpillar.

Description

The chokecherry may reach a height of over 30 feet. Its crown is irregular and may spread between 10 to 20 feet. The stems are numerous and slender. The chokecherry’s leaves are dark green and glossy above and paler below. They are alternate on the stem shaped oval to broadly elliptic in shape and are 1” – 4” long and ¾” – 2” wide. The leaf edges are toothed with closely-spaced sharp teeth pointing outward forming a serrated edge. They turn yellow in autumn.

The bark of young trees may vary from gray to a reddish brown. As it ages the bark turns darker, into brownish-black and becomes noticeably furrowed. The bark is distinctly marked by horizontal rows of raised air pores. With maturation the lenticels develop into shallow grooves.
It has perfect flowers which are aromatic and arranged in cylindrical racemes 3 to 6 inches long. The racemes always grow on the current year’s leafy twig growth. Individual flowers are perfect, 1/4 to 3/8 inch in diameter with 5 white petals. The flowers start appearing before the leaves are fully developed. Flowers may appear from April to July and fruits form a couple of months later.

Location: As can be seen on the map, the chokecherry is widespread across North America. Chokecherry is found in a large geographic area and it grows abundantly in many habitat types

Edible: The flesh of the fruit is edible. Also, jelly and jam can be made from the fruit. Native Americans would mash the fruits and seeds and use it to mix with meat and make pemmican.

Nutritional Value

The small berries are loaded with fiber, vitamin C, manganese, and several other vitamins and minerals. Naturally low in calories and high in anti-oxidant properties.

The berries are rich in quinic acid and work hard to prevent urinary tract infections. The berries are also rich in flavonoids, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanins that help fight against allergies and viruses.

Harvesting Chokecherries

Don’t be too anxious to harvest chokecherries, give them plenty of time to reach maturity so the flavor will be more on the sweet side and less on the tart side. Wait until late summer when the berries are at their darkest color to harvest them. When the berries start turning dark, a taste test done every couple of days will let you know when they are at their peak.

The small berries grow in clusters that hang down from a stem, so just snap off the entire stem at harvest time. The individual berries can be removed from the stems after you get the fruit home.

Chokecherry trees can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Rinse the berries and allow them to air dry before storing them in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to a week. To remove the seeds and extract the juice, lightly steam the berries to soften them and strain them through a colander or cheesecloth. Fruit leather is made from the berry pulp after the berries have been steamed.

Grow Your Own

Chokecherry trees can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Seeds or seedlings can be purchased from most garden supply centers, or it’s easy to harvest and plant them yourself. To harvest seeds, wait until late fall when the chokecherries are at their ripest. Remove the pulp from the seeds and allow seeds to air dry for 24 hours. Plant seeds in a shallow hole, water and add a 2-inch layer of fallen leaves on top of the soil.

If you want to save the harvested seeds from fall for planting in the spring, place the air-dried seeds in moist sand in a cool location for 60-90 days, then plant outdoors.

To grow your own chokecherry tree from a cutting, cut a length of soft wood from the tree in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant directly into outdoor soil that has been amended with compost. Keep the soil moist and the cutting will soon develop a new root system and begin to actively produce new growth.

Notes Of Interest

* Chokecherries are valuable plants for native bees. The long-lasting blooms are rich in pollen and keep bees well-fed for several months during the early summer.
* The berries can be poisonous to humans if they are consumed in large quantities.
* Chokecherries have a single seed in each berry – its poisonous look-alike, the Buckthorn, contains several small seeds inside each berry.
* The seeds and the leaves of the chokecherry shrub contain cyanide. The amount is not enough to harm a human unless ingested in large quantities.

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USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Edible Plants

Indian cucumber Wild Edible

Indian cucumber

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General

Indian cucumber Wild Edible

Indian cucumber is a member of the lily family and can be found in Eastern North America. It grows from seed and spreads by rhizome. It is a long-lived perennial that has been over harvested for many years in certain areas so, please do not harvest unless it is an urgent food need or if it is legal in your area. The plant does lend itself to domestication so if you do find a small plantation of Indian cucumber in late autumn take a few seeds or better yet order online.

Common Names

Indian cucumber-root

Description

Indian cucumber is a member of the lily family

Stems have two tiers of whorled leaves when mature and ready to flower. The lower tier typically bears between five and nine lance shaped leaves. The second tier is produced when the plant flowers and consists of approximately three to five leaves. When the plants are mature and have the second set of leaves, they will be approximately 30 inches tall.

Indian cucumber flower

The green leaves are hairless and have an entire smooth edge. Their size is between 3 inches long (upper) – 6 inches long (lower). Since this is a deciduous plant, leaves will turn purple/red to lavender in the Fall.

The flowers, about 1 inch wide, have yellowish/gold – green coloration and are somewhat trumpet like. They appear in late spring into summer and typically point downward like wild onion flowers – they “nod”.

The 1 inch berries are dark blue to purple and appear above the top tier of leaves. The berries mature in early fall.

Range & Habitat

Indian cucumber range map

As the map indicates, Indian cucumber grows from Ontario south to Louisiana east to Florida and north into the Canadian Maritimes.

Indian Cucumber-root is found in hardwood, conifer, and mixed wood forests throughout its range. It grows in shade or partial shade on moist, well drained slopes.

Harvest

The berries are not edible. The root which is choice may be harvested at any time. It is not overly large and will fit within the palm of your hand – so to have a meal you need several. It may be eaten raw or cooked.

Edible

The plant bears edible roots (rhizomes) that have a mild cucumber-like flavor. They may be eaten raw or cooked like root vegetables.

Look a-Likes

Starflower, which is not edible, has similar leaves, but the leaves are only on one level. Also, Starflower has small white flowers that don’t hang down.

Whorled Pogonia – poisonous, but root is different

Interesting Facts

It is listed as an endangered plant in Florida and in Illinois.

Iroquois used the plant both as food and a medicinal herb.

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USDA plant guide