Edible Wild Plants That You Can Forage

There are many edible plants in the wild that you can forage and grow at home. These edible wild plants can provide numerous benefits and are used in many different food items. These species of plants are not grown commercially but can be life-saving if one knows of them.

Though identifying edible wild plants is a life-saving skill for any survivalist, a simple mistake can result in severe consequences and even death. However, foraging for these edible plants in the wild is not an advisable task for beginners. It is suggested to consult a local expert before the consumption or use of any edible wild plants.

So if you want to learn about edible wild plants this guide can help you with all the information about the edible plants in the wild. Here are the plants that you can forage:

Dandelions (Taraxacum)

Dandelions are one of the most commonly found edible plants in the wild. These perennials can forage easily in fields, meadows, and open areas around the world. Dandelion greens are similar to arugula and also have the same spicy, bitter taste. Furthermore, this plant has jagged leaves and produces beautiful yellow flowers that turn into seedheads. Every part of this plant is edible. The leaves are filled with vitamins K, C, and A and minerals like calcium and iron.

Uses of Dandelions:

• The leaves are used in salads and are said to have detoxifying properties.
• The dried roots can be used as a substitute for coffee or tea.
• Also, dandelion wine is a fermented beverage made from flowers.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: This plant is found in almost all continents except Antarctica.
• Region: It is commonly found in the temperate regions.

Wood Sorrel (Oxalis spp.)

These edible wild plants are usually found in woodlands. Wood sorrel has small heart-shaped leaves that look similar to clover. It also produces yellow edible flowers. The flavor of these edible plants in the wild is like citrus which makes them a great addition to any vegetable salad filled with greens. The leaves are also rich in vitamin C and are used for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Uses of Wood Sorrel:

• The leaves are used raw in salads.
• Furthermore. the plant can be mixed in water to make tea.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: Can be found in various continents such as – North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• Region: It is also commonly present in woodland areas, forests, and shaded gardens of temperate regions.

Berries (Baccate)

Berries are most easily identified and foraging edible wild plants. These delicious and fruity come in many vibrant colors such as red, purple, blue, etc. While selecting these edible wild plants, it is best to follow this rule:“Brown and Yellow can kill a fellow…. Purple and Blue, good for you”. Most berries are sour and tart in taste and can be eaten raw. Some of the common berry species include blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

Uses of Berries:

• Is used to add flavor to many items.
• Also, this plant is the main ingredient of many cakes, pies, and desserts.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: Different species of these edible wild plants can be found in various regions of the world.
• Regions: These can be found in different regions based on the species.

Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica)

These edible wild plants consist of stinging hair-like structures that help in this plant’s defense. But these plants are edible once you remove these stinging hairs and are also highly nutritious.

These plants usually grow in moist woodlands with rich soil. The leaves of these plants are tapered and covered with tiny hair-like projections. Nettles are rich in vitamins A, C, and K and are also filled with potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. They have a spinach-like taste.

Uses of Stinging Nettles:

• Leaves are used in soups, and stews.
• They are also used to make teas.
• Furthermore, they can also be eaten raw after mashing.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: Widely distributed in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• Region: These plants typically grow on the edges of the forests, and along the stream in rich and moist soil. They can also be found in woodlands.

Cattails (Typha spp.)

These edible plants in the wild are mainly found near water sources in North America and are used for various purposes by many Native American Tribes. Furthermore, cattails provide a great source of vitamin C and minerals like phosphorus and potassium. Parts of these plants can be enjoyed at different times of the year. The flowers, shoots, and pollen are used in spring and the roots are used in fall.

Uses of Cattails:

• The pollen is used as a substitute for flour.
• Also, these plants can also be boiled and roasted roots are used as vegetables.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: These plants are native to Africa, North America, Asia, and Europe.
• Region: They typically grow in wetlands and along the water sources such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.

Curly Dock (Rumex Crispus)

The curly dock also known as Yellow duck is a plant native to Europe but is also available in North America. These edible wild plants can grow near a water source or in moist soil. The leaves of these plants are similar in shape to that of arugula plant. The growth of the leaves resembles lettuce and has a sour taste and crunchy texture. These plants are rich in calcium oxalate so it is advised to boil them before consuming to prevent stomach aches.

Uses of Curly Dock:

• These edible plants in the wild are used in salads, soups, and cooked greens.
• These are also used in many Mediterranean dishes and pair well with pasta or ravioli.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: This plant is native to Europe but can be found in North America and Australia.
• Region: These are usually found in wastelands, disturbed soil, and along the roadsides in temperate regions.

Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum)

These edible plants have smell and taste like garlic. It can be found in moist and shady places. Many plants look like garlic it is important to check the smell and taste of the plant to identify the real one. Also, these plants are rich in vitamins A and C, and minerals like calcium, copper, iron, and sodium. And, every part of the plant is edible and used in different ways.

Uses of Wild Garlic:

• Leaves are used in salads, pesto, and cooked dishes.
• It also makes garlic butter, soups, marinades, and more.
• It can also be consumed raw.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: This plant is native to Europe and can be found in many European countries.
• Region: It can also be found in woodland areas along the streams or in shaded areas with rich soil.

Purslane is a nutritious succulent plant that has thick paddled-shaped leaves and tiny bright yellow flowers. This plant is found all over the USA in open sunny areas. However, many can confuse it with a lookalike called sprawling spurge (Euphorbia spp.) so be cautious. Purslane has a sweet and sour and a little spicy taste that resembles that of arugula. These edible wild plants can be eaten raw and every part of the plant is edible.

Uses of Purslane:

• Purslane is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
• Also, these edible plants in the wild can be used in salads, soups, stews, and smoothies.
• Furthermore, purslane can also be pickled to maintain its freshness and extend its shelf life.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: This plant is found in America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• Region: This is a highly versatile plan and can be found in coastal areas, dry and arid areas, and disturbed sites.

These berries are small fruits of elderberry bush that are present in a cluster of small, purple berries. Furthermore, these berries are high in antioxidants and vitamins. However, these edible wild plants are toxic when consumed raw, you can remove the toxins by cooking them. Even after cooking some parts except flowers and fruits of these plants are toxic.

Uses of Elderberries:

• These berries are used in the preparation of jams, jellies, pies, wines, and tea.
• Also, the flowers of this plant are also used in making teas.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: These edible wild plants are found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Regions: Elderberries can be found in woodlands, open fields, wetlands, and along the bank of rivers and streams.

These edible plants in the wild are a part of the allium family and are known for their unique pungent flavour that is considered superior to that of garlic and onions. Also, wild ramps are easy to identify because of their broad and large leaves surrounding a single reddish-purple stalk. These plants are high in vitamins A and C and minerals like calcium and iron.

Uses of Wild Ramps:

• Wild ramps are used in soups, pestos, and salads.
• Furthermore, the stem, leaves, and bulbs are all edible. They can be grilled or roasted.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: These plants are native to America and can be found in North America and Canada.
• Regions: Wild ramps are found in moist and shady places such as deciduous forests and wooded areas with well-drained soil.

Fragaria vesca or wild strawberries are also known as alpine or woodland strawberries. This is a low-growing plant that produces small bright red berries that are hidden beneath the leaves. Furthermore, these wild berries can be used in any strawberry recipe and provide the same nutritional value as them.

Uses of Wild Strawberries:

• Can be eaten raw.
• Are used in jams, jellies, and desserts.
• Also, the leaves can be used in tea.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: These strawberries are found in America, Europe, Asia, and Canada.
• Regions: These plants are found in mountainous and disturbed areas.

Burdock (Articum lappa)

Burdock are biennial edible wild plants. These plants are medium to big in size and feature large leaves and purple flower heads. These plants are native to the Eastern hemisphere however, they have been integrated into the Western Hemisphere as well. Burdock is a famous food ingredient in Japan. You can eat the peeled stalks and leaves of these plants. Burdock leaves have a bitter taste so it is recommended to boil them before eating.

Uses of Burdock:

• The leaves, peeled stalks, and roots of these plants are edible.
• Additionally, you can either eat them raw or after boiling. Commonly used in stir-fries and soups.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: These plants are native to Asia and Europe but can be found in North America.
• Regions: Burdock is found in temperate regions.

Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium)

Fireweed can be easily identified due to their striking purple flowers and bizarre structure of the veins of leaves. The leaf veins of these edible wild plants are circular which does not terminate on the edges of the leaves. Fireweed is a part of the diet of many Native American Tribes as these plants are a great source of vitamins A and C. Moreover, it is recommended to eat only young Fireweed plants because as they mature the leaves become bitter and hard.

Uses of Fireweed:

• The leaves, stalks, and flowers of these plants are edible.
• Fireweed has a mild and slightly sweet flavor and can be used in salads, stir-fries, and cooked vegetables.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: These edible plants in the wild are found in America, Europe, and Asia.
• Regions: Fireweed is found in the northern regions of the above-mentioned locations.

Wild Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

Wild Asparaguses are other edible plants in the wild that are rich in many healthy enzymes such as vitamin C, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin B6. These Asparagus has a thinner stalk than the plants that are sold in the market. These plants can be eaten the same as the store-bought variety i.e.: you can boil it or eat it raw.

Uses of Wild Asparagus:

• These plants are used the same way as normally cultivated plants.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: These are found in Europe, Asia, and North America.
• Regions: You can come across a wild asparagus plant in fields and meadows.

Chickweed (Stellaria media)

These weeds are some of the best that you can come across in the wild other than dandelions. Chickweeds are very nutritious edible wild plants and have a mild flavor. These are winter-loving plants and disappear in hot weather, so there are better chances for you to find them in the colder season. Chickweeds feature small tender leaves which can be used in the same way as spinach.

Uses of Chickweed:

• Chickweed can be used in salads, as a garnish, and in sandwiches.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: These edible plants can be found in Europe, North America, Australia, and many other places.
• Regions:These plants are usually found in temperate regions.

Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora)

These are rare wild edible plants and are famous for their striking pale-white appearance as they lack chlorophyll. Indian pipe also known as the ghost plant obtains their nutrients from fungi in the soil which is connected to other nearby plants. Therefore, these plants play a vital role in their environment by creating a link between different plants for the transfer of information.

Uses of Indian Pipe:

• Moreover, these plants are not typically used in any culinary items. However, they have been used by many native American Tribes for many medicinal purposes.

Commonly Found in:

• Location: These plants are usually found in North America and parts of Asia and Europe.
• Regions: You may come across these plants in shaded and dark regions of forests where minimal light reaches.

Furthermore, it is recommended to not disturb these plants as they are vital to the environment for many purposes and they are also very rare!

Lamb’s Quarters (Chenopodium album)

Also known as pigweed these edible wild plants have a taste and appearance like spinach. Therefore, these plants can become a great substitute for spinach in many dishes. Moreover, the seeds of these plants are also edible and are similar to wild quinoa.

Uses of Lamb’s Quarters:

• The leaves can be used in soups and or can be processed to make pesto.
  Meanwhile, the seeds can be used as quinoa seeds.

Commonly Found in:

• Locations: These plants are found in Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, and parts of North America.
• Regions: You can find these plants in gardens, waste areas, and places with ruined soil.

Acorns (Quercus spp.)

Acorns or wild oak nuts are other edible plants in the wild that you can forage. There are many species of oak trees all over the world and the seeds of many species are edible. These seeds are also a great source of food for animals. Soaking them in hot or cold water can help remove the bitter tannins and make them safe for human consumption. The seeds usually have a mild and nutty taste but it can differ among different species.

Uses of Acorns:

• Acorn flour is used in the making of many breads, cakes, and other food products.

Commonly Found in:

• Locations: Acorns can be found in America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
• Regions: These edible wild plants can be found in forests, mountains and coastal regions, meadows, and woodlands.

Morel Mushrooms (Morchella spp.)

Morel mushrooms are an interesting plant variety as they are one of the first species that reestablish after a wildfire. These mushrooms are foraged because of their unique flavor that tastes earthy and nutty. This variety of mushrooms has aromatic foliage and is used in many cuisines. However, you should be careful while foraging any mushrooms as many varieties of mushrooms are toxic. It is recommended to take expert help before doing so.

See also: How To Identify Mushrooms?

Uses of Morel Mushrooms:

• Morel Mushrooms are used in many dishes and can be grilled, battered, fried, and added to many sauces and soups.

Commonly Found in:

• Locations: Morel Mushrooms are commonly found in Asia, Europe, America, Australia, and Africa.
• Regions: Also, you may come across these edible wild plants in forests, grasslands, and areas that recently suffered a wildfire.

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)

These edible wild plants grow in running water. Watercress are semi-aquatic plants that have edible leaves and stems that taste like pepper. These plants feature small oval-shaped and dark-green leaves. It is important to check the quality of the water and other surroundings before foraging these plants.

Uses of Watercress:

• Watercress is used in sandwiches and salads. It can also be consumed raw or cooked in soups or side dishes.

Commonly Found in:

• Locations: Watercress can be found in Europe, Asia, America, Australia, and Africa.
• Regions: Moreover, these edible plants in the wild are present in streams, springs, or any other clear running water source.

Conclusion