18 Edible And Beneficial Wild Plants

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If on a trip to a jungle or some wild place, a person find himself struck. He can eat wild plants which are safe to eat. There are lot of poisonous plants in the wild but there are some plants which are not at all poisonous and are edible. Here, we are going to discuss some of the edible wild plants.

List Of Edible And Beneficial Wild Plants:

1. Blackberries ( Rubus Fruticosus) :

They can be easily found in the spring when their white flowers bloom, they are present in the form of cluster on the bush and their flowers have 5 points. Some wild berries are non edible but wild blackberries are 100% safe to eat and easy to recognize. They have red branches with long thorns similar to a rose; the green leaves are wide and jagged. The ripening time of berries is around August to September.

2. Dandelions (Taraxacum Officinale) :

They can be recognized in the spring from their bright yellow buds. You can eat them raw or cook them to take away the bitterness. In the spring, they are less bitter. They are packed with Vitamin A, beta carotene and Vitamin C.

3. Asparagus ( Asparagus Officinalis) :

It grows in the wild in most of Europe and parts of North Africa, West Asia, and North America. Wild asparagus has a very thin stalk. It’s a great source of vitamin C, thiamine, potassium and vitamin B6. Eat it raw or boil it.

4. Gooseberries ( Ribes uva-Crispa) :

These can be recognised from the branches which are grey with long red thorns, leaves are bright green and have 5 points. The leaves have rounded edges like that of a maple leaf. The flowers in the spring are very odd looking. They are bright red and hang down. The berries ripening time of berries is around late May early June.

5. Mulberries (Morus) :

The ripe fruit of Mulberries is edible and is widely used in pies, tarts, wines, cordials and tea.

6. Pine (Pinus) :

There are over a hundred different species of pine. It can be used for many purposes like taken as food, tea and also can be used for medicinal purposes. Native Americans used it as a medicine for curing scurvy as it is rich in vitamin C.

7. Elderberries (Sambucus) :

An elderberry shrub can grow easily up to 10 feet and can yield a lot of food. The leaves of elderberry are long and round and the leaves have jagged edges. These are easiest to identify as they blossom in the spring with white clustered flowers that resembles an umbrella. Mark the spot and harvest the berries when they’re ripe around September. They are known for their flu and cold healing properties. Jelly can be prepared from them and is very sweet and delicious. Be aware that elderberries can be toxic if not properly prepared.

8. Daylily (Hemerocallis) :

They have bright orange flowers and foliage that comes straight up from the ground.Stem is absent in Daylily .The flower buds are edible before they open. It can be cooked like a vegetable.

9. Hazelnuts( Corylus) :

Hazelnuts are also known as cobnut or filberts. Hazelnut trees are short sized and maximum grow around 12-20 ft tall. The tree bears leaves which are bright green and have pointed edges. The hazelnuts grow in long strands of pods. The ripening time of hazelnuts is by September and October.

10. Walnuts( Juglans Regia) :

The Walnut trees are tallest nut tree in North America. These can be recognised by their height as they can range from 30-130 feet tall. The structure of leaf is just like the peacan, the leaves are spear like in appearance and grow as 6-8 leaves on both sides on a long stem. The walnuts can be seen to grow in clusters and ripen in the fall.

11. Acorns (Quercus) :

Acorns are also known as oak nuts. These Acorns are bitter in taste. They should be eaten well cooked and in a limited amount.

12. Clovers (Trifolium Repens) :

Clovers are found everywhere and are edible. Clovers can be seen sprouting everywhere in the grass. They can be recognised from their distinctive trifoil leafs and white flowers. These can be eaten raw but they taste better if eaten boiled.

13. Chicory ( Cichorium Intybus) :

These are found in Europe, North America and Australia. The entire plant can be eaten along with its bright blue flowers. These flowers can also be white or pink sometimes. Chicory’s most prominent feature is that it is toxic to internal parasites.

14. Garlic Mustard (Alliaria Petiolata) :

Edible parts of Garlic Mustard are its flowers, leaves, roots and seeds. Leaves can be eaten in any season but when the weather gets hot, the leaves will have a bitter taste. Flowers can be chopped and taken in salads. The roots can be collected in early spring and again in late fall. Garlic mustard roots taste very spicy. In the fall the seeds can be collected to eat.

15. Chickweed ( Stellaria Media) :

Chickweeds are high in vitamins and minerals. These usually appear in the months of May and July. The leaves can be eaten raw or boiled.

16. Hop Clover ( Trifolium Campestre) :

Edible parts of Hop Clover are its flowers, leaves and seeds. The flowers can be put into the tea. Seeds can be collected in season the autumn and eaten as it is or roasted and can be grounded into flour as well. Leaves can be used in juicing, omelettes, salads, sandwiches, etc.

17. Beach Lovage (Ligusticum Scoticum Hultenii) :

It is known by many names like Scotch lovage, sea lovage, wild celery, and petrushki. It is best used as a seasoning, like parsley. It can never be consumed as it is. The leaves of Beach lovage can be used in salads, cooked in soups with rice and in mixed cooked greens. Beach lovage tastes best before its flowers appear.

18. Herb Robert ( Geranium Robertianum):

Edible parts of Herb Robert includes the entire plant. Fresh leaves can be used in salads or in making tea. The flower, leaves and root can be dried and stored for later use as a tea, herbs or as a nutrient booster. Fresh leaves are rubbed on the skin to repel mosquitoes. The entire plant repels rabbits and deers which would protect your garden.