Never ingest anything you have not positively identified.
For practice with proper plant identification, go on a guided plant ramble or use a reliable field guide such as, Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants by “Wildman” Steve Brill, or Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. Please harvest responsibly and review this Wildcrafting Checklist by Howie Brounstein who reminds us, “Wildcrafting is stewardship.”
Click on each photo for more detailed information.
YELLOW DOCK (Rumex crispus)
April 1, 2012
Here in Atlanta you will find two docks, yellow dock and bitter dock (Rumex obtusifolium) There are a couple basic ways to distinguish between the two. The edges of yellow dock are much wavier (crispy) and the leaves are longer and thinner, more of lanced shaped. Also, you can often find the flowering spikes from the previous year. If you look at the winged seeds, the edges of the yellow dock are smooth, while on the bitter dock they will have sharp points.
YELLOW DOCK (Rumex crispus)
April 1, 2012
Yellow Dock sending up it’s flowering stalk. The official part of the plant is the deep yellow tap root. Harvest either early in the spring before flowering or in the autumn when the energy is directed back down into the roots.
POISEN IVY (Rhus toxicodendron)
April 1, 2012
Poison Ivy and Virginia Creeper often are found growing together. Both vines, both divided leaves, means taking a look to make sure you can tell the difference. While Virginia Creeper is harmless, Poison Ivy has it’s name for a reason. Poison ivy has leaflets of three, while the Virginia Creeper has five leaflets
Wisteria
April 5, 2014
A gorgeous treat to the eyes and deliciously fragrant, the wisteria is also one of our most invasives here in the south. While the blossoms are edible, the seeds are reportedly toxic, so steer clear of those.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
April 6, 2013
Another close up of the dandelion seeds. The achenes (little brown parts) are the “fruit” or swollen fertilized ovary. Inside each achene is a single seed.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
April 6, 2013
A close up through my lens, checking out the puffball of the dandelion that has gone to seed. You can see the achenes in this shot. They are the brownish bits at the center where everything attaches..
FIELD GARLIC
April 9, 2012
The Alliums (onions and garlics) do double duty. A delicious addition to any meal and a strong defender of health. Chop and add to salads or sautees. A member of the lily family, it is easy to recognize by its tall, narrow round basal leaves and a bulb that looks like an onion. If still in doubt, scratch and sniff -- there’s no mistaking the allium smell!
Flowering FIELD GARLIC.
April 9, 2012
The flowers turn to seeds and begin to sprout and grow while still on the mama plant. The wild green display is a punk rock look worthy of Dr. Seuss.
Redbud (Cercis Canadensis)
April 9, 2013
The flowers sprout right out of the branches and trunk and something about that just makes me smile!
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
April 16, 2013
Comfrey has been a traditionally used remedy, both internally and externally for centuries as a potent tissue regenerator. I think this plant is absolutely gorgeous.
MULBERRY (Morus sp.)
April 28, 2012
A fruit laden branch. Mulberries turn purple black when ripe. There are several species of mulberries in Atlanta, both native and imports from Asia. I use them (eat them) interchangeably. High in flavanoids and flavor!
April 30, 2012
MULBERRY. Until you learn to recognize the character of a mulberry tree, the easiest way is to look toward the ground for purple splattered pavement, cars, or lawns.
April 30, 2012
MULBERRY. This tree has more than one leaf shape. Another tree with multiple leaf shapes is sassafras, which also grows in Atlanta. They are easy to distinguish... one makes juicy purple berries and the other does not 🙂 Also the mulberry leaf is rough in texture and has a serrated edge. The sassafras leaf is smooth to the touch with a smooth edge.
Berry-Pickin-Finger-Lickin-Good!
My dad would be proud! At an early age, he taught me that NOTHING tastes as good as a berry picked right off the branch or vine.
April 12, 2012
The downtown MULBERRY scene is about to get jumpin’. The daughter of an avid berry hunter, there is no bramble to thick, ravine to wide and in the case of us urban foragers -- fence too high! The deep maroon purples of Morus rubrum and nigra indicate the presence of antioxidant anthocyanins. The fruit has been traditionally use in Chinese medicine as a yin and blood tonic. And my favorite healing property of the mulberry -- delectability!
Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
April 27, 2015
A field of Jewelweed in the middle of Atlanta. To find this plant, look for lower lying parcels of land, along creeks and such. It likes to keep its feet wet. Very soothing to the skin, and quite easy on the eyes.
Cleavers (Gallium sp)
April 27, 2015
There are many different species of Galium, why last summer in England I met one that smells like a honeycomb! Literally! Well this one here is a fairly common garden and lawn weed. Recognizable by its whorled leaves, four petaled flower, and ability to “cleave” to your clothes.
Gallium close-up!
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
April 30, 2013
Polygonum is a plant that is native both here and in China. We use the root as a demulcent, for lung weakness, or to support connective tissue. In the Chinese materia medica, it is used to nourish and tonify our deepest reserves, known as the jing.
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
April 30, 2013
A close up view of this aromatic member of the mint family. A low growing plant found in most Atlanta yards and parks, it comes to us from Europe, where it has a long history of use, from a cough remedy to anti-inflammatory agent. These are typical uses for members of the mint family and this plant could due with a bit more attention.
Violet (Viola sp.)
April 30, 2013
We are coming to the end of violet season. The flowers are a beautiful dose of color therapy and the leaves a gentle lymphatic with a special affinity for breast tissue.
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa/quaternata)
April 30, 2013
Another treasure hidden in plain sight. The roots of wild yam are a powerful anti-inflammatory, especially for smooth muscle tissue. I have seen it used effectively for everything from menstrual cramps to gall bladder spasms.
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa/quaternata)
April 30, 2013
This vine is “dioecious,” meaning the male and female flowers live on separate plants. Here is a close up of the female buds.
Poke (Phytolacca decandra)
April 30, 2013
A famous southern pot-herb when harvested in early spring (and washed numerous times first) medicinally, it is mainly the root that is used. When tinctured, it is used in very small amounts mixed into larger formulas as a powerful lymphatic.
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
April 30, 2013
Tucked away in the bushes of an intown Atlanta park, this sweet little patch of solomon’s seal reminds us how these hills used to look...
Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum)
April 30, 2013
So this is NOT a medicine or a food, but such a beautiful native, I had to take a shot and share it with all of you.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
April 30, 2013
The immature flowers (just before they open) are collected and used in Chinese medicine as a powerful anti cold and flu remedy. This is one of the primary ingredients for the patent formula Yin Qiao.
Lance leafed Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
April 30, 2013
A close up of the underside of a leaf. The prominent parallel ribbing help make a positive ID.
Lance leafed Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
April 30, 2013
A vibrant patch of plantain. This is a reliable “green bandaid” and can be found just about anywhere... I’ve personally seen it in Europe, South America, North America. Just chew up a leaf and smack it on your cut, bite, or sting for immediate relief.
Fringe-tree (Chioanthus virginica)
April 30, 2013
This beautiful native acts is a well-known remedy for abdominal disorders such as jaundice, gall-stones, and portal congestion. The root bark is the official part and you can find detailed descriptions of the preparation and application of this remedy in Kings Dispensary.
April 30, 2013
Fringe-tree (Chioanthus virginica)
April 30, 2013
A close-up of the flowers, which are arranged in loosely falling clusters.
Oregon Grape (Mahonia sp.)
April 30, 2013
If you’ve ever wondered where Oregon Grape got its name...this picture should clear it up. The fruits are edible, but not very tasty in my opinion. The roots are used medicinally (see other pictures of Mahonia for more information.)
Mulberry (Morus sp)
April 30, 2013
So if you haven’t guessed by now, this is one of my favorite plants. Check out my recipe for Mulberry Syrup on the elixir page. By the looks of these berries, another week or two and my hands will be purple-stained for picking time..
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
April 30, 2013
A member of the Asteracea (Daisy or Sunflower family) each yellow flower head is actually a composite of many, many tiny flowers.