It all started when I discovered these pretty little red-purple plants growing along an embankment in our backyard.
What are these things? And can I add some of them to our landscaping? I thought their color and texture would add a nice contrast to the boring boxwoods out front, but I also knew pretty plants can be invasive plants, and it’s better to know exactly what you’re transplanting before you start.
Some research, (and a little taste test,) confirmed that it was shiso, also called beefsteak plant. Shiso is a type of mint used often in Asian cooking, though it was brought to North America originally as an ornamental. It’s a very invasive plant, so it has spread like wildfire and can be found growing in random spots all across our fair country, including my own backyard!
But that little discovery really got me to thinking: What other interesting, useful plants are growing on our property?
You realize, I assume, that foraging was once a crucial means of survival for early settlers of our country. My favorite YouTube channel makes mention of it often. When supplies ran low and hunting was going poorly, being able to identify and harvest edible and medicinal plants often meant the difference between life or death for pioneers.
While the actual need for foraging may not exist as it once did, it is still fascinating to see how many native plants can be used for food or for simple home remedies. In my own search I have found dandelion greens galore, wood sorrel, and wild violets that can be added to salads. I’ve turned jewelweed into a salve for poison ivy rash and bug bites. I’ve harvested plantain to dry for future use, and just the other day we found wild spearmint growing under our trampoline!
It’s like a daily treasure hunt, and I’m learning so much about nature and my environment in the process.
Believe it or not, foraging is actually a hot new trend. More people are interested these days to know exactly where their food is coming from, and foraging helps with that. It’s also the perfect way to study nature and learn about plant life. (I’m loving it when I see my kids pointing out plants and trees to adults and correctly identifying them!) Foraging also gives you a better understanding of our ancestors and some of the challenges they faced in their survival.
Jewelweed, which is abundant on our property
So are you interested in trying some foraging of your own, maybe even in your own backyard? Here are a few things to keep in mind…
- Correct plant identification is vital. I don’t make use of any plant until I have confirmed its identity through multiple sources. If I have any doubt at all, I leave it alone.
- Don’t over-harvest. Never gather so many plants from an area that they can’t reproduce themselves. This is more of a problem with some plants than with others, but that’s why it’s important to learn about the plants you’re harvesting, so you don’t accidentally wipe out their population where you’re foraging.
- Plant location matters. Avoid plants growing along roads or train tracks, near dumping grounds, work or building sites, or areas frequented by animals. Be aware, too, of chemical or waste runoff from higher ground. Plants in these areas have likely been exposed to too many contaminants to make them worth your while.
- Consider land treatment. Don’t gather any plants from an area that is sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. This includes a lot of suburban areas and parks. If you have doubts about an area, don’t forage there.
- Forage only with permission. If your own yard doesn’t provide the plants you’re looking for, don’t assume it’s okay to collect from anyone else’s. On private land, always ask. On public lands, learn the laws and regulations for foraging in the area, as they can vary greatly from one region to another.
Where to Begin
Look for books on native plants and foraging at your local library. You are sure to find books with photographs and descriptions to help you with identification, and many will also explain how to use certain plants medicinally, and even offer recipes for cooking them!
Naturally the internet is a wealth of information as well. There are innumerable websites dedicated to plant identification — many likely specific to your particular area — and of course YouTube offers endless videos about foraging native plants.
Plant identification apps are a favorite resource of mine, too! Apps like PlantNet, PlantSnap, and NatureGate allow you to photograph a plant and then search a database of similar photos to help identify it. These apps are not 100% accurate, but they have been very helpful in identifying some of the plants in my yard by at least narrowing down the possibilities.
Wood sorrel. (Though everyone calls these “shamrocks”.) These things grow EVERYWHERE. They are sourish to the taste and packed with Vitamin C
Start small.
You might be amazed how many plants are growing in your own yard. Trying to learn them all might be overwhelming, but if you can familiarize yourself with one of two and seek them out over and over again, before long you’ll find yourself recognizing them very quickly and easily.
List the ones you know.
As you come to know your plants, find some way to catalog them. Personally, I just keep a simple list on my refrigerator, but others may prefer using a sketchbook and drawings, or organizing photos on their phone or tablet. Whatever method you prefer, keeping what you’ve learned fresh and accessible will help you remember it.
Don’t be afraid to experiment!
If you’re nervous about eating a plant you find in the wild, maybe you should start out making a medicinal salve or tincture and slowly work your way up to more daring things, like adding wild plants to your food. As you become more familiar with local plant life and your environment, you might be surprised how quickly you become comfortable with using it in all sorts of ways!
This has been such a fun learning process for me this spring and summer, and I love sharing it with my kids. Don’t be afraid to give it a try yourself!
Have you done any foraging for wild plants? If so, please share in the comments. I’d love to hear from others who forage, or who are looking to give foraging a try!
