Many nature enthusiasts that delve into the world of edible wild plants are rewarded with a free healthy supplement to their diet that is environmentally-friendly, fun and often downright tasty! To the average person, identifying edible plants may seem intimidating, and misconceptions about the toxicity of certain plants may prevent them from exploring nature’s produce aisle.

Avoiding poisonous plants

As identifying edible plants requires precision, it is understandable that the beginning forager may be apprehensive about selecting the correct plant. Consuming a poisonous plant could result in allergic reactions like itching and burning or worse symptoms like nausea, vomiting, shock and even death.

Accepted rules for determining a plant’s toxicity include detection of milky sap, bitter taste, spines, hairs or thorns, three leaves, feathery foliage, grain heads with dark or pink spurs and pods. It is important to make sure that you are correctly identifying the plant before consumption, and performing an edibility test is recommended as one may be unknowingly allergic to various plants.

Safe plants commonly mistaken as dangerous

Stinging Nettle and Wood Nettle – Nettles are often considered harmful because they possess stinging hairs on their stems, but despite their harsh demeanor, they are not poisonous. The Stinging Nettle and Wood Nettle are both edible, but require boiling or steaming before consumption. These plants may be confused with the False Nettle and Horse Balm, but these lookalikes may be distinguished from their edible counterparts by their lack of stinging hairs.

Stinging nettle. By faul

Thistle – Another thorny yet nutritious character is the thistle. The plant has prickly leaves, but those are not what foragers are after. Instead, their stems and roots are prepared and eaten.

Thistle. By Lenny Montana

Wild Carrot – Some plants are misconceived as unsafe purely because they look like another dangerous plant. The wild carrot resembles the extremely poisonous hemlock. The carrot’s root is similar to the grocery store staple; it also has feathery leaves and a white lacy flower head. The level of identification and risk associated with the wild carrot may not be advised for a novice.

Wild carrot. By Greencolander

Wild Onion – Wild onions are another victim of mistaken identity with visual counterparts being the daffodil and Star of Bethlehem. Follow your nose for the easiest way to tell the difference between the edible plant and the harmful impostors – the onion will have the distinctive onion smell. These may be eaten raw or cooked.

Wild onion. Wikipedia

With some knowledge and a good plant guide at your side, you too can explore the world of edible wild plants.

Miles Walker is a freelance writer and blogger who usually looks at car insurance comparison deals over at CarinsuranceComparison.Org. His most recent review looked at the best New Jersey car insurance.