5 Common and Useful Plants That You Can Forage Now
Spring and into the early summer is a great time to forage for some common and useful plants. Some of these are available year round, but depending on the season, you can forage different parts for different uses. Most of these can be found in your yard or other common areas, but always be conscious of where you're foraging. You want to avoid places where chemical sprays, roadway run off, and other harmful substances can affect the plants.
Think of this article as a companion or follow-up to a field guide that you can use for positive identification. Better yet, take a foraging class from a trusted individual. If you want to find a great group of experts instructors for foraging and a wide variety of other topics check out the Georgia Bushcraft Fall Gathering. You'll find 100s of course hours included in general admission, and it's a great introduction to foraging and other topics. Today, we’re going to talk about some uses for 5 common wild edible and medicinal plants that you can find in the spring and summer.
Dandelion
Dandelions are ubiquitous, common, and often known for their ease of foraging. The young greens can be used in salads, cooked or raw. You can also dig the roots, clean them, and use them for tea. The flowers can be used for a unique jelly, and there are surely a number of other uses. However, one that I just became aware of is interesting and rather time sensitive. If you’re a fan of capers, dandelions offer an easy alternative if you’re willing to do some gathering.
You’re looking for the tightly packed, underdeveloped flower buds at the center of the dandelion plants. If they unroll easily and the yellow petals peak out, they might be too far developed for the desired texture. Once you have the desired amount, rinse them in cold water, then combine with one cup of water and one teaspoon of salt. You can also season with dried garlic, onion, or other savory herbs and spices. These are great toppings for salad sandwiches and more. If you have a dense patch of dandelions, you might be surprised at how fast you can gather a jar.
Wood Sorrel
Another common and tasty plant that’s prime for foraging now is Wood Sorrel. While there are several species in this family, it seems that Common Yellow Wood Sorrel lives up to its name, and it’s easy to find all over the Southeast. This clover lookalike is a great addition to salads that adds a nice citrus tang, thanks in part to oxalic acid. In large doses, it can have negative side effects, but adding it to the occasional foraged meal is safe. All parts of the Wood Sorrel are edible and make great additions to salads, toppings for other dishes, and a tart snack on the trail. If you’re looking for a warm drink, place the leaves directly in a container, pour over boiling water, let it steep for 5-10 minutes, and strain the solids out.
Plantain
Continuing with our trio of prolific and easy to forage plants, the plantain family is easy to find and incredibly useful. Both the broad and narrow-leafed varieties can be used for a variety of uses. While the young leaves can be eaten, topical uses are more common and highly beneficial. In the field, you can chew a plaintain leaf to make a poultice, and then apply that directly to a big bite, sting, or skin abrasion. Not only is the plantain antibacterial and antimicrobial, but the astringent properties provide almost immediate relief for stings and bites. With more time and preparation, plantain leaves can be added to creams and salves for treating wounds, sunburns, and more. If you've noticed the handy banadana that's popped up a few times in this post, you can find one HERE.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a historically useful and widely distributed plant. Also known as “cure-all,” yarrow can be used to stop bleeding, has antibacterial properties, and even be used in teas. In the field, the crushed leaf of the plant can be applied directly to a cut or abrasion. This will not only slow bleeding but also provide antibacterial support to the healing process. Teas made from Yarrow are reported to assist with digestion, urinary health, and fever.
Yarrow and mullein make for a great combo when you extract them with oil and combine that with beeswax for a balm that will help with skin issues and irritations.
Yarrow also serves as a good reminder that common plants can also have lookalikes. Queen Anne’s Lace and Poison Hemlock both look similar to Yarrow, so always be sure of your identifications before harvesting and learn from trusted guides and instructors.
Yarrow also serves as a good reminder that common plants can also have lookalikes. Queen Anne’s Lace and Poison Hemlock both look similar to Yarrow, so always be sure of your identifications before harvesting and learn from trusted guides and instructors.
Mullein
Rounding out this batch of plants is the easy-to-ID Mullein. Mullein grows in open and disturbed ground, often prolifically. The pale, fuzzy leaves and tall golden flower stalk make it easy to ID. Like the other plants on our list, Mullein has many uses. One that’s rather unique and extremely helpful if you’re suffering from congestion is adding the leaves to a pot of simmering water. Breathing in the steam will help release congestion in the head and chest. The leaves can also be used as a tea that provides relief for respiratory issues.
Be aware that the Mullein seeds are toxic. Unless you’re using the flowerstalks, it’s unlikely you’ll have to worry about cross contamination, but it serves as a great example of how often times foraging safely requires extensive and niche knowledge to do it safely.