Table 1. Recommended Edible Plants for Year-Round Flowering and Fruiting.
| Plant Name Common Name Scientific Name | Winter | Spring | Summer | Fall |
| Plant Name Common Name Scientific Name | Wildlife | Edible | Color | Edible |
| American persimmon Diospyros virginiana | bird | fruit | ||
| Apple Malus domestica |
Full Answer
Which plants are edible?
20 Wild Edible Plants. Wild Onion. Allium bisceptrum (flowering) Common Burdock. Arctium minus. Common Milkweed. Asclepias syriaca. Common Milkweed should be cooked before consuming. See how to prepare common milkweed here.
What are some common plants in North Carolina?
North Carolina is blessed with a wide range of plants. Coastal North Carolina has typical beach plants such as cordgrass and saltmeadows found in marshes. Farther inland are wax myrtles, live oak and red cedar trees. Deciduous forests on the lower slopes are filled with Carolina hemlocks, yellow buckeyes, sugar maples and yellow birch trees.
What plants are edible in NC?
Top 10 Super-Available Edible WILD Plants in Western NC
- Burdock. Prized by the Japanese (although a different variety than the wild version), the roots can be cut up and used in soups to give a very nutritious and ...
- Red Clover. The small pinkish clover heads can be added to salads, made into an infusion (tea), or just eaten raw. ...
- Dandelion. ...
- Chickory. ...
- Plantain. ...
- Elder. ...
- Daylillies. ...
- Wineberries. ...
- Chickweed. ...
What to plant in a North Carolina garden?
- Onions, Garlic and Herbs. Other vegetables you can start from seed now for harvest this fall include leeks and green onions, but wait until late September to sow onion seed ...
- Learn More!
- Learn more about growing vegetables in fall from these past Chatham Gardener articles:
- More great vegetable gardening resources from NC State Extension:
- Seed Sources. ...
What plants are edible in eastern North Carolina?
From Yard to SaladChickweed: leaves, flowers and stems are edible.Dandelions: leaves and blossoms are edible.Eastern redbud: flowers are edible.Oxalis: leaves are edible as a garnish.Wild violets: flowers are edible.Wild garlic: leaves are edible.Pansies: flowers are edible.
Can you forage in North Carolina?
North Carolina's mountains and foothills support some of the greatest biodiversity in North America — everything from wild shoots and berries to farm-raised crops and cattle. Some grow hidden. Others thrive in plain sight.
How do you know if a wild plant is edible?
0:102:22How to Identify Edible Plants in the Wild - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep 1 separate the plants into its different parts leaves stems roots flowers etc smell the plantMoreStep 1 separate the plants into its different parts leaves stems roots flowers etc smell the plant for any strong odors if the plant smells particularly foul or acidic discontinue.
Can you eat wild blackberries in NC?
Berries. Wild, edible berries are plentiful all over North Carolina. Blackberries are found on bushes that are covered with thorns. The leaves on blackberry bushes are toothless and red flowers bloom immediately before the fruit appears.
What fruits and vegetables grow in North Carolina?
Top Vegetables Grown in North CarolinaCabbage. North Carolina ranks ninth nationally for cabbage production. ... Squash and Watermelon. North Carolina ranks eighth in production of both of these crops nationally. ... Cantaloupe and Tomatoes. ... Cucumbers. ... Pumpkins. ... Sweet Potatoes.
Does wild garlic grow in North Carolina?
Wild garlic (Allium vineale) and wild onion (Allium canadense) are very common lawn weeds. These plants are winter perennials with an odor of garlic, wild garlic being the prime problem maker in NC. Wild garlic (Allium vineale) is often confused with wild onion and for good reason.
What tree leaves are edible?
To answer your burning question: yes, you can make trees into salad. The young, tender leaves of trees like the beech, birch, Chinese elm, fennel, mulberry, hawthorne, sassafras, and linden can be tossed into a salad, though some are better tasting than others. You can also pick and eat them fresh off the tree.
What kind of plants can you eat from the woods?
Top 7 Edible Wild PlantsDandelion. Known as a ubiquitous weed worldwide, dandelion has been a staple part of many food cultures for millennia, as all parts of the plant, at every stage of its lifecycle, are edible. ... Asparagus. ... Nettle. ... Garlic Mustard. ... Elderberry.Wild Raspberry. ... Curled Dock.
How can you tell if a plant is poisonous?
So if you see three leaves at the end of a branch, continue inspecting the branch toward the body of the plant. Is every single leaf actually three leaflets (each with their own short stems), growing off a main leaf stem, growing off a branch? Then yes! It's poisonous!
How can you tell if berries are poisonous?
Stay away from berries on plants with spines, bitter smells, or milky sap. In general, the following plants are not safe for humans to eat, including the berries. You should check for: Milky or odd-colored saps.
Can you eat wild raspberry?
About Wild Blackberries and Raspberries There are many, many types of wild edible berries, but blackberries and raspberries are by far the easiest to identify. Growing in those telltale tiny clusters, they don't have any lookalikes and are all safe to eat.
Are wild strawberries safe to eat?
Yes, contrary to what some may think, wild strawberries are not poisonous. In fact, the berries are edible and tasty. There is, however, a similar plant, called Indian mock strawberry, which has yellow flowers (rather than white), that produces berries with little to no flavor.
What are the best trees to grow in North Carolina?
Oak trees and pine trees are plentiful in North Carolina. Oak trees can generally be identified by the acorns that grow abundantly on its limbs. The white oak has the tastiest acorns, but all oak trees have edible acorns. The acorns from the white oak can be shelled and eaten raw. However, it is advisable to shell and then rinse acorns from other oak trees several times to rinse the tannins out of them so that they are palatable. Pine trees have several edible parts to them. The pine needles themselves can be eaten raw or boiled into a tea. The inner tree bark can also be eaten, as well as the seeds from inside the pine cones.
Which tree has the tastiest acorns?
North Carolina's varied terrain and climate allows an abundance of edible wild plants to grow. The white oak has the tastiest acorns, but all oak trees have edible acorns.
What are the leaves on a blackberry bush?
Blackberries are found on bushes that are covered with thorns. The leaves on blackberry bushes are toothless and red flowers bloom immediately before the fruit appears. Mulberries, which grow on trees, not bushes, are sweeter than blackberries. The leaves are rough on the top and hairy on the bottom.
What is the climate of North Carolina?
North Carolina's varied terrain and climate allows an abundance of edible wild plants to grow. Eastern North Carolina has the Atlantic Coast and coastal plains, while the Western part of North Carolina has the Appalachians and foothills. Being able to identify the edible wild plants that grow in North Carolina can be beneficial for snacking or survival in the wild.
What is a dandelion plant?
Dandelions are a common, edible weed that grows throughout North Carolina from March through September. Each dandelion plant has a single flower that soon turns into a downy, white, seed-ball. The leaves consist of sharp, irregular lobes and the stems contain a white, milky substance. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked but are best when picked young, before the flower appears. The flowers can be dipped and fried, or the petals can be separated and mixed into a salad to add both flavor and color. The roots can be dried, then broken into tiny pieces and boiled to be used as a coffee substitute.
Can dandelion be eaten raw?
The leaves consist of sharp, irregular lobes and the stems contain a white, milky substance. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked but are best when picked young, before the flower appears.
Can you eat pine needles?
Pine trees have several edible parts to them. The pine needles themselves can be eaten raw or boiled into a tea. The inner tree bark can also be eaten, as well as the seeds from inside the pine cones. North Carolina's varied terrain and climate allows an abundance of edible wild plants to grow.
Edible Wild Dandelions
Every single part of the dandelion is edible. If you’re using it in a salad or stir-fry, pick the youngest, greenest leaves, usually in the center of a bunch. Don’t add too many. Otherwise, your lunch will have a bitter taste. Throw in the blossoms for a pop of color and crunch. Dandelions are also a medicinal plant – great for the liver.
Chickweed
Chickweed might just be the tastiest and tenderest of all edible plants in North Carolina. It tastes a lot like spinach. So, it’s great to use as the base for a salad, or you can stew it and eat it on its own. Chickweed thrives in cooler weather, so keep an eye out for it in the spring and fall.
Burdock
The roots of this underground tuber can be cut up and used in hearty soups and stews. Chock full of nutrients like vitamins C and E, burdock contains powerful natural antioxidants, along with other minerals like iron, manganese, and magnesium.
Redbud
The blooms of the redbud taste like snow peas and add a delicious flavor to any stir-fry dish or salad. They also contain large amounts of vitamin C, and their bright color adds a gorgeous visual presentation to any dish.
Elder
Elder has a wide variety of uses. Their berries, flowers, and leaves can all be used to make flavorful cordials, syrups, and even medicine.
Wood Sorrel
Wood sorrel is a delightful edible plant found in North Carolina, high in vitamins C and A. Its lemony taste is a great addition to a morning salad – although the flavor can be strong. So, use it in moderation. Because of its three heart-shaped leaves, it is often confused with clovers or shamrocks.
Chicory
Chicory is probably best known as an alternative to coffee. You can harvest the roots and dry them or store them to make a steaming cup of a rich, deep, and flavorful drink.
What are some edible plants?
If you look closely (enlarged photo here) you can see Burdock, Dandelion , Red Clover, Plantain, and Chickory. All edible. 1. Burdock. Prized by the Japanese (although a different variety than the wild version), the roots can be cut up and used in soups to give a very nutritious and gently medicinal element to your hearty meal.
What is the tenderest wild green?
Chickweed. Probably the tenderest and tastiest of the edible wild greens, this plant loves cool weather to keep it succulent. So look for it in spring and fall. 10. Serviceberries or Juneberries. Most of the trees or shrubs that local folks harvest berries from are probably cultivated. So this is somewhat cheating.
What are the best herbs to use for liver?
The small pinkish clover heads can be added to salads, made into an infusion (tea), or just eaten raw. They are delightfully flavored, beautiful, and nutritious. 3. Dandelion . Good for the liver, these bitter leaves are better before the bloom and used as a stir-fry or addition to salads.
Do blueberries grow wild?
But they are native and they do grow wild, as do blueberries, in our region. The cultivated varieties are often producing more reliably and larger fruit. Find your trees and keep them secret. There are plenty of wild food foragers in the region who take advantage of these remarkably sweet berries.
How to increase diversity in edibles?
To increase diversity, give higher priority to edibles that are hard to find or may be expensive to purchase. Select varieties known to thrive in the local climate with few insect or disease problems. If late frosts are common, choose varieties known for late bloom. Some plants must be cross-pollinated.
How to select a plant?
Tips for Plant Selection 1 Focus on your favorites, and don’t waste space on plants that you and your family don’t like to eat. 2 To increase diversity, give higher priority to edibles that are hard to find or may be expensive to purchase. 3 Select varieties known to thrive in the local climate with few insect or disease problems. 4 If late frosts are common, choose varieties known for late bloom. 5 Some plants must be cross-pollinated. Obtain a suitable pollinator plant, if required. 6 Plan for year-round beauty and harvest. For example, strawberries ripen in early spring, blueberries in late spring, blackberries in summer, and apples in fall. 7 Seek out multipurpose plants. For example, pomegranate trees have delicious fall fruits, lovely yellow fall foliage, and orange spring flowers that attract hummingbirds.
What are some examples of ripe fruit?
For example, strawberries ripen in early spring, blueberries in late spring, blackberries in summer, and apples in fall. Seek out multipurpose plants. For example, pomegranate trees have delicious fall fruits, lovely yellow fall foliage, and orange spring flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Can edible plants be used in landscapes?
Incorporating edibles in the landscape is not an all-or-nothing proposition. It is possible to start small, replacing just a few ornamentals with edibles, or to use edible plants in the entire landscape. Edible plants can perform many of the same functions as ornamental species, if selected carefully.
How many types of bamboo are edible?
There are hundreds of bamboo species, and 110 of them are edible. Use a guide to determine which types grow near you. Edible parts: The shoots are the edible portion of the plant. Flavor: The taste varies by variety from savory to sweet, and they’re a good way to add a crunchy texture to a dish.
What is the name of the plant with purple flowers?
Caution: Cocklebur looks a lot like Burdock, but its leaves must be cooked to eliminate toxic components. 2. Wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum) Look for cup-shaped, purple-spotted orange flowers on a 1 to 3-foot stalk. The stem has long, narrow leaves in whorls. This plant is becoming less common.
How many leaves does a cloudberry plant have?
Look for a low-growing plant with three leaves per plant in northern boreal regions. The flowers are small and white, and each plant grows one light red berry. Edible parts: Fruit and flowers of this plant are edible. If you can find it, I highly recommend cloudberry jelly.
How to identify a sage plant?
The stem is the easiest way to identify this plant. It is erect, and the upper part is covered in dense, short hairs that have a reddish tint. Edible parts: Both wild and domesticated versions of this plant are edible. You can eat the whole plant, though some parts are best cooked before being eaten.
How many petals does a wild rose have?
Wild roses have pink flowers with five petals. When the fruits form, they are round or pear-shaped, and orange or red in color. They grow everywhere from wooded areas to roadsides.
What is a sweet gale?
Sweet gale (Myrica gale) Also known as the bog myrtle, this plant has several medicinal benefits , including as a treatment for acne, stomach ache, and liver issues . You can also keep the leaves around as a potent insect repellent. This plant grows as a shrub near bogs, with flat, oblong leaves.
Where to find wild leeks?
If you can find these, you’ve hit the wild edible plant jackpot, because they are delicious. In the spring, look for wild leeks in the moist soil, usually under trees. They grow in 2 or 3 broad, smooth leaves out of a white bulb.
