We live in a world where nature provides, giving us wood so we can build homes, the sun to give us natural warmth and lots of common plants we can eat if hungry (or just curious how they taste).
About Eating Plants
Not all plants are safe to eat, and it is not advised to eat any plants that haven’t been verified as safe by a guide or expert. Though some plants are edible, that doesn’t mean that all parts of a plant are included. As an example: rhubarb is a common plant where its stem is edible, but its leaves are toxic to humans. Another small note: just because it is edible doesn’t guarantee that it’s going to taste good!
Plants have five different parts that may be edible:
- Flower
- Leaf
- Stem
- Root
- Seed
Some plant parts require preparation before you can eat them. Some plants may require they be cooked first before they can be eaten, and others require you pick the thorns from them first before eating them. Some experts have been able to determine when, in a plant’s lifecycle, it tastes best! However, for the beginning survivalist, here are ten common plants you didn’t know were edible.
- Dandelions
Dandelions are considered a weed by most. We desperately mow over them or spray weed killer every spring and summer; however, they are much more useful than they look. Dandelions have a yellow flower and all of the plant is edible. Experts say that the younger the plant is, the better it will taste.
- Forget-Me-Nots
These small blue flowers can be difficult to find in the suburbs, unlike the previously mentioned dandelions, but they are common throughout the United States and grow easily. The blue flowers are the edible part of this plant. Bonus fact: they are the state flower of Alaska.
- Coneflowers
These unique and oddly shaped flowers are edible. Coneflowers come in both bright yellow and purple varieties, and have a large, brown center. Both the flower petals and the leaves are edible – just be careful of bees since the coneflower’s nectar attracts them.
- Sunflowers
From Van Gough to fields in Mississippi, these flowers cannot be missed! They stand as tall as humans when fully grown and they are known for a unique shape, a large brown center and bright yellow petals. Unfortunately, most of this plant is inedible; however, their seeds are a common snack. Be sure to try them raw or roast over a fire!
- May apples
These short plants are common throughout most wooded areas and have a unique umbrella shape to their leaves which cover the fruit, which is the edible part of the plant. Like all fruit, it has to ripen first before it can be eaten, and the fruit of the may apple is ripe when it turns yellow. If there is a hint of green still on it, it would be better to leave it alone.
- Milk Thistle
Be careful with this plant since it’s a bit prickly. This plant has a small purple plume at the top which can be visible from the green, sharp exterior. If you have the time to clean this plant, you can eat the root, the leaves as well as the stem. Be sure to try the stem raw.
- Queen Anne’s Lace
As another weed on this list, Queen Anne’s Lace is characterized by a large amount of small white blooms at the tip of its stem. The leaves and the roots are edible on this plant, as well you may want to consider saving the flower because it’s so unique!
- Cattails
These plants are found by swampy areas or in a marsh. They have a brown cone and are connected to a long, thick stem. You can eat the entire plant – even the pinecone shaped tip! One note, before eating it, be sure to clean the mud from the root system.
- Clover
Clover is another common plant likely to be found in your yard. These plants have three leaves and grow in clusters. Sometimes, there are four leaves and not only good luck, you can eat the entire plant. It’s recommended by experts that you boil them first. Enough of these can become a salad in a time of need!
- Red clover
The red clover does not look like the previously mentioned clover. It has a tall stem with a purplish-red flower at the top. The flowers and the leaves are both edible from this common plant.
Free Snacks!
Nature is certainly beautiful to observe. It is well to taste and can fill your empty stomach. You can live solely live off the plants the Earth provides. Most would agree a good burger or ribeye can be a very nice indulgence on occasion. However, it might be fun to pick one of these “nature surprises” the next time you recognize one and pop it into your mouth – just to say you’ve tasted nature.