---

This is my hobby

---

Disclaimer

---

Information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only.

Viewers are advised to research other sources comparing it with information provided in these Videos and pictures.

Such foraging information can be used to find edible plants.

I, Ken Wooldridge makes no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy of the material provided in these videos and pictures.

I assume no legal or other liability, or responsibility for any loss or injuries that may result from the use of information contained these videos and pictures.

---

Foraging in the Wild
In God’s creative genius He made provision for man in nature!

Genesis 1:11-12, 29
“And God said, behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.”

Psalm 104:14
“God … causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and herb for the service of man.”

Allow me to introduce myself -

My name is Ken Wooldridge

I was born in Botswana in Africa.

At a young age in Africa, the outdoors became appealing to me.

I have always had a love for Nature and Wild Life.

I have been living in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee for over twenty years.

I have been privileged to befriend Cherokee Indians and Foraging Experts.

This has enabled me to learn and enjoy many benefits of foraging wild plants.

I have also written a valuable book about this and how to live in difficult times

Wild edible plants can be used in making -

• Soft drinks
• Coffee
• Teas
• Soups
• Salads
• Greens

Vegetables, berries, mushrooms, nuts, and wild Mushrooms can be used to prepare many different dishes.

This may help to save yourself and your loved ones in a time of need.

Five basic foraging rules:

1. Never forage or eat anything you cannot positively identify as safe
2. Never pick endangered plant species
3. Always protect plants and nature
4. Only pick as much as you need and never take all the plants where you forage
   (This will give them time to recover and multiply.
   By doing that, you will be able to return back and forage again next season)
5. At all times be careful of poisonous plants, snakes and insects.
   (A helpful website is - http://www.wilderness-survival.net/snake/1/)
6. Only forage in unrestricted areas or obtain permission from a landowner to forage.

Many of these herbs, plants, shrubs and trees may be found growing where you are, or in surrounding areas. It is possible you will find some growing in other areas.

Pictures of Plants are always updated and new ones are added from time to time.

---

Foraging Videos
Aloe Vera	Blue Violet	Broad Leaf Plantain	Chickweed	Chicory
Curled Dock	Goldenrod	Henbit	Honey Locust	Jerusalen Artichoke
Kudzu	Mullein	Narrow Leaf Plantain	Oyster Mushroom	Prickly Pear
Queens Anne's Lace	Red Clover	Sea Oats	Shagbark Hickory	Shitake Mushrooms
Stinging Nettle	Sumac	Sweet Gum Tree	Watercress	Wild Mustard
Wild Onions	Wild Strawberries	Williow Tree

---

Foraging In Florida
Wild Edibleplants / Mushrooms / Seafood In Addition To Foraging You Will Need To - Create A Foraging Menu For Meals. Locate A Source For Meats. Fish Seafood Rabbits Ducks Boar Squirrel Frogs Alligator Locae A Source For Dairy. Milk Eggs - Hens / Ducks / Geese Locate A Source For Water Bottled / Tabs / Purified / Bleached
Salt Saltwort Pepper Peppergrass Sugar Meadowsweet Stevia Honey Flour Chufa Bulrush Giant Reed American Hog Peanut Amaranth Honey Locust Tree - Seed Pods Soup Wild Onions Dandelion Stinging Nettle Cattail Salads Broadleaf Plantain Wood Sorrel Lambs Quarters Chickweed Henbit Sheperds Purse Watercress Wild Onions Dandelion Wild Radish Basswood Tree Cattail Stems Purslane Dead Nettle Cheese Weed Mallow Wild Lettuce Bamboo Red Clover Blue Violet	Mushrooms Bolete Chanterelle Dryad Saddle Hen Of The Woods Meadow Morel Prince Puffball Scaber Stalk Shitake Wine Cap Oyster Greens - Cooked/Sauteed Curled Dock Broadleaf Plantain Purslane Amaranth Stinging Nettle Lambs Quarters Veggies Green Briar Tendrils Lady Head Fiddlehead Daylily Common Reed Ramps Autumn Olive Berries Sochan Milkweed Mesquite Tree - Seed Pods Evening Primrose Queen Annes Lace Citron Melon Seminole Pumpkin Saw Palmeto Heart Cuca Melon Wild Asparagus Jerusalem Artichoke False Solomon Seal Roots Water Lily Roots Chufa Nodules Bugleweed Roots Thistle Yellow Sweet Clover Shoots	Tubers/Roots/Riishomes Spatterdock Water Lily Arrowhead Sword Fern Bulrush Wood Sorrel Fruits Haw Apple Crab Apple Wild Oranges Wild Grapes Prickley Pears Chicasaw Plum Coco Plum Paw Paw Tree Sarsaparilla Vine Persimmon American Plum Berries Elderberry Beautyberries Hackberry Dewberry Partridge Berry Gooseberry Wild Strawberry Mulberry Drinks - Tea Camelia Senensis Tree Coneflower Goldenrod Chamomile Pine Tree Needles Wild Mint Sassafras Young Roots Drinks - Coffee Chicory Dandelion Drinks - Lemonade Winged Sumac Tree	Beach Crabs Oysters Mussels Clams Shrimp Beach - Greens Sea Oats Seablite Beach Orach Lemon Bacopa Brahmi Bittercress Saltmarsh Mallow

---

Aloe Vera Habitat: They require well-drained, sandy potting soil and bright, sunny conditions Height: short-stemmed plant growing 24–39in tall Leaves: thick and fleshy, green to grey-green Use: Juice of the leaves are healthy for the digestive system Used as a skin treatment and has healing properties There are 75 ingredients contained in the Aloe leaf These ingredients have a variety of medical benefits

Amaranth - Amaranthus Habitat: roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: 3 to 6ft Leaves: can be green or red, depending on the variety Time: spring to summer for the leaves and summer or fall for seeds Use: tender young leaves in salads or cooked like spinach. Leaves dried and crushed to a fine powder may be used in soups, gravy and jelly. Cooking time: Simmer amaranth in water for 12-15 minutes Seed: eaten raw or ground into flour Nutritional value: This food is low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Niacin, Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Copper and Manganese.

American Hog Peanut Habitat: Climbs by coiling stems - in moist woods, meadows. Height: 2 to 8 feet tall. Leaves: Oval with pointed tips up to 4 inches. Flower: Pea like 2 inch flowers growing into sea pods. Time: Harvested in Fall when plump. Use: Bottom pod seeds cooked like lentils. Nutritional value: Manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and iron.

American Plum Habitat: Forms thickets in many areas. Height: Up to 26 feet. Leaves: Green 4 inches, double toothed edges. Flower: Fragrant white 5 flower 1 inch clusters. Time: August through September Use: Red, Round 1 inch sweet tart fruit / Jellies and pies. Nutritional value: Beta carotene, Vitamin A, potassium.

Arrowhead tubers - Sagittarialatifolia Habitat: shallow water or wet soil at the edge of streams, ponds and marshes Height: 1-4 feet Leaves: have an arrow shape and veins from the center Flowers: are white Time: Blooms June through October Use: Tubers are cooked like potatoes or sliced and used in a stir fry Nutritional value: Source of starch

Autumn olive berries - Elaegnus umbellate Habitat: found on bushes along roads and streams Height: a large shrub or small tree Leaves: silver green leaves Flower: fragrant, ivory-yellow flowers Fruit: resembles a small cranberry Time: fall Use: used like tomatoes or for jam and jelly Nutritional value: vitamins A, C, E, flavonoids, essential fatty acids and lycopene

Bamboo Habitat: very selective areas Height: up to 20 ft Time: most of the year Use: Young shoots may be used in soups and with stews. Centers may be sliced in Chinese stir fry dishes. Nutritional value: is low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber, Protein, Riboflavin and Zinc, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.

Basswood Tree Habitat: Moist forests Height: Huge Leaves: Dark green - up to 10 inches - toothed edges. Flower: Cream, Yellow - June to August. Time: Early Spring through Summer Use: Young leaves / Seed Pods / Flowers in salads. Nutritional value:

Beach Orach Habitat: Sandy beaches. Height: erect or sprawling up to 18 inches. Leaves: Alternate, oblong and slender. Flower: Greenish yellow. Time: All year. Use: Boil leaves for 10 minutes as a potherb. Nutritional value: Vitamin C, K, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, carotenes, protein, anthocyanins, zinc, selenium, trytophan, fiber.

Bear Corn - Conopholis Americana Habitat: Found on the roots of woody plants, especially oaks and beech trees Height: It is cone-shaped and 4 to 8 inches Flowers: It has close yellow/cream flowers all around the stem with a swollen base, facing down. They becomes brown throughout the summer and shriveled and black in winter Time: Found above ground in spring Use: may be prepared and eaten as corn on the cob

Beauty Berries Habitat: In woodland areas and thickets. Height: Up to 6 feet. Leaves: Green serrated, lance shaped with pointed tips. Flower: White or pink bunches. Time: Fall / Winter Use: Eat in small amounts when purple / have a musty flavor. Nutritional value: Small amounts of Vitamins and carbohydrates.

Blue violet - Viola odorata Habitat: on lawns, woods, meadows, waste areas and along rivers Height: 3-8 inches tall Leaves: heart-shaped leaves up to 3 inches long Flowers: blue-purple up to 1 inch Time: spring through summer Use: flowers and young leaves can be added to salads - has a slight bland taste Nutritional value: contains antioxidants

Brahmi Habitat: Near ocean. Height: Creeping and up to 6 inches high. Leaves: Succulent up to 3 green leaves in a cluster. Flower: Small white flower with 5 petals. Time: All year. Use: In salads. Nutritional value: Sodium, Carbohydrates, proteins, fiber.

Broadleaf Plantain Habitat: Roadsides, vacan lots and fields. Height: oval leaf grows close to the ground. Leaves: narrow or oval leaves. Flower: prencil shaped flower stalks Time: Spring to Fall - Use the tender leaves before it flowers. Use: With salads, greens or fried rice. Cooking Time: Boil and strain twice to improve the flavour. Nutritional value: High in dietary fiber, potassium and Vitamins A, C, B6

Bugleweed Roots Habitat: Moist places. Height: Up to 3 feet tall. Leaves: green, 3 inches, sharply toothed. Flower: small, white, tubular, minty smell. Time: Summer through Fall. Use: Roots cooked, baked, roasted like potatoes

Bulrush Habitat: Freshwater marshes Height: Up to 8 feet Leaves: Wrap around the stalk. Flower: A 6 inch dense spikelet cluster. Time: Shoots in early Spring / Rhizomes in Fall. Use: Cook shoots / Rhizomes / Seeeds ground for flour. Nutritional value: Vitamin B6, C, K, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Phospehorus, Potassium.

Burdock - Arctiumlappa Habitat: roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: 2-9 feet tall Leaves: large elephant like leaves that are white and fuzzy underneath Time: spring to late fall Use: roots are like potatoes Cooking time: scrub / scour and simmer for 20 minutes like potatoes Nutritional value: contains valuable minerals such as iron, manganese, magnesium and small amounts of zinc, calcium, selenium, and phosphorus.

Cactus Habitat: sunny fields or on mountain sides Height: up to 8ft Leaves: are like pads available all year - younger pads are tastier Use: peeled pads can be eaten raw, pickled, fried or made into jerky Nutritional value: Contains vitamins A, B6, C, calcium, magnesium, sodium, niacin, iron, folate, phosphorus and zinc. (Be careful of the tiny thorns)

Camelia Senensis Tree Habitat: Rich, moist soil. Height: Tree up to 40 feet high. Leaves: Light green / up to 5 inches long. Flower: White 5 petal Time: Evergreen. Use: Leavs for tea. Nutritional value: Proteins, fat.

Cattail - Typhalatifolia Habitat: wet soil at the edges of streams, ponds and marshes Height: up to 8ft and the tops look like the tail of a cat that turn brown in summer Leaves: Long stalks Time: Spring though summer Use: roots ground to flour or used as sauce or a gravy thickener. The heart of the stalk is used like asparagus Nutritional value: a source of starch

Chamomile Habitat: It is a low growing garden plant Height: about 12 inches high Leaves: They are divided into fine thread-like segments with a feathery appearance Flower: A daisy like flower with white florets and a yellow centre Time: July through September Use: Flower heads are ground and used for a tea for stomach problems, colds, muscleaches, anxiety and insomnia Nutritional value: contains carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, potassium, fluoride, folate and vitamin A.

Cheese Weed Mallow Habitat: Disturbed sites and lawns. Height: Up to 2 feet Leaves: Rouund/Palm shaped, 4 inch alternate Flower: small white/pink flower clusters at base of leaf stalks. Time: Throughout the year. Use: Salads. Nutritional value: Vitamin E, C, Magnesium, Iron, Copper.

Chicasaw Plum Habitat: Dry open hammocks. Height: Up to 20 feet. Leaves: Green pointed, tooth leafed. Flower: Fragrant white flowers. Time: Early Summer. Use: Cherry-like red tart fruit for jellies. Nutritional value: Vitamin A / C.

Chicory – Cichoriumintybus Habitat: roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: up to 4 ft tall Flowers: dark sky blue color Time: spring through fall Use: taproot roasted and ground for coffee Nutritional value: is low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. A good source of Thiamin, Niacin, Zinc, Vitamins A, B6, C, E, K, Riboflavin, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Manganese

Chickweed - Stellaria media Habitat: lawns and in open, sunny areas, as well as partially shaded areas Height: forms mats and stalks are about 8 inches long Leaves: tiny, pointed, oval, un-toothed leaves Flower color: white flowers about 1/8 inch with 5 petals Time: all year Use: cook like spinach Cooking time: 5 minutes Nutritional value: Rich in iron, potassium, vitamins A, B, C, D and minerals

Chufa Habitat: Moist site. Height: Up to 24 inches high. Leaves: Flat V shaped. Flower: 1 inch spikelets like a bottle brush. Time: Late Fall / Early Winter. Use: Vegetable / Soups / Stews Nutritional value: Vitamin C, E, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Potasium, Iron.

Citron Melon Habitat: Woods and disturbed sites. Height: Vine sprawl over grouund or climb trees. Leaves: Light green. Flower: Yellow five petalled flowers Time: Summer Use: Cooking for jam / pickles Nutritional value: Vitamin A.

Clams Habitat: On beaches and river bank areas. Beaches: Water squirts will come out showing where they are. Dig up to 6 inches to find them. Rivers in the mud. Nutritional value: Fat, proteins, carbohydrates.

Coco Plum Habitat: Wooded areas. Height: Up to 20 feet. Leaves: Green oval. Flower: Small, shiny greenish, elliptical. Time: Summer / Fall. Use: Purple fruit for jellies. Nutritional value: Carbohydrates, calcium, Vitamin C.

Common Reed Habitat: Wet soil or shallow water Height: Up to 15 feet. Leaves: Bright green rolled in shoot. Flower: Long bushy spikes / purple to golden Time: Shoots (Early Spring) / Roots (Summer). Use: Young shoots in salad or cooked, sweet roots like potato.

Coneflower Habitat: Sunny grasslands. Height: Up to 3 feet. Leaves: Pale green lance shaped up to 6 inches. Flower: Pinkish petals around a reddish 1 1/2 inch cone. Time: Spring / Summer. Use: Leaves and stem for tea.

Crab Apple Habitat: Wooded areas. Height: Up to 25 feet. Leaves: Green 2 inch lance shaped tipped. Flower: Pink, fragrant, 8 inch clusters. Time: Late Summer / Fall. Use: Jams / Jellies. Nutritional value: Carbohydrates, Vitamin C, Potassium.

Crabs Habitat: Oceans / Rivers. Catch from an ocean pier or river banks at night. Shine a light over the water. Crabs will surface. Scoop up with a net. Nutritional value: Protein, lipid fat, ash.

Cuca Melon Habitat: In sandy, clay, rich well drained soils. Height: climbing vine. Leaves: Green 3 pointed leaves. Flower: Small yellow 5 petal flowers. Time: July to September. Use: Like cucumber Nutritional value: Good source of potassium.

Curled dock - RumexCrispus Habitat: roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: 1 to 5ft Leaves: wavy long, lance-shaped, hairless leaves Flower: green flowers that become clusters of hard, reddish fruit Time: Spring and summer Use: nutritious, lemon flavored young leaves, raw or cooked in early spring Cooking time: simmer for 5 minutes Nutritional value: leaves are rich in vitamins A, C and minerals especially iron. WARNING - they contain chrysophanic acid that can irritate or numb your tongue

Dandelion - Taraxacum officinalis Habitat: lawns, roadsides, vacant lots, and fields Height: 2” to 18” tall Leaves: long, lance-shaped toothed leaves Flower color: yellow flowers are 1 to 2 inches wide Time: spring to fall Use: salads and stir fries (including flowers) – roots roasted and ground for coffee Nutritional value: contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, D, E, Boron, Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Cobalt, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Selenium, Silicon and Zinc.

Daylily - Hemerocallisfulva Habitat: gardens or fields Height: up to 4ft high Flower color: orange or yellow petals Time: Use shoots in spring, flower buds and flowers from spring to summer Use: raw shoots and flowers used in salads, sautéed, stir-fried or simmered in soup. Unopened buds can be cooked like string beans Nutritional value: contains Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Sodium, Potassium, Vitamins A, C, Thiamin, Riboflavin and Niacin

Dead Nettle Habitat: Meadows and Fields. Height: Up to 18 inches tall. Leaves: Finely haired, kidney shaped, 2 inch opposites. Flower: Pink, Purple - 1 inch Time: Spring / Summer Use: Salads / Cooked as Greens Nutritional value: Vitamin C, A, and K, Iron, Fiber, Bioflavonoids

Dewberry Habitat: Slender trailing shrub with prickles. Leaves: Dark green, 2 inch long with serrated edges. Flower: 1 inch white 5 petals Time: April / May or Fall. Use: Red to inky black / sweet / raw, cooked, dried. Nutritional value: Vitamins A, C, sodium.

Elderberry - Sambucuscanadensis Habitat: on roadsides, in moist woods, in marshes and along riverbanks Height: up to 13ft Leaves: oval leaflets with pointed tips Flowers: white, flat rounded clusters of lacy flowers 6 inches across Time: late spring and summer Fruit: juicy purple berries replace the flowers, ripening from mid-summer to fall Use: sauté the flowers or make fritters, mixing them with pancake batter The ripe purple berries can be used in muffins, cakes and breads Nutritional value: high in vitamins A, C, B6, iron and is a powerful antioxidant that is high in fiber.

Evening Primrose - Oenotherabiennsis Habitat: fields, sunny woods, waste ground and road sides Height: 4 to 5 ft Leaves: Alternate lemon scented hairy lance-like leaves, 3 to 6 inches long Flower: 2½ inches in diameter, bright yellow and has four cross shaped petals Time: June to September Use: leaves cooked as greens, the flowers added to salads and the roots boiled like beets or turnips Nutritional value: the seed is rich in linoleic acid which is good for optimal health

False Solomon Seal Roots Habitat: Moist shady forests or thickets. Height: Unbranched stems up to 3 feet. Leaves: Alternate 6 inch bright green. Flower: Creamy white star shaped. Time: Spring / Summer Use: Young Shoots (Asparagus) / Roots like potatoes.

Giant Reed Habitat: Freshwater marshes. Height: Up to 12 Ft tall / 1 1/2 Inches thick. Leaves: Grey/green alternaing on either side. Flower: Time: Young shoots - early Spring / Roots anytime. Use: Young shoots - with veggies / Roots ground for flour. Nutritional value:

Goldenrod - Solidagolancifolia Habitat: roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: up to 5 feet Leaves: have serrated leaf margins Flowers: have small yellow flowers clustered in panicles, forming a lance like shape Time: they bloom in late summer and fall Use: tea made from the leaves and flowers is used for sore throat, fever, colds and a cough Value: used as a diuretic

Goose Berry Habitat: Fields and woodlands. Height: Sprawling up to 5 feet. Leaves: 5 inch greyish green, 3 lobed, toothed, hairy with thorns. Flower: 5 petals, 1/2 inch, light green to purplish. Time: June through September Use: Red, purplish black / raw / jams / pies / sauces. Nutritional value: Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, proteins, carbohydrates.

Green briar - Smilax rotundifolia Habitat: shady forests Height: tender vines under ½ inch wide on shrubs and trees up to 30 ft Leaves: the leaves are heart-shaped Flower: the green flowers are difficult to see Time: all year Use: vines and tendrils are steamed like a vegetable Tubers are sliced, pounded and boiled to release starch used as a thickener Nutritional value: contains nitrogen

Ground Cherries – PhysalisPhiladelphica (Husk Tomatoes) eat only when ripe Habitat: fields, sunny woods, bordering streams, waste ground and road sides Height: 1 to 3 ft high Fruit: yellowish sticky berry in a husk and ripens off the plant Flower: flowers are yellow with dark centers Time: blossoms in late spring and bears fruit in fall Use: Has a unique tomato, pineapple like taste and used for gravy, jelly or jam Nutritional value: A good source of Vitamin A, C and B3 (Niacin)

Hackberry Habitat: Moist, bottom land places. Height: Up to 40 feet. Leaves: 3 inch, dark green, alternate, sharply edged. Flower: Greenish yellow. Time: Fall / Winter Use: Fruit 1/2 inch dark red / raw / jams. Nutritional value: Proteins, phosphoric acid, ash, oil, fiber, mineral lime.

Haw Apple Habitat: In woodlands, moist sandy soil Height: Up to 30 feet. Leaves: Dark green serrated leaves up to 2 inches Flower: White blossoms in Spring. Time: Fall / Red ruit, 1 to 3 inch cluster, flattened globes. Use: Slightly sour / for pie fillings and jellies.

Henbit - Lamiumamplexicaule Habitat: on lawns, roadsides, vacant lots and in fields Height: up to 6 inches Leaves: small leaves Flower: purple flowers Time: early spring, fall and winter Use: in salads or greens

Honey locust tree (seed pods) - Gleditsiatriacanthos Habitat: trees found in moist soil, river valleys and other places Height: up to 60ft tall trees, often very old Seed pods: long brown curved pods with a sweet date-like pulp inside Time: Fall Use: Seed pods may be dried and ground into sweet flour The paste in the pods may be scraped off and used like dates Nutritional value: contains proteins and carbohydrates

Indian cucumber - Medeolavirginiana Habitat: grows in open woods and forests Height: 1 to 2 feet tall Leaves: 6 smooth leaves in a star like shape with a second level of 3 more on top Flower: yellow, small flower, hanging down Time: Blooms in late summer or early fall Use: tubers (roots) are edible raw and taste like cucumbers

Jerusalem artichokes - Helianthus tuberosus Habitat: roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: up to 10 feet tall Leaves: ovate leaves 5 to 10 inches long Flower: flower has 10 to 20 bright yellow petals Time: blossoms in late summer and early fall Pick tubers two weeks after flowers fade Use: tubers grated raw into salads or used as potatoes Nutritional value: are high in iron, and contain potassium, fiber, niacin, thiamine, phosphorus and copper.

Kudzu Habitat: It is a climbing, coiling, and trailing vine along roadsides Height: it covers vast low areas, shrubs and high trees Leaves: consist of 3 leaflets arranged alternately along the stem Flower: Pink colored Time: has leaf foliage and flowers throughout spring and summer Use: flowers are used to make pink lemonade and the roots as a starch Leaves can be deep fried like potato chips Nutritional value: high-protein food similar to alfalfa

Lady Head Fiddlehead Habitat: In mild areas or a sheltered spot. Height: Up to 3 Feet tall. Leaves: Yellow green fern up to 36 inches. Fiddle heads: Remove the brown scales. Time: Early Spring. (Mark the plant in Summer / Fall.) Use: Young unfurle fiddle heads sauteed in butter. Nutritional value: Protein, Copper, Niacin, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A

Lambs quarters - Chenopodium album Habitat: lawns, roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: 1 to 4ft Leaves: dark green diamond shaped Flower: the small green flowers come in dense spikes at the top Time: spring to fall Use: in salads, or steamed 5 to 10 minutes like spinach In summertime flower heads can be used in casseroles and breads Nutritional value: source of beta-carotene, calcium, potassium, and iron

Lemon Bacopa Habitat: In water shorelines - Mostly 3 feet out of water. Leaves: 1 inch fleshy, succulent. Flower: Bright blue flowers. Time: Year round. Use: In salads. Nutritional value: Protein, carbohydrates, sugar, fiber, fat.

Lettuce - Saxifraga Montana Habitat: between rocks or in marshes, moist meadows and brooks Height: up to 24 inches tall Leaves: a green 1ft rosette of leaves close to ground – like a deer’s tongue Flower: clusters of white blossoms at the top Time: spring through summer Use: leaves picked before flowering, used in salads, greens, soups or with eggs and bacon when dried, the leaves have a vanilla fragrance

Magnolia - Magnolia virginiana Habitat: these are deciduous, evergreen trees grown in garden settings Height: up to 40 feet high Leaves: large glossy leaves Flower: drooping cup shaped flowers that are white or pink Time: Springtime after the leaves emerge Use: Fragrant smelling flowers with petals that may be used in salads Nutritional value: the white blossoms are said to be antispasmodic and a tonic

Meadowsweet - Filipendulaulmaria Habitat: grows in damp meadows Height: 3 to 7ft tall Leaves: leaflets are up to 3 inches long with three to five lobes Flower: has creamy-white flower clusters close together, having a sweet smell Time: June to September Use: flowers can be added to stewed fruit and jams, giving them an almond flavor Nutritional value: includes flavonoids such as flavonol glycosides rutin, hyperin, spiraeoside as well as mucilage, carbohydrates, ascorbic acid, sugars and minerals.

Mesquite Tree Habitat: Woods and arid areas. Height: Tall reddish brown bark tree with 1 inch thorns. Leaves: Feathery alternate 6 inch leaves. Flower: Cylindrical yellow drooping flowers. Time: Summer / Fall. Use: Seed pods cooked like green beans / dried and ground into sweet flour.

Milkweed Habitat: Fields or ditches. Height: Up to 5 Feet. Leaves: Lance shaped opposites up to 10 inches with reddish veins. Flower: Light pink purle becoming seed pods. Time: Spring / Summer Use: Unopened flower pods (broccoli) / Young shoots (Asparagus)

Mulberry Habitat: Wooded areas. Height: Up to 50 feet. Leaves: Green, alternate, toothed with pointed tips. Flower: Whitish green flowers. Time: May to July Use: Purple black, 1 inch berries / raw / salads / in deserts. Nutritional value: Carbohydrates, fat, proteins, fiber.

Mullein - Verbascum Thapsus Habitat: along roadsides and fields Height: has a single stem up to 7 ft tall Leaves: silvery leaves up to 19 inches long and 5 inches wide Flower: a pinnacle of many 5-petalled bright yellow flowers at the top Time: flowering June to August Use: Leaves used as an antihistamine for colds, coughs and related problems Value: a tea made from the leaves coats and soothes mucus membranes in both the respiratory and digestive tracts. Its slimy consistency when in contact with water coatsand helps to treat existing ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also relieves irritation caused by coughing spasms.

Mussels Habitat: Oceans and rivers. On slippery rocks and sand. Size: Up to 3 inches Use shoes to protect your feet from sharp barnacles on rocks. Use gloves to twist them off and place in a bucket. Nutritional value: Vitamin C, fat, protein, carbohydrates.

Mustard (field) - Cleome viscose Habitat: old pastures, gardens, lawns and the roadside Height: up to 2ft Leaves: lobed Flower: four yellow petals in the form of a cross Time: springtime Use: young leaves in salads, leaves cooked as a potherb and seeds used as a spice Nutritional value: contains proteins, carbohydrates and fiber.

Narrow Leaf Plantain - Plantagolanceolata Habitat: found in lawns and along roads Height: 4 to 16 inches tall Leaves: leaves are lance-shaped, about 5 inches long Flower: flowers are small and inconspicuous Time: Spring to Fall Use: young tender leaves are edible raw and used in salads Seeds are edible raw or roasted. Leaves relieve pain from wounds and treat sores

Oysters Habitat: Oceans and Rivers. Shallow and deep waters. They can be gathered by using a basket rake in the sand. Nutritional value: Protein, carbs, fat, zinc, Vitamin B12, copper, selenium.

Partridge Berry Habitat: Dry and moist forests / ravines, swamp edges. Height: On ground trailing vine. Leaves: 2 inch round opposites with white veins. Flower: 1/2 inch whitish green funnel flowers with 4 petals. Time: Summer / Winter. Use: Small red berry - raw / james / pies. Nutritional value: Carbohydrates, fats, proteins.

Paw Paw Tree Habitat: Woodlands Height: Up to 20 feet Leaves: Dark green, alternate up to 10 inches. Flower: Purple/red flowers. Time: 6 inch oblong green to brown / summer Use: Like custard/banana fruit - deserts / in bread. Nutritional value: Vitamin C, Magnesium, iron, copper, maganese, potassium, amino acids, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, phospho, zinc.rus

Peppergrass Habitat: Wide Range Height: Up to 20 inches tall. Leaves: Alternate basil roseete toothed leaves, lance shaped. Flower: 4 petal white flowers. Time: Spring and Summer Use: Seeds used as pepper substitute. Nutritional value: Vitamin C.

Persimmon Habitat: Uploand and wooded sites. Height: Up to 40 feet. Leaves: Dark green elliptic, 5 inches. Flower: Small yellow green with 4 petals. Time: September to December. Use: Round 2 inch bright orange sweet fruit / can be dried. Nutritional value: Vitamin C.

Pine Tree Needles Habitat: Wooded areas. Height: Up to 40 feet. Leaves: Green needles Time: Spring / Fall Use: Green needles for tea / seeds from cones for salads. Nutritional value: Vitamin C.

Plantain - Plantago major Habitat: roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: oval leaf grows close to the ground Leaves: narrow or oval leaves Flower: pencil-shaped flower stalks Time: spring to fall – use the tender leaves before it flowers Use: with salads, greens or fried rice Cooking time: Boil and strain twice to improve the flavor Nutritional value: High in dietary fiber, potassium and Vitamins A, C and B6.

Poke - Phytolaccadecandra Habitat: roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: 4 to 8ft tall Leaves: smooth-edged, green leaves 8 to 10 inches long Time: spring Use: eat only the young stems and leaves in the spring, less than 8 inches tall Cooking time: boil and rinse at least three times. May be scrambled with eggs

Prickly Pear - Opuntia Height: 1 to 18 feet tall Leaves: The plant is comprised of wide, flat, thick pads that are covered in spines and segmented stems Flower: large orange or yellow flowers Fruit: It bears an edible fruit that is covered with a thorny skin The skin has to be carefully removed for the fruit Time: Fruits ripen during late summer to fall Use: The prickly pear juice is used in jellies and candies. Prickly pear cactus contains fiber and pectin, which can lower blood glucose by decreasing the absorption of sugar in the stomach and intestine Researchers think that it might also decrease cholesterol levels, and kill viruses in the body.

Purslane - Portulacaoleracea Habitat: sprawling on lawns and in meadows leaves: paddle-shaped, succulent, stalk-less, up to 2 inches long, creeping up to 10 inches Flower: tiny flowers with five yellow petals Time: mid-summer to fall Use: leaves and stems, raw in salads. Steamed or added to soups or stews Nutritional value: is very low in calories and fats; but is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Queen Anne’s lace - Daucuscarota Habitat: lawns, roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: 2 to 4ft tall Leaves: leaves have a smell similar to carrots and the leaf stalks are fuzzy Flower: umbrella like, with many tiny white flowers that looks like lace Time: early spring to fall Use: use the roots like a carrot in soups, stews, cakes and cookies Nutritional value: High in vitamin A, beta carotene and minerals. Warning - Hemlock is a poisonous look alike. Its green stem is usually spotted or streaked with red or purple on the lower half of the stem. When crushed, the leaves and root emit an unpleasant smell

Ramps (wild leek) - Allium tricoccum Habitat: in moist, open woodlands Height: 6 inches to 2ft tall Leaves: oval, smooth-edged, stalked leaves, 4 to12 inches long and 2 inches wide Flower: small, umbrella-like 6 petal white-cream color flowers Time: spring through summer Use: the leaves or bulbs are used raw or cooked like garlic. (5 to 10 minutes) Nutritional value: contain Vitamins A, C, chromium and selenium,

Red Clover - Trifoliumpratense Habitat: in meadows and on lawns Height: about 12 inches Leaves: Has a 3 leaf grouping Flower color: red (do not use white flower clover) Time: spring Use: flowers make a good herb tea or used raw with the young leaves in salads Nutritional value: it contains calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, vitamin A, B-complex, C, zinc, iron, selenium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, tin and sodium.

Reed grass - PhragmitesCommunis Habitat: wetlands, meadows and marshes Height: 2 to 5ft tall Leaves: deep green shiny foliage Flower: feathery flowers in June Time: spring through winter Use: roots may be cut, boiled and leached for starch Nutritional value: It has protein and energy value.

Saltwort Habitat: Dense colonies on beaches and tidal banks Height: Low growing up to 3ft tall. Leaves: Bright green, small, swollen, fleshy an narrowly club shaped. Flower: Small white flowers Time: Spring to Fall Use: In salids or ptherb / roots as a sweetener Nutritional value: Rich in Vitamin A, Calcium, and Potasium.

Sarsaparilla Vine Habitat: Wooded and dry, shady areas Height: Vine uo to 4 feet / on ground or climbing. Leaves: Evergreen pointed. Flower: Yellow. Time: Fruits in Winter. Use: Red egg shaped fruit in clusters (for birds) / Roots - Root beer. Nutritional value: Caluminum, chromium, iron, magnesium, selenium, calcium, zinc.

Sassafras - Sassafras albidum Habitat: found on edges of forests or in thickets Height: smaller and larger trees Leaves: 3 oval, hand shaped leaves 3 to 5 inches long that smell like root beer Flowers: tiny, yellow, 5 petal flowers Time: leaves in spring through summer – leafless twigs in winter Use: leaves or twigs make a delicious tea

Saw Palmeto Heart Habitat: Wet and dry habbitats. Height: Tall. Leaves: Daggers like 3 feet. Flower: White long 1 foot hanging clusters Time: All year round. Use: Palm heart at tip of trunk / cook until golden brown. Nutritional value: Carbohydrates, Fat, Proteins.

Seablite Habitat: On the beach in sand and next to rocks. Height: Low growing Leaves: Fleshy tiny, round and pointed. Flower: Yellow green flowers. Time: July to October Use: Eat raw or boil twice to remove salt. Nutritional value: Proteins, fat, carbohydrates, fiber.

Sea Oats - Uniolapaniculata Habitat: found on sand dunes at the ocean Height: up to 6 feet tall Use: The panicles are made up of many flat spikelets containing seed that is like oats. The panicles turn from green to straw colored in late summer as the plant matures.

Seminole Pumpkin Habitat: Woods or Disturbed sites. Height: Up to 7 inches wide / Green, yellow, orange, variegated. Leaves: Dark green alternate 10 inch leaves. Flower: Yellow, 4 inch long and wide. Time: Summer and Fall. Use: Cooked, Steamed or baked. Nutritional value: Proteins, Carbohydrates, Dietary Fiber, Calcium, Magnesium.

Shagbark Hickory - Carya ovata Habitat: Tree is found along roadsides and has a shaggy bark, which peels in long, wide, thick strips from the trunk and branches Height: up to 80 feet tall Leaves: leaves of shagbarks form pretty, oval-shaped crowns in the spring and summer Use: Produces tasty nuts in late summer to fall

Sheep sorrel - Rumexacetosella Habitat: is found in fields, grasslands, woodlands, floodplains or marshes Height: about 16 to 18 inches tall Leaves: have green arrowhead shaped leaves Flower: yellow-green flowers Time: flowers March through September Use: a lemon flavour used in garnishes or salads and as a curdling agent for cheese Nutritional value: Is high in vitamins A, B, C, D, K and E. It also has calcium, iron, silicon, magnesium, suphur, zinc, manganese, iodine, beta carotene, copper and is rich in potassium oxalate. It also has great medicinal value.

Shepherds Purse - Capsella bursa-pastoris Habitat: sprawling on lawns, in meadows, roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: flower stalk grows up to 2½ft tall with wedge shaped fruit pods Leaves: a rosette of bottom leaves up to 9 inches across like a dandelion Flower: tiny, white, 4-petaled flowers on a stalk Time: spring through fall Use: raw in salads, simmered in soups, stews and sauces Sauté, steam or cook for about 10 minutes Nutritional value: contains compounds like alkaloids, histamine, flavonoids, thiamine, organic acids, phenols, volatile oils and salts and vitamins. Shepherd’s purse hasanaleptic properties and can regulate blood pressure.

Shrimp Time: July through December. White shrimp can be caught during the dat and night. Use a light to attract them through a hole into a catch basket. In the basket put a piece of fish to lure them. Nutritional value: Protein, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc.

Sochan - Rudbeckialaciniata Habitat: along trails, roadways, in wet meadows and alongside streams Height: up to 5ft Leaves: alternating hairy leaves Flower: yellow clusters of flowers in late summer Time: spring to summer Use: tender spring leaves for greens and the young stems like celery Nutritional value: eaten as a healthy vegetable.

Solomon seal - Polygonatummultiflorum Habitat: in moist and rocky woods and thickets Height: up to 2ft Leaves: light green broad ovate leaves Flower color: light yellow green clusters of drooping flowers Time: flowers in spring Use: roots are boiled and eaten like asparagus after 3 changes of water Nutritional value: it has saponins, flavonoids and vitamin A

Sorrel - Oxalis acetosella Habitat: on lawns, in meadows, roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: up to 8 inches tall Leaves: shaped like hearts Flower: small five-petal yellow flowers Time: early spring to late fall Use: in salads, in soups, stews or a tea Nutritional value: is rich in Vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin.

Spatterdock Water Lily Habitat: Shallow ponds and marshes. Height: Above the water. Leaves: Floating green leaves. Flower: Yellow round, cup like. Time: Fall and Winter. Use: End of rhizome / boil, roast, soup.

Spice bush - Lindera benzoin Habitat: damp shaded woods, low mountain slopes, thickets and streams Height: up to 20 ft tall releasing a lemon-spicy fragrance Leaves: bright green, alternate, toothless, elliptical leaves 2 to 6 inches long Fruit: ripe berries, finely chopped, are used as a seasoning that tastes like allspice Time: spring to fall Use: berries sliced with apples, walnuts, orange rind, simmered for 15 minutes andused in pies. Leaves or twigs used to make a tea Nutritional value: Young branches may be steeped to make a tonic.

Stevia - Stevia rebaudiana Habitat: found in moist sandy soils, often near the edge of marshes or streams Height: a perennial shrub that grows up to 40 inches tall Leaves: tongue shaped and slightly serrated up to 1 inch long Flower: small white flowers Time: from mid-summer to late fall Use: used as a sweetener or sugar substitute Nutritional value: has many health benefiting plant-derived phyto-chemical compounds that help control blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Stinging nettle - Urticadioica (Do not handle with bare hands as they have invisible stinging hairs) Habitat: disturbed soil, moist woodlands, thickets, along rivers or on partially shaded trails Height: 2 to 4ft tall Leaves: leaves are opposite each other, pointed, dark green, about 2 inches long with a heart-shaped base Time: spring through fall Use: cook for 30 minutes for a soup or as greens Nutritional value: contains lots of proteins, large amounts of chlorophyll, vitamin A, several B’s, C, D and an abundance of minerals including calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silicon and sulphur.

Sumac - Rhustrilobata Habitat: in meadows, roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: a shrub or small tree Leaves: large leaves, divided into 11 to 23 leaflets Fruit: hangs in bunches and are red, short and hairy Time: fruits summer to fall Use: ripe berries soaked in boiling water for about 2 minutes, filtered and sweetened as lemonade

Sweet birch tree - Betulalenta Habitat: fields and forests Height: tree growing up to 60ft Leaves: dark shiny green, 2 to 4 inches long and have a wintergreen smell Flowers: green male catkins that are near the end of the twig Time: spring through fall Use: Boil and simmer the bark, leaves and twigs as a sweet, aromatic tea Nutritional value: serves as a sugar substitute

Sweet gum tree - Liquidambar styraciflua Habitat: commonly found in swamps and near ponds and streams Height: up to 100ft tall Leaves: five-pointed star-shaped, dark green glossy leaves up to 6 inches long Flower: greenish flowers Time: flowers March through May Use: Pioneers peeled the bark, scraping the resin solids to use as chewing gum

Sword Fern Habitat: In shade or moisture areas, near palm trees. Height: 3 Feet Leaves: 2 Feet long green, narrow fronds Time: Year round. Use: Round 1/2 inch balls on roots / clean / liquid snack.

Thistle Habitat: Many habitats / easily visible. Height: Up to 5 feet Leaves: Green, oblong with spiny edges Flower: Purple / 4 inches Time: June through August Use: Flower head cooked well till soft - like artichoke Nutritional value: Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium.

Watercress - Nasturtium officinale Habitat: in country streams and fresh running water from 2 to 6 inches deep Height: creeping rootstock, 1 to 2 feet in length with its leaves above the water Leaves: smooth, fleshy, dark green, with 1 to 4 pairs of small, round leaves Time: best gathered in spring through summer before it flowers Use: in salads, soups and casseroles Nutritional value: is low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. It has Proteins, Folate, Pantothenic Acid and Copper. Is a great source of Vitamin A, B6, C, E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Manganese.

Water Lily Roots Habitat: In lake, pond, river Leaves: Smooth, glossy, green up to 12 inches. Flower: Yellow, floating, 6 inches in diameter. Time: Spring / Summer / Fall. Use: Flower buds cooked in summer / rhizomes in spring like potatoes. Nutritional value: Carbohydrates, fats, proteins, calcium, niacin, magnesium.

Wild Asparagus Habitat: Grows in fields. Height: Spear-like like regular asparagus. Leaves: Green fern like leaves. Time: Spring / Summer Use: Raw or Cooked Nutritional value: Sodium, Carbohydrates, Fiber, Sugars, Proteins, Vitamin K.

Wild garlic - Allium vineale Habitat: grows in deciduous woodlands, moist or sandy soils Height: up to 24 inches tall Leaves: round, hollow, arising from a bulb, up to 24 inches long and 3 inches wide Flowers: small greenish white flowers at the top of the flowering stem Time: flowers in spring Use: small egg-shaped bulbs used as garlic Nutritional value: when pure it yields strong smelling oil, essence of garlic, composedof diallylsulphide (C3H5)2S.

Wild Grapes Habitat: Woodlands, thickets. Height: Long climbing vine. Leaves: Green with sharp serrated edges. Time: August / September. Use: Green leaf tendril - Salad / fruit / juice / wine. Nutritional value: Proteins, carbohydrates, Vitamin C and K.

Wild lettuce – Lactucaserriola Habitat: a common widespread weed Height: up to 5 ft tall Leaves: bluish green leaves are deeply lobed with pokey prickles along the edges Flowers: are yellow in color Time: Flower in summer Use: leaves used in salads and cooked as greens Plant may also be used as a mild opiate for pain Nutritional value: a good source of vitamin A and potassium and several vitamins and nutrients.

Wild Mint Habitat: Along streams and in partial shade. Height: Up to 2 feet. Leaves: In pairs / green up to 3 inches / serrated edges. Flower: Pink to purple, tiny bell shaped. Time: Anytime. Use: Tea / Salads. Nutritional value: Carbohydrates, Vitamin A, C, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium.

Wild onions - A.validum Habitat: on lawns, roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: up to 2 ft tall Leaves: Leaves are narrow and long, arising from a small underground bulb Flower: white or pink appearing in late summer Time: Spring and Fall Use: the same way as regular onions Nutritional value: Contains proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, zink, manganese, phosphorous. Also has choline, chromium, niacin, riboflavin, folate, carotene and vitamins A, B6 and C

Wild Oranges Habitat: Disturbed sites / old grooves. Height: 15 Feet Leaves: Dark evergreen leaves with thorns. Flower: White 5 petals. Time: Winter / Spring. Use: Marmalade. Nutritional value: Vitamin C.

Wild Radish Habitat: Disturbed sites / Flatwoods Height: Up to 4 feet / with wider than Angula leaves Leaves: Hairy stem with up to 9 inch hasal, deeply lobed leaves Flower: White, Pale yellow. Time: Spring Use: Used in salads Nutritional value: Vitamin B, Zinc, Phosphorus and Vitamin C.

Wild strawberry Habitat: grows in forests, fields, lawns, forest edges, roadsides and along streams Height: up to 1ft tall Leaves: pale green trifoliate leaves that emerge directly from the centre Flowers: have 5 white petals Fruit: similar but smaller than regular strawberries Time: Spring and Fall Use: may be used in cereal, pancakes, fruit salad, sauces or deserts Nutritional value: is low in sodium, saturated Fat and cholesterol. It is a very good source of Vitamin C.

Willow Tree - Salix alba 'Vitellina-Tristis' Height: small and large trees Leaves: leaves are typically elongated on the branches hanging down Time: Spring through summer Use: The substance under the bark is like aspirin used for pain

Wood Sorrel Habitat: Moist forest soils carpeting an area / clover like leaves. Height: 2-8 inches tall Leaves: 3 heart-shaped like clover leaves Flower: May to July - White 5 petals. Time: Green all year Use: Salads / Tea Nutritional value: Fat, Carbohydrates, proteins, Vitamin C, Magnesium.

Yarrow - AchilleaMillefolium Habitat: in meadows, roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: 2 to 5ft Leaves: green feathery, fern-like Flower: white flattened flower clusters up to 6 inches wide Time: blooming occurs June through September Use: flowers boiled and simmered to make a tea Nutritional value: contains fiber and proteins

Yellow Sweet Clover Shoots Habitat: Woods and grasslands. Height: Up to 5 feet. Leaves: Green, 3 part, oblong, 1 inch, fine toothed. Flower: Yellow, 5 inch on drooping spikes. Time: May to October. Use: Young shoots as asparagus / young seedpods cooked. Nutritional value: Carbohydrates, sugar, protein.

Yellow wood sorrel - Oxalis stricta Habitat: on lawns, in meadows, roadsides, vacant lots and fields Height: up to 12 inches tall Leaves: light green alternate trifoliate leaves about ¾ inch across when fully open Flower: yellow flowers about ½ inch in diameter Time: Spring through Fall Use: added to salads, soups, with fish or brewed to make a kind of lemonade Nutritional value: contains vitamin C

Yucca - Yucca Filamentosa Habitat: dry areas Height: up to 6 feet tall Leaves: long dagger-like leaves Flower: white flowers that are tulip-like, waxy, and drooping Time: late spring Use: flower petals raw in salads, fried or batter dipped Nutritional value: contains vitamin C, calcium and carbohydrates.

---

Wild Mushrooms

---

Disclaimer Be sure to visit a mushroom club in your area, where you can learn everything you need to know about fungi. You should not eat any mushroom unless you can identify it and are absolutely certain that it is not poisonous. Reading and using information on this website will constitute your acceptance of this disclaimer.

---

Bolete Habitat: Grows on the ground under oak and hardwood tree. Height: Up to 5 inches tall. Cap: Up to 5 inches wide / brown, pink, olive. Time: Summer to Fall Use: Salads / Omlets / Stews Nutritional value: Nutrients, Natural Antioxidants, Minerals and Vitamins.

Chanterelle - Cantharelluscibarius Habitat: grows on the ground under oak and conifer trees Size: up to 5 inches wide and has a fruity fragrance Color: bright orange or yellow Time: summer through fall Use: in salads, omelet’s and stews Description: vase-shaped, funnel-like mushrooms Nutritional value: contains carbohydrates

Dryad saddle - Polyporussquamosus Habitat: grows on living and dead hardwoods Size: 3 to 10 inches across and smells like watermelon Time: spring through fall (best to forage in May) Use: use when young in jambalaya, batter fried or in pasta primavera Description: kidney-shaped, overlapping brown caps that have darker scales on top

Hen of the woods - Grifolafrondosa Habitat: grows at the base of oak trees or on stumps Size: can grow up to 60 lbs Time: fall Use: cook and serve as a vegetable with cream sauce Description: it overlaps in a form of a bouquet

Horse - Agaricusarvensis Habitat: grows on lawns, pastures and in open areas Size: Thick, white firm flesh cap, 3 to 10 inches wide with fine scales Time: in the late summer Use: add to soups, stews and salads Description: White and turning a slight tan as they mature, with a brown scale patch on the top center. Only use the younger horse mushrooms that have a cogwheel pattern on the broken veil Nutritional value: a good source of vitamins B, D, Potassium, Phosphorus and Selenium. Warning - Do not confuse with the poisonous Agaricusxanthodermis, which is similarin appearance. This poisonous mushroom has a stem that bruises yellow at the base when cut or bruised

Meadow - Agaricuscampestris Habitat: grows on lawns, pastures and in open areas Size: 2 to 4 inches wide Time: in late summer Use: add to soups stews and salads Description: Like the white button mushroom, a pale white or light brown color Nutritional value: a good source of vitamins B, Potassium, Phosphorus and Selenium. Warning - Do not confuse with the poisonous Agaricusxanthodermis, which is similar in appearance. This poisonous mushroom has a stem that bruises yellow at the base when cut or bruised

Morel - Morchella Habitat: in woods and on trails in small patches Size: 2 to 10 inches tall Time: in spring and comes up after forest fires Use: sauté and use in soups, casseroles or stews Description: looks honeycombed and the cap is the length of the stalk Nutritional value: - contains proteins and carbohydrates. Warning: don’t eat morels raw and cook them for at least 15 minutes

Oyster - Pleurotusostreatus Habitat: oyster-shaped caps that are layered, growing on dead deciduous wood Size: caps 2 to 6 inches wide Time: all year, especially spring and fall Use: cook the tender parts up to 18 minutes and use in seafood or salads Description: grows in shelf-like clusters and looks, smells, and tastes like oysters Nutritional value: Contains protein, Vitamins B2, B2, B3, carbohydrates, phosphorous, calcium and iron

Prince - Agaricusaugustus Habitat: is found in deciduous, coniferous woods and in gardens or by roadsides Size: white to tan caps up to 8 inches wide, with brownish flat scales Time: in the Fall Use: grill, bake or add to soups and salads Description: The flesh is thick, firm and white with a strong almond smell like anise Nutritional value: low in calories, cholesterol-free, fat-free, low in sodium content with vitamins B, D, potassium and selenium

Puff ball (giant) - Calvatiagigantea Habitat: grows on the ground or on dead wood Size: small to a football size Time: spring through fall Use: sautéed, simmered in soups, cooked up to 12 minutes with grains or baked in a casserole Description: puffballs are round, white, soft inside and like cream cheese or tofu

Scaber stalk (red capped) - Leccinumaurantiacum Habitat: grows under birch trees Size: 1 to 4 inches Time: summer through fall Use: stuffed, broiled with seasonings or used in gravy Description: sometimes sunken in the center with white flesh. When bruised becomes slightly brown Nutritional value: contain proteins, vitamins B1, B2, C, D, magnesium, iron and calcium

Shitake - Lentinula edodes Size: cap is up to 4 inches wide Use: grill, bake or add to soups and salads Description: cultivated or available in stores Nutritional value: - Contains protein, Vitamins A, B2, B2, B6, B12, C, D2, E, K, niacin, carbohydrates, phosphorous, calcium, potassium and iron

Wine cap - Auriculariapolytricha Habitat: grows on the ground under oak and conifer trees Size: cap is 2 to 6 inches wide Time: summer through fall Use: grill, bake or add to soups. Cooks in 15 to 20 minutes Description: wine color cap and bell-shaped Nutritional value: - contains proteins and carbohydrates

---