Since going to the native plants talk and doing a bit of research, we’ve been finding some of the most interesting info. Who knew milk weed had edible parts? There’s a lot of info about wild edibles here.
It’s not because of the current state of our food supply, foraging for edibles has always been something I’ve enjoyed. I’ve loved growing different plants – things not so commonly found in the home garden. Learning now that so many of the plants we’ve considered weeds and have tried to destroy are actually edible and healthy . . it makes me sad and excited.
Our previous generations knew a lot more than we give them credit for having known. My feeling is that at one time, humans had to eat whatever was available but then grocery stores began appearing, and then big, fancy grocery stores with lots of interesting food so there was no need to forage and eat weeds but I do believe since we’ve “evolved” to eating only grocery store food, we’re missing out on the fun of foraging and the nutritional value that many of the wild edibles offer.
We’ve ordered more native plants, mostly edibles – milkweed, purple poppy mallow, sumac, and serviceberry. I think Vince ordered a few more things and they’ll be delivered to another native plant expo type thing next week. We definitely need more land! 🙂
Vivian Oaks says
And without milkweed, there’d be no Monarch butterflies!! It’s the only thing they eat, and where the caterpillars spin their chrysalis to turn into butterflies!! 🙂
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I think they eat nectar from many flowers but the only place they breed is in the milkweed. There were several plants. We were told in one of our classes that there are over 100 milkweed species but I think less than half are suitable for Monarch breeding grounds.
cajunchick says
I just went to a workshop yesterday with a good friend on this exact topic. We learned a bit about plant identification and how to make tinctures, a poultice… it was very informative. Found out about several good books that I’ve already ordered.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
Great. Which books? Isn’t this exciting? So glad we all have these resources.
Sheryl says
…It’s great you are enjoying learning about edible plants. Purslane grows wild everywhere here. Someone in our Master Group had a visitor from Mexico once and they were so excited about all the purslane growing. It’s not something I should eat because it can affect someone with kidney disease but I do think about picking some and cooking it.