Cows Parsley / Spring / Summer / Edible Common namesCows Parsley/ Wild Chervil Botanical NameAnthriscus Sylvestris Known HazardsMisidentification with poison hemlock, suspected to be harmful to some mammals. Could be confused withFools parsley, poison hemlock, hemlock water dropwort Range and DistributionFound in most of Europe, including Britain, south and east…
Category: Foraging
Three Cornered Leek/ Spring / Summer/ Edible Common NamesThree cornered leek/ Snowbell Botanical NameAllium triquetrum Known HazardsHas known to be toxic to some animals including dogs Could be confused withBluebells, other wild Alliums such as few flowered leek Range and DistributionFairly common throughout the UK and Europe. HabitatWoodland garden in…
Elder (Sambucus Nigra) How to Identify Elder, Elder Flowers and Elder Berries(Edible) Botanical NameSambucus Nigra Known HazardsAll green parts except the buds, flowers and fruit of this plant are considered poisons and should be avoided. Could be Confused WithGround elder, grows to a maximum of 1.5m high and among a…
Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) How to Identify Common Sorrel Edible Botanical NameRumex acetosa Known HazardsThis plant contains Oxalic acid, similar to rhubarb, giving it its’ sour taste, if you ingest too much of this acid you can upset your stomach. Saying that, you would have to eat a serious amount…
Stinging Nettles (Urtica Dioica) How to Identify Stinging Nettles Edible Botanical NameUrtica dioica Known HazardsStinging nettles are well known for the burning sensation they give if handled needlessly. On the stem of a nettle stalk are thousands of small needles, typically pointing upwards, with small sacks at the base of…
Silver Birch (Betula pendula) How to Identify Silver Birch Edible Botanical Name:Betula pendula Known Hazards:The tar present in the bark of this tree has been recorded as causing skin irritation, there’s also reference to an insect that feeds on the sap of the silver birch leaves exuding a chemical called…
Hogweed (Heracleum Sphondylium) How to Identify Hogweed Edible Botanical NameHeracleum Sphondylium Known HazardsA mild case of photo-phyto-dermatitis can be caused by touching the raw juice of this plant and, leaving the exposed skin in the sun will cause the area to blister. Wear gloves if picking, if juice goes on…
Hazel (Corylus avellana) How to Identify Hazel Edible Botanical Name: Corylus avellana Known Hazards: N/A Could be confused with: Other species in the Corylus family, of which are similarly used. Linden Tree (Tilia) which has a similar leaf structure but grows to a huge size and doesn’t produce hazel nuts…
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) How to Identify Hawthorn Edible Botanical NameCrataegus monogyna Known HazardsAs its’ name implies Hawthorn contains many thorns up its branches which can give a good prick. If you’re on blood-thinning medication are not advised to eat lots of this plant, consult your doctor for this. Could be…