Horse Chestnut / All year round / Toxic The ‘nuts’ or ‘conkers’ of Horse Chestnut are a common and familiar sight in autumn, the tree was introduced to the UK from Turkey in the 16th century. Common Names      Horse Chestnut, Conker tree, Buckeye. Botanical Name Aesculus hippocastanum Scientific Classification Kingdom…
Tag: toxic
As an avid forager, I am always on the lookout for ways to utilize the natural resources around me. One of my favorite finds during the autumn season is horse chestnuts, also known as conkers. These shiny nuts may not be edible, but they have a hidden secret – they…
False Morel / Spring / Toxic Enter a realm of danger as we unveil the sinister truth about the False Morel (Gyromitra esculenta), a mushroom that demands utmost caution. Join us on a journey where deception and toxicity intertwine. With its intricate brain-like appearance and earthy allure, the False Morel…
Giant Hogweed / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Toxic Giant Hogweed is a non-native invasive member of the Carrot family. It’s classed as scarce in the UK but it can be very common in some areas, and is spreading. When fully grown they can reach up to 4.5 metres…
Lilac Bonnet / Summer / Autumn / Toxic Step into the realm of caution as we unveil the mysterious Lilac Bonnet (Mycena pura), a mushroom that demands respect for its toxic nature. Join us on a journey of awareness and safety as we delve into the risks associated with this…
Rosy Bonnet / Summer / Autumn / Toxic Scientific Name Mycena rosea Common Names Rosy hat, Rosy Bell cap Family Mycenaceae Habitat They are saprotrophic, living off dead matter, they are mostly found in mixed or coniferous woodlands, on acidic soils. Description Less common than the very closely related Lilac…
Lily of the Valley / Spring / Summer / Toxic A sweetly scented woodland plant. All parts are highly poisonous to humans. It’s not too common in the wild and is mostly found planted in parks and gardens Common Names Lily of the Valley, May bells, Mary’s tears, Our Ladies…
Buttercups / All Year round / Toxic There are many types of Buttercups, three species are very common in the UK. They can all be thought of as the same from a foraging point of view as they are all toxic. Common Names Buttercups, Creeping crazy, Devil’s guts, Lantern leaves,…
Fools Parsley / Spring / Summer / Toxic A toxic member of the carrot family, it’s closely related to Hemlock (Conium maculatum) but is not as poisonous. Common Names Fools Parsley, Fool’s Cicely, or Poison Parsley Botanical Name      Aethusa cynapium Scientific Classification Kingdom – Plantae Order – Apiales Family –…
Lords and Ladies / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Toxic Through this piece, we’re going to look at the full Identification Guide for Lords and Ladies as well as how to make sure we don’t confuse this one with Common or Lambs sorrel, or accidentally pick it amongst our…