Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
![Dandelion]()
How to Spot It
Bright yellow flowers, often in lawns, meadows, and edges. Leaves form a basal rosette with jagged “teeth.”
What It Is
A very common edible plant. You can use leaves, flowers, and roots.
How to Gather & Carry
- Pull the entire plant by the base (roots included if desired).
- Collect leaves gently—avoid bruising.
- Use breathable cloth or baskets. Keep leaves separate from wet items.
- Rinse in cool water once back at base.
Why It Matters
High in vitamins A, C, K, minerals like iron. Leaves are greens; roots can be roasted into a coffee-like drink; flowers usable in syrups or jellies.
Cattail (Typha latifolia)
![Cattail]()
How to Spot It
Along marshy edges, shallow banks of lakes or ponds. Tall vertical stalks with brown “cigar” seed heads.
What It Is
A wetland plant with multiple edible parts: shoots, rhizomes, and pollen.
How to Gather & Carry
- Harvest young shoots in early season when tender.
- Dig rhizomes in fall for starch-rich roots.
- Store rhizomes in cloth or burlap; drain moisture.
- Keep separate from meat or wet items to avoid spoilage.
Why It Matters
Rhizomes yield starch (can be boiled or roasted). Shoots can be eaten like vegetables. Pollen can be harvested and used as flour additive.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
![Stinging Nettle]()
How to Spot It
In moist forests, edges, streamsides, shaded backyards. Leaves are serrated, growing opposite, and have stinging hairs.
What It Is
An edible wild green when cooked. Young shoots and leaves are usable when done properly.
How to Gather & Carry
- Wear gloves to prevent stings.
- Cut top young shoots (less fibrous).
- Store in cloth or breathable container.
- Cook quickly (blanch or steam) once back at base to neutralize the sting.
Why It Matters
Rich source of minerals (iron, magnesium, calcium) and vitamins. Use like spinach, or dry into powders or teas.