Foraging For Beginners: 3 books in 1 : Identifying Mushrooms in North America + Identifying Medicinal Plants in North America + Identifying Fruits, Nuts and Seeds in North America by Mona Greeny

Author:Mona Greeny [Greeny, Mona]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2020-10-06T16:00:00+00:00

Santalaceae (Phoradendron tomentosum; also called P. Macrophylla [Engelm.] Cockerel)

Identification

It is a semi-evergreen, thickly branched, parasitic epiphyte that grows on the branches of valley oak, blue oak, and other oak trees. The leaves are ovate to oblong. It is also known as injerto.

Habitat

It is found between the areas of Texas to California and can be commonly found in plantation gardens, wooded roadsides, yards, etc. It is seen on hackberry, mesquite, oak, ash, willow, cottonwood, and sycamore trees.

Not Edible

May Cause Dermatitis

Uses

Mistletoe is dangerous, and many women have died in the past to use it to induce abortion. European pagans used V. album for its aphrodisiac properties (unproven). Native Americans considered this plant toxic (it is). In modern times the plant is being researched for its potential anti-diabetic properties. The extract is used by doctors to treat rheumatism. Its effects on cancer are being studied as well. The V. album variety can be effective against diarrhea, asthma, nervousness, tachycardia, whooping cough, amenorrhea, and epilepsy.

The plant should not be used unless explicitly prescribed by a doctor.

Caution

All parts of the plant are toxic. Multiple people have died in the past by consuming the berry tea. Only use it for decorative purposes during Christmas and contact a health professional immediately if you consume it accidentally.

Ground Nut

Fabaceae (Apios Americana medicus L.)

Identification

It is a twining and climbing perennial that grows like a pea vine. It has multiple tubers. The leaves are compound and alternate. The flowers grow in clusters and are generally purple, pink, or red-brown.

Habitat

It grows well under shade on wet grounds around the fringes of bogs, streams, thickets, etc. It grows profusely in deep, shady, and marshy areas. It can be found throughout the United States of America except in lower Florida, southern California, and extreme deserts.

Harvest

The seeds and tubers can be harvested upon maturation.

Edible

Seeds and tubers are edible. The seeds can be cooked like lentils. The tubers are full of protein and can serve as a great substitute for potatoes.

Uses

The Native Americans used the seeds as survival food. Most of the eastern tribes consumed the roots and seeds without which they would have starved in the winters. It can bring down cholesterol and maintain blood sugar levels. It is a hardy perennial that you can grow in your garden as well.

Indian Cucumber

Liliaceae (Medeola virginiana L.)

Identification

The plant has lancelet to ovate leaves that grow in a whorl around the stem. The plant grows around the base of hardwood trees. The root needs to be dug out to harvest the 'cucumber.'

Habitat

The plant prefers old-growth and grows well in deciduous and moist forests. It is often found growing under the hardwoods such as oaks.

Harvest

The plant needs to be dug out to harvest the 'cucumber.'

Food

The root tuber of the plant is edible, and it tastes like cucumber. It should be cleaned thoroughly and eaten raw.

Uses

Traditionally the Native Americans treated the plant as a panacea. The infusion made with the whole plant was used for a variety of skin problems. The berries were used for their anticonvulsive properties and the tea made from the root has diuretic properties.

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