Wild Edibles

[Firedoc]

There's a book called "Florida's Incredible Wild Edibles" by Richard J. Deuerling and Peggy S. Lantz. Small book (67 pages), no photos but decent illistrations. Also has recipes for the plants.

[Fixer]

Firedoc: Thank you for title. I have heard of this one but have not yet seen it in person. I especially like that it is specific to Florida, even if there are only illustrations instead of photos. Fact is, unless you can see the plant in all seasons, even the photos are of limited value. That is where I need to build my knowledge and I appreciate your help in getting me there.

[Fixer]

Curious to know who has used this reference field guide, "Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants" Copyright (C) Bradford Angier 1974.

I have read mixed reviews but curious about your experience with it. A simple thumbs up or down would suffice but details would be most appreciated.

[EX121]

I have Angier's book and find it very useful in describing ways to use various plants. It doesn't have photos but does have good description. It also has a good list of common names.
When I used to teach edible plants, my first advise was to ID a plant in your area and watch it throughout the seasons, and see how it changes. 2nd learn the habitat for example it's no good to look for cattail on a dry mtn slope. Then learn which plants are common & abundant in your area. And finally which plants are widespread in that environmental zone, for example cattail throughout the northern temperate zone. When you first id a plant study it, how are the leaves shaped, attached to the stem, veined or not, & etc.

[Fixer]

EX121: Thank you for your thoughtful response. I appreciate the endorsement of the book based upon the descriptions.
As for teaching edible plants, what reference books have you in your library? I am not looking for some crazy long list, just your top 3-5 “must have” favorites. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I am most interested in plants of the South Eastern US and want to educate myself in identifying and preparing:
1. Wild edible plants
2. Medicinal plants (teas, tinctures, decoctions, ointments, insect repellants, etc.)
3. Plants with special properties such as cordage, tinder, water source, etc. (and their preparations)

Thank you again for your thoughts on the book and for the favor of your reply on other texts that you'd recommend.

[EX121]

Here are the 3 that I pulled from my shelf, as mentioned Angier's book, field Guide to Edible Wild Plants, Edible Wild Plants by Thomas S. Elias & peter A. Dykeman, an Outdoor Life book & Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. As a general all-around reference check out the Audbon series for your area.
Many plants like cattail have multipul uses, both edible & medicinal and have useful parts in different seasons. I suggest you learn these common, widespread plants for your area.

[Fixer]

EX121: Thank you for your response and for your additional books. The cattail example is a good one since it is so versatile.

So as to not duplicate efforts, I started a thread under Training to summarize the "Wild Edibles" thread and to request such resources on plants. My hope and intention is to gather up the favorite resources from the group and summarize the findings for everyone. In effect, you have kicked this off in fine style. I appreciate your timely input.

[puternut]

Fixer:

The class takes about 4hours, at least here in Jacksonville. I wish I had taken a video camera and taped the whole class!

A water bottle or Camelbak would be nice!

[Fixer]

Puternut: I appreciate your follow through and good call on the hydration. With a little luck it'll be overcast with a cool breeze in the morning :) Planning to bring a digital camera that shoots both stills and video and, of course, a notebook.

From our earlier exchange you know I am interested in building a list of "must have" reference books on plants. To that end, I summarized the "Wild Edibles" thread and started another. See "Looking For Best Reference Books on Wild Plants and Edibles."

When I get some critical mass, I will summarize it too. Thank you again for your contributions. I look forward to continuing the conversation.