Robinia pseudoacacia – Black Locust
Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is an invasive tree in the legume family with edible components. Black locust trees were thought to have originated in southern Appalachian and Ozark mountains and have since spread. Black locust trees can be found in disturbed areas, roadsides, and fields. It spreads by root suckers to form clones. It […]
Melissa officinalis – Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an edible, non-native perennial in the mint family. It can be found in fields and meadows. The plant can escape cultivation and grow rapidly. Lemon balm can be identified by its square stems, opposite leaves, and lemony scent. It could be confused for other mints, but no plants in the […]
Sedum sarmentosum – Stringy stonecrop
Stringy stonecrop (Sedum sarmentosum) is an introduced perennial with edible leaves. It can be found in sunny areas with sandy soil. The plant can spread quickly, forming a mat on the ground. The fleshy leaves are arranged in whorls of three. Yellow star-shaped flowers are produced in the summer. The plant is edible raw or […]
Solidago rugosa – Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod
Wrinkleleaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa) is a native perennial with edible and medicinal uses. There are over 75 species of goldenrod (Solidago spp.) in the United States. All above ground parts of goldenrods are edible, but taste varies depending on species. Goldenrods can be found in areas with well-drained soil and full sun. Wrinkleleaf goldenrod […]
Cercis canadensis – Eastern Redbud
Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a tree native to southwestern CT that produces edible flowers in mid-spring. Eastern redbud can be found in mixed woodlands or cultivated areas. Pink flowers appear in spring before the leaves emerge. Leaves are alternate and heart shaped. Flowers become pods in later spring. Redbud blossoms taste like sweet peas […]
Picea glauca – White Spruce
White spruce (Picea glauca) is a native evergreen that produces edible needles and cones. White spruce can be found in sunny areas with rich, well-drained soil. All spruce trees are non-toxic. Spruces are identified by their needles that are sharp and have four sides. Each needle is individually attached to the branch. Needles attach […]
Plantago rugelii – Blackseed Plantain
Blackseed plantain (Plantago rugelii) is a native perennial with edible and medicinal uses. Blackseed plantain can be found in areas with compacted soil such as hiking trails. Blackseed plantain can be identified by its hairless leaves with distinct veins. The petiole is often reddish. The plant produces elongated seed capsules. Young leaves can be chopped […]
Artemisia annua – Sweet wormwood
Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) is a medicinal annual that has naturalized in parts of North America. Sweet wormwood can be found in disturbed areas with rocky soil. The plant can be identified by its silvery-green leaves with a feathery appearance. It produces small yellow-green flowers in late summer. The leaves have a strong aromatic scent […]
Humulus lupulus – Common Hops
Common Hops (Humulus lupulus) are most known for their use in beer making, but they also produce edible shoots this time of year. Common hops are native to North America, but there are also varieties that are non-native. Hops can be found along forest edges, fences, and rivers. They prefer partial to full sun. Hops […]
Ulmus pumila – Siberian Elm
Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila) is an invasive tree with edible samaras (seeds) that appear mid-spring. Siberian elm can be found in sunny areas such as fields and waste places. Siberian elm can be identified by its furrowed bark and alternate leaves that are elliptical in shape with toothed edges. Leaves have an uneven leaf base. […]
Caltha palustris – Marsh marigold
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) is a native perennial wildflower in the buttercup family. It can be found blooming April-May in marshy places. Marsh marigold, also known as American cowslip, has hollow stems, heart-shaped leaves, and five-petaled bright yellow flowers. The raw plant contains poisonous glucosides, which are dispelled with boiling. Leaves should be boiled in […]
Nasturtium officinale – Watercress
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is an edible perennial in the mustard family that can be found throughout the United States. It was brought over from Europe and has since become invasive. Watercress can be found in streams with water 1-6 inches deep. It is imperative to ensure the water is not polluted and the stream is […]
Symplocarpus foetidus – Skunk Cabbage
Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is one of the first plants to appear in early spring. It is found in swamps and marshlands. Skunk cabbage starts off as a greenish or reddish leathery bract that holds circular flowers. Tightly coiled leaves appear in a week or two. Cutting or bruising the leaves cause a skunky smell. […]
Pinus strobus – Eastern White Pine
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is a native tree that can be foraged year-round. The entire tree is non-toxic. Eastern white pine has needles that grow in groups of five. This is the only pine tree in Connecticut that has five needles per bundle. Needles are edible and can be used to make tea year-round. […]
Ulva spp. – Sea lettuce
Sea lettuce (Ulva spp.) is an edible green alga that can be found in inter-tidal zones. There are both native and non-native species of sea lettuce in Connecticut that can be difficult to differentiate without a microscope. Sea lettuce produces vibrant green, translucent sheets that are two cells thick. They attach to rocks and shells. […]
Taxus canadensis – Canada Yew
Canada yew (Taxus canadensis) is a native species of yew that can be found growing wild in CT in forested areas. The plant is nearly all toxic. Yew has pointed needle-like leaves that grow in two lateral rows along the branch. The plant produces red arils (berry-like seed coverings) in late summer. The berries can […]
Grateloupia turuturu – Devil’s Tongue Weed
Devil’s tongue weed (Grateloupia turuturu) is an edible seaweed that is native to East Asia. This red alga has become invasive in the northeast United States, out competing native seaweed species. Devil’s tongue is a perennial, living 6-10 years. It can be found along rocky coastal areas and shallow shores. The seaweed can be picked […]
Codium fragile – Dead Man’s Fingers
Dead Man’s Fingers (Codium fragile) is an edible and invasive species of seaweed that originated in Japan. Dead man’s fingers can be found along the coastline during low tide. Seaweed can be harvested year-round. The plant is named for its finger-like fronds that hang from rocks. Dead man’s fingers can be a nuisance to […]
Rhodotypos scandens – Black jetbead
Black jetbead (Rhodotypos scandens) is an invasive plant in the rose family that is highly toxic. Black jetbead is native to Asia and was introduced to the United States as an ornamental. It can be found in forests and along roadsides. Black jetbead produces white flowers in the spring. In the fall, the plant produces […]
Ginkgo biloba – Ginkgo
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a unique tree that is native to a province in China. Ginkgo is the only plant in its genus, family, order, class, and division to still exist today. Ginkgo is often planted in suburban and urban areas. It can tolerate air and soil pollution and high levels of road salt. There […]