Observation field: Edibility and Safety
Can this species be safely consumed by humans? Can it be handled with bare hands? If it is only edible in certain circumstances, such as when young or when cooked, please include this information. You may also include safety around pets.
Created by:
ratcore
ratcore
Observations specifying this field
| Observation | Edibility and Safety |
|---|---|
| The leaves, stems and flowers of Wild Bergamot or Bee Balm are all completely edible and very safe for humans to ingest. They are considered a universally safe edible plant. It may have undesirable side effects when used topically however, increasing the skin's photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight and UV light). It also has a relatively small potential to interact with certain medications, increasing their potency. Speak to a medical professional before using Bergamot if you take any meds. | |
| Pine has many parts that are edible to humans, including the cones, seeds, needles, pollen, and even bark in some instances. The bark can be dried and ground into a kind of flour but is not as commonly used as the other parts. The needles are often used to make tea, the pollen is mainly used as an additive to baked goods, pinecones can be made into jam or pickles, and the seeds can be eaten straight from the cone! | |
| Herb Robert is completely safe for humans to consume, and has been reported to be highly beneficial when eaten regularly. Please do not take this herb with any blood thinners and consult a medical professional before taking if you have any conditions related to the blood. | |
| The flowers and leaves of Red Clover are completely safe and edible for humans. | |
| All parts of Shepherd's Purse are edible raw, including the leaves, stems, flowers, roots, and seeds. As with any herbs and wild foods that contain tannins and essential oils, it is only harmful when eaten in very large amounts. Please note that this herb is not recommended during pregnancy as it may cause premature labour. | |
| Mulberry fruit is safe for humans to eat raw. The young leaves can be eaten but it is recommended to cook them first. Aside from the ripe fruit, all parts of the Mulberry plant including the unripe fruit and mature leaves contain a mildly hallucinogenic white sap that make them unsuitable for consumption. Skin contact with this sap can also cause skin irritation. | |
| The leaves and flowers of the Common Motherwort can be safely eaten raw by humans, although it is bitter tasting and many find it more palatable when cooked or made into a sweetened tea. Please keep in mind that this plant is not safe for dogs, cats, and possibly other pets to consume. | |
| Blue Cohosh is unsafe for humans and should not be consumed. | |
| The berries and leaves are edible to humans. The leaves are traditionally used for tea, and the berries can be added to dishes as a colourful , albeit flavourless, garnish. | |
| All parts of the Evening Primrose are safe for humans to consume raw and it is highly valued as a wild edible. | |
| Oxeye Daisies can safely be eaten by humans, raw or cooked. The petals, stems and leaves can all be eaten. Since the older plants can be bitter, it is recommended to prioritize younger plants when harvesting. | |
| Hedge Bindweed is somewhat edible to humans. Raw, it is primarily used medicinally for its laxative qualities and should not be consumed in large amounts. The stalks, young shoots and roots are completely safe for humans to eat when cooked. However, if you have animals please keep in mind that any Bindweed is highly unsafe for animals when consumed and can cause serious health adversities. Horses have been known to experience digestive disruption, colic and weight loss when Bindweed is consumed in large amounts. | |
| Once the tough shell has been removed, the nuts of Black Walnut trees are edible and enjoyed by many humans and wildlife. They can be eaten raw and are appreciated by chefs and bakers, too! | |
| All parts of the Oregano plant are edible. The leaves and flowers both possess the well-known Oregano flavour, but the leaves have the most prevalent culinary usage. | |
| All parts of Pokeweeds, especially the root, are toxic and unsafe to ingest. | |
| The fruit of the Riverbank Grape is completely edible, though they are much smaller than domestic grapes and chock full of seeds (which are also safe to eat). When ripe, the berries are sweet and tart, and I personally enjoy them much more than store bought grapes. The leaves and tendrils are also edible, and many people find them quite tasty with notes of citrus. | |
| Like other Yews, the Common Yew is FATALLY TOXIC! The only edible part is the flesh of the berries, but the seeds inside the berries are the most toxic part of the plant and must not be chewed or ingested.. | |
| The leaves, stems and flowers of Wild Bergamot or Bee Balm are all completely edible to humans. | |
| Japanese Barberries are safe to eat, though reportedly not as palatable as other barberries. | |
| Common Chickweed is completely safe, edible and has many health benefits when eaten. | |
| All parts of all varieties of sunflower are edible, but the Common Sunflower is most noted for its seeds. | |
| Chicory can be eaten as a young or mature plant. Leaves, flowers, flowerbuds, and roots can be consumed. | |
| The young shoots of Toadflax can be cooked and the leaves and flowers can be eaten fresh or dried. It is reccommended to only eat a little at a time, as Toadflax could be toxic if eaten in large quantities. | |
| The flowers and leaves of Red Clover are completely safe and edible for humans. | |
| Wild Carrot, or Queen Anne's Lace, is entirely edible; roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, and fruit are all safe to ingest. However, it has toxic lookalikes such as Poison Hemlock, so take extreme caution when identifying. If you cannot be 100% certain, do not eat it. Pregnant women should not eat any part of this herb. | |
| Both Common Chickweed and Mouse-eared Chickweeds are completely safe, edible and have many health benefits, although Mouse-eared Chickweeds are generally less preferred as per their fuzzy texture. | |
| Holly is unsafe for consumption. | |
| Unlike the domesticated cucumber, Wild Cucumber is not edible. | |
| Violet leaves and flowers are edible to humans, raw and cooked. Keep in mind that some people may be sensitive to the raw stems. Leaves get tougher and chewier as they get older; many prefer eating when young. Seeds and roots can be toxic and should be avoided. | |
| Poet's Narcissus, like other daffodils, is not edible. |
Projects Using This Field
Witchy Flora
Plants with Magickal and metaphysical properties for witchy herbalists and foragers. Primarily focused on t...
