Identifying/Assessing weeds for eatability

[T-Bird]

I've identified one weed in my yard, creeping charlie. Anyone know if it's edible?


I have about 4 unidentified weed infestations, how would I go about identifying them, and determining if I should sample them?

Thx!

[juliebove]

I've identified one weed in my yard, creeping charlie. Anyone know if it's edible?


I have about 4 unidentified weed infestations, how would I go about identifying them, and determining if I should sample them?

Thx!


Yes, it's edible. It's a member of the mint family.


http://www.altnature.com/gallery/Ground_Ivy.htm

You can buy a book on edible plants, but... The problem is, things often look like thing they are not. For instance, I came very close to eating a poisonous buttercup before it was in bloom, thinking it was parsley. You have to be very careful.

[T-Bird]

hummmmmmmmmmmmmmm - now you have me worried!

The creeping charlie started out in the shade-but now is in the sunny areas as well......likely 6 hours of sun, could it be that it isn't creeping charlie?


How can on tell for sure?

[kaybee]

i really think the best way is if you can find someone local who is already familiar with stuff and ask them in person. ive tried alot to do foraging but its difficult to feel confident about it unless youve actually touched and seen the thing in the presence of someone who really knows. i just spent a few days with someone who does alot of foraging, and it definitely helps to be aroudn a knowledgeable person. unfortunately, back at home, i still wonder about some of the stuff im my garden. best thing woudl be to get someone knowledgeable to come to your house and look. even if its not a foarger, anywone who has significant experience identifying plants.

[Colorawdo girl]

I am wanting to get a book and also I hear Sergie Boutenko is coming to town (West Haven CT) at the end of the month. He will do a wild edibles program.

Today I ate dandelions and sweet clover leaves....zippo n zing

[juliebove]

hummmmmmmmmmmmmmm - now you have me worried!

The creeping charlie started out in the shade-but now is in the sunny areas as well......likely 6 hours of sun, could it be that it isn't creeping charlie?


How can on tell for sure?

Well... Does it smell like mint?

[spicyfull]

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/

[Bookish Lass]

I am wanting to get a book and also I hear Sergie Boutenko is coming to town (West Haven CT) at the end of the month. He will do a wild edibles program.


Wildman Steve Brill also does classes in your area. (CT, NY, NJ)
http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/

I like his book but haven't gone to one of these walks yet.