Category: Herbology

Umbilicus rupestris, commonly known as wall pennywort or navelwort, is a fleshy perennial plant that grows on walls and rocky banks and is indeed edible. Its succulent leaves have been used for centuries in traditional folk medicine and as a tasty addition to salads.

Lady's Thumb (`Persicaria maculosa`), a member of the buckwheat family, is a common weed found in gardens and disturbed soils across many continents, and its young leaves and shoots are perfectly safe to eat.

While many beloved culinary mints are entirely safe to consume, certain species within the larger mint family are notably poisonous. Knowing how to distinguish common, edible mints from their harmful counterparts is crucial for any gardener or forager asking, "Are there any poisonous mints?".

Native to Europe and Asia, lady thumb, also known as *Persicaria maculosa* or redshank, has naturalized across the globe, often growing as a common weed. While many overlook this plant, its leaves, young shoots, and seeds are indeed edible and can be a flavorful addition to your meals. This guide will help you confidently identify, harvest, and cook with this nutritious wild edible.

Historically, common tansy was used in small amounts as a flavoring agent and for medicinal purposes. Despite this history, eating common tansy is highly dangerous and toxic to humans due to the presence of thujone, a poisonous chemical.

For centuries, Native American tribes across the West have utilized the edible roots of nine leaf biscuitroot (Lomatium triternatum). A long-standing staple food, the plant is still appreciated today for its mildly sweet, starchy root, and aromatic leaves and seeds. However, foragers must exercise extreme caution due to its membership in the Apiaceae family, which also contains deadly poisonous plants.

Peppermint's essential oil can contain a menthol concentration ranging from as low as 7% to as high as 85%, depending heavily on the specific cultivar and growing conditions. This wide variation explains the different levels of intensity in peppermint products, from mild teas to potent essential oils. The menthol content is the key to peppermint's characteristic cooling sensation and potent flavor.

Historically, various parts of the native North American plant known as prairie smoke have been utilized for different purposes, though the edibility of the flower is a subject requiring careful consideration. While some traditions and sources suggest limited and specific uses for certain plant parts, consuming wild plants without proper knowledge is always risky.