Category: Wild greens

Native to Europe, smooth cat's ear (*Hypochaeris glabra*) has long been foraged for its culinary uses. But can you eat smooth cat's ears? The answer is yes, and unlike its similar-looking hairy relative, its smooth leaves offer a less bitter addition to meals when properly identified.

Over 100 wild edible plant species were traditionally used by ethnic groups in a 2023 study from Pakistan, proving that many overlooked weeds have culinary potential, including Lady's Thumb (Persicaria maculosa), a plant with a surprisingly mild flavor profile.

Henbit deadnettle (Lamium amplexicaule), a prolific spring weed often mistaken for purple deadnettle, is a surprisingly edible and nutritious plant. All parts of the plant are safe to eat, and it can be enjoyed raw or cooked, offering a mild, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor. This guide will walk you through identification, harvesting, preparation, and creative ways to incorporate this versatile wild edible into your meals.

In a 2009 case study, eight individuals were hospitalized after consuming large quantities of raw wild lettuce, demonstrating the potential for toxicity. This raises a critical question for foragers: can you eat prickly wild lettuce raw safely? While young leaves are edible in small amounts, the plant’s potency increases with age, demanding careful identification and preparation to avoid adverse effects.

According to historical records, dock leaves were a popular wild edible during the Great Depression due to their abundance and tart flavor. The short answer to 'can people eat dock leaves?' is yes, the young leaves are edible and have a pleasant lemony flavor, though foragers must exercise caution and proper preparation.