Tag: Winter foraging

Did you know that hazel catkins are a vital source of early spring pollen for bees and other insects, appearing when few other flowers are available? These humble appendages are not just a sign of the season changing but offer a surprising array of benefits for both the ecosystem and humans.

In a surprising twist for a plant named after a fruit, the berries of the common winterberry (*Ilex verticillata*) are toxic to humans and pets. While the vibrant red berries provide a stunning visual display in winter gardens and are a critical food source for birds, they are not a nutritional food source for people, and consuming them can cause serious illness.