Some great recommendations! At Noojimo'iwewin Gitigaan we harvest a few of these species and offer them to the community kitchen to prepare for lunches and dinner. From the list we've harvested Curly Dock and Purslane, as well as Lamb Quarters and Nosturtium (not on your list). We've also included Wild Grape Leaves, Strawberry Leaves as Native edible plants. Independently, my partner and I include Dandelion greens among our regular dinner dishes.
As weed scientist, I love this post. As you mention, most weeds not high in calories but contain valuable vitamins and minerals. However, there are some weedy plants that can be harvested for their calorie-rich starchy roots. Nutsedge (yellow or purple) is one example, also called ‘chufa.’ It’s often planted in food plots to attract deer. Another possibility is sunchoke (or Jerusalem artichoke) not exactly a weed but it grows and spreads like one. They both have starchy roots that are quite tasty.
It remind my late mother, who in spite of all, taught me Clover and Dandelion taste for survival. She learned it the hard way during WWII. But that's another story.
Happy new year 2026, and do not underestimate the power of Carrots over that of sticks...
Good info! Everything you have here checks out with the limited knowledge I have of wild edibles that end up at the edges of suburban areas. Good illustrations too. Fruits and berries *might* be worth touching on, but generally very seasonal and limited.
Some great recommendations! At Noojimo'iwewin Gitigaan we harvest a few of these species and offer them to the community kitchen to prepare for lunches and dinner. From the list we've harvested Curly Dock and Purslane, as well as Lamb Quarters and Nosturtium (not on your list). We've also included Wild Grape Leaves, Strawberry Leaves as Native edible plants. Independently, my partner and I include Dandelion greens among our regular dinner dishes.
Definitely adding lamb quarters and the others. I have that one and a few others written up but the images didn't export. Thanks!
As weed scientist, I love this post. As you mention, most weeds not high in calories but contain valuable vitamins and minerals. However, there are some weedy plants that can be harvested for their calorie-rich starchy roots. Nutsedge (yellow or purple) is one example, also called ‘chufa.’ It’s often planted in food plots to attract deer. Another possibility is sunchoke (or Jerusalem artichoke) not exactly a weed but it grows and spreads like one. They both have starchy roots that are quite tasty.
Good recommendations, thanks!
It remind my late mother, who in spite of all, taught me Clover and Dandelion taste for survival. She learned it the hard way during WWII. But that's another story.
Happy new year 2026, and do not underestimate the power of Carrots over that of sticks...
Clover and dandelions for the win!
Thank you! I knew about a few of these like Murdock, but this really opened my eyes to other possibilities!
Good to hear!
Good info! Everything you have here checks out with the limited knowledge I have of wild edibles that end up at the edges of suburban areas. Good illustrations too. Fruits and berries *might* be worth touching on, but generally very seasonal and limited.
Thanks! I'll be adding a few more.
https://davidkunt.substack.com/p/the-big-lebowski-recipe-for-a-marvelous
This is a fantastic list, with so much good information!