This website is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult field guides and other sources regarding the proper preparation of these plants as some portions of these plants must be cooked to remove toxic substances.
Acer saccharinum
Silver Maple
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Sap used to make sugar
Bark dried, pounded, sifter and made into bread
Sap along with thimbleberries and water used to make a drink
Photo credit: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Herman, D.E., et al. 1996. North Dakota tree handbook. USDA NRCS ND State Soil Conservation Committee; NDSU Extension and Western Area Power Administration, Bismarck.
Silver Maple
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Sap used to make sugar
Bark dried, pounded, sifter and made into bread
Sap along with thimbleberries and water used to make a drink
Photo credit: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Herman, D.E., et al. 1996. North Dakota tree handbook. USDA NRCS ND State Soil Conservation Committee; NDSU Extension and Western Area Power Administration, Bismarck.
Acorus calamus
Sweet Flag
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Dried root chewed for agreeable taste
Roots, leaves and stalks used for food by various groups
Portion of plant used to make a beverage
Photo credit: JF Gaffard @ commons.wikimedia.org
Sweet Flag
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Dried root chewed for agreeable taste
Roots, leaves and stalks used for food by various groups
Portion of plant used to make a beverage
Photo credit: JF Gaffard @ commons.wikimedia.org
Ammannia coccinea
Valley Redstem
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Seeds gathered and prepared as food
Photo credit: public domain
Valley Redstem
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Seeds gathered and prepared as food
Photo credit: public domain
Apios Americana
Groundnut
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Beans used for food
Roots/tubers cooked like potatoes also dried, ground into flour and made into bread
Roots dried for winter use
Nuts boiled, peeled and eaten as a vegetable
Photo credit: public domain
Groundnut
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Beans used for food
Roots/tubers cooked like potatoes also dried, ground into flour and made into bread
Roots dried for winter use
Nuts boiled, peeled and eaten as a vegetable
Photo credit: public domain
Arisaema triphyllum
Jack in the Pulpit
Wetland Indicator: FACW-
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots thinly sliced and cooked in a pit over to eliminate poison
Photo credit: Daniel Schwen @ commons.wikimedia.org
Jack in the Pulpit
Wetland Indicator: FACW-
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots thinly sliced and cooked in a pit over to eliminate poison
Photo credit: Daniel Schwen @ commons.wikimedia.org
Asclepias incarnata
Swamp Milkweed
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Heads cut, dried and stored for winter usage
Heads, deer broth and fat used to make soup, also added to cornmeal mush
Photo credit: Nelson DeBarros @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Swamp Milkweed
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Heads cut, dried and stored for winter usage
Heads, deer broth and fat used to make soup, also added to cornmeal mush
Photo credit: Nelson DeBarros @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Bidens laevis
Smooth Beggartick
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Used for food (not specified in reference material)
Photo credit: Riverbank Outdoor Store in New Port Richey, Florida @ commons.wikimedia.org
Smooth Beggartick
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Used for food (not specified in reference material)
Photo credit: Riverbank Outdoor Store in New Port Richey, Florida @ commons.wikimedia.org
Caltha palustris
Yellow Marsh Marigold
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves eaten fresh
Photo credit: Jeffdelonge @ commons.wikimedia.org
Yellow Marsh Marigold
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves eaten fresh
Photo credit: Jeffdelonge @ commons.wikimedia.org
Celtis laevigata
Sugarberry
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Fruits beaten to a pulp, mixed with fat, rolled into balls and roasted over fires
Photo credit: public domain
Sugarberry
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Fruits beaten to a pulp, mixed with fat, rolled into balls and roasted over fires
Photo credit: public domain
Chelone glabra
White Turtlehead
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Young shoots and leaves boiled, fried and eaten
Photo credit: Michael Wolf @ commons.wikimedia.org
White Turtlehead
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Young shoots and leaves boiled, fried and eaten
Photo credit: Michael Wolf @ commons.wikimedia.org
Cinna arundinacea
Sweet Woodreed
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Seeds used for food
Photo credit: public domain
Sweet Woodreed
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Seeds used for food
Photo credit: public domain
Cyperus erythrorhizos
Red Root Flatsedge
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Pulverized seeds cooked into mush
Photo credit: public domain
Red Root Flatsedge
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Pulverized seeds cooked into mush
Photo credit: public domain
Cyperus esculentus
Chufa
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots/tuber eaten raw, baked or boiled like potatoes or dried, ground and mixed with other foods
Photo credit: User:Blahedo @ commons.wikimedia.org
Chufa
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots/tuber eaten raw, baked or boiled like potatoes or dried, ground and mixed with other foods
Photo credit: User:Blahedo @ commons.wikimedia.org
Cyperus odoratus
Rusty Flatsedge
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Seeds used for food and tubers eaten by some groups
Photo credit: Franz Xaver @ commons.wikimedia.org
Rusty Flatsedge
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Seeds used for food and tubers eaten by some groups
Photo credit: Franz Xaver @ commons.wikimedia.org
Distichlis spicata
Seashore Saltgrass
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves burned into ashes to remove the salt and the used as a condiment
Leaves and stems used for food
Green grass immersed in water, strained and used as a beverage
Photo credit: Forest & Kim Starr @ commons.wikimedia.org
Seashore Saltgrass
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves burned into ashes to remove the salt and the used as a condiment
Leaves and stems used for food
Green grass immersed in water, strained and used as a beverage
Photo credit: Forest & Kim Starr @ commons.wikimedia.org
Eleocharis palustris
Creeking Spikerush
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Sap eaten
Photo credit: Karelj @ commons.wikimedia.org
Creeking Spikerush
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Sap eaten
Photo credit: Karelj @ commons.wikimedia.org
Equisetum hymale var. affine
Rough Horsetail
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots dried and used for food
Stalk top dried, mashed, mixed with salmon eggs and eaten
Blades boiled to make a drink
Photo credit: Joseph A. Marcus @ wildflower.org
Rough Horsetail
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots dried and used for food
Stalk top dried, mashed, mixed with salmon eggs and eaten
Blades boiled to make a drink
Photo credit: Joseph A. Marcus @ wildflower.org
Eupatorium purpureum
Sweet Scented Joe Pye Weed
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces:
Native American usage:
Root ash used as salt
Photo credit: Kurt Stuber @ commons.wikimedia.org
Sweet Scented Joe Pye Weed
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces:
Native American usage:
Root ash used as salt
Photo credit: Kurt Stuber @ commons.wikimedia.org
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Green Ash
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Cambium layers scraped in long fluffy layers and cooked
Photo credit: Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service @ commons.wikimedia.org
Green Ash
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Cambium layers scraped in long fluffy layers and cooked
Photo credit: Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service @ commons.wikimedia.org
Heliotropium curassavicum
Seaside Heliotrope
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Seeds used for food
Photo credit: Pompilid @ commons.wikimedia.org
Seaside Heliotrope
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Seeds used for food
Photo credit: Pompilid @ commons.wikimedia.org
Hydrocotyle Americana
American Marsh Pennywort
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Plant used for greens
Photo credit: Gary P. Fleming DCR-DNH @ vaplantatlas.org
American Marsh Pennywort
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Plant used for greens
Photo credit: Gary P. Fleming DCR-DNH @ vaplantatlas.org
Hydrocotyle ranunculoides
Floating Pennywort
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Plant used for greens
Photo credit: Andres Gonzalez @ commons.wikimedia.org
Floating Pennywort
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Plant used for greens
Photo credit: Andres Gonzalez @ commons.wikimedia.org
Hydrocotyle umbellate
Pennywort
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Plant used for greens
Photo credit: public domain
Pennywort
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Plant used for greens
Photo credit: public domain
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Worled Pennywort
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Plant used for greens
Photo credit: Forest & Kim Starr @ commons.wikimedia.org
Worled Pennywort
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Plant used for greens
Photo credit: Forest & Kim Starr @ commons.wikimedia.org
Ilex coriacea
Tall Gallbery Holly
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make beverage
Photo credit: Ted Bodner, James H Miller @ commons.wikimedia.org
Tall Gallbery Holly
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make beverage
Photo credit: Ted Bodner, James H Miller @ commons.wikimedia.org
Ilex decidua
Deciduous Holly
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make beverage
Photo credit: public domain
Deciduous Holly
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make beverage
Photo credit: public domain
Ilex glabra
Inkberry
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make beverage
Photo credit: William S. Justice @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Inkberry
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make beverage
Photo credit: William S. Justice @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Ilex laevigata
Smooth Holly
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make beverage
Photo credit: Gary P. Fleming DCR-DNH @ vaplantatlas.org
Smooth Holly
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make beverage
Photo credit: Gary P. Fleming DCR-DNH @ vaplantatlas.org
Ilex verticillata
Winterberry
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make beverage
Photo credit: Jeff McMillian @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Winterberry
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make beverage
Photo credit: Jeff McMillian @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Juncus effuses
Soft Rush
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Early sprouts eaten raw
Photo credit: James Lindsey at Ecology of Commanstart @ commons.wikimedia.org
Soft Rush
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Early sprouts eaten raw
Photo credit: James Lindsey at Ecology of Commanstart @ commons.wikimedia.org
Lindera benzoin
Spicebush
Wetland Indicator: FACW-
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make a tea like beverage
Leaves used to mask or modify the taste of strong flavored meats
Photo credit: Cody Hough college student and photographer in the Michigan area @ commons.wikimedia.org
Spicebush
Wetland Indicator: FACW-
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make a tea like beverage
Leaves used to mask or modify the taste of strong flavored meats
Photo credit: Cody Hough college student and photographer in the Michigan area @ commons.wikimedia.org
Lycopus uniflorus
Northern Bugleweed
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots/tubers steamed or baked and eaten
Photo credit: Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org @ commons.wikimedia.org
Northern Bugleweed
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots/tubers steamed or baked and eaten
Photo credit: Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org @ commons.wikimedia.org
Mentha arvensis
Field Mint
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves and stems (raw or dried) used to make tea or other beverages
Dried plant used to flavor pemmican, soup, meats, cornmeal mush or other foods
Photo credit: Al Schneider @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Field Mint
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves and stems (raw or dried) used to make tea or other beverages
Dried plant used to flavor pemmican, soup, meats, cornmeal mush or other foods
Photo credit: Al Schneider @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Mentha spicata
Spearmint
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves and stems (raw or dried) used to make tea or other beverages
Dried plant used to flavor meats, cornmeal mush or other foods
Photo credit: R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Spearmint
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves and stems (raw or dried) used to make tea or other beverages
Dried plant used to flavor meats, cornmeal mush or other foods
Photo credit: R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Mentha x piperita
Pepper Mint
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Used to flavor food
Photo credit: R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Pepper Mint
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Used to flavor food
Photo credit: R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Nelumbo lutea
American Lotus
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots boiled and eaten, also cut and strung for winter use
Tubers peeled and cooked with meat or hominy
Nut like seeds cracked, removed from shells and cooked with meat to make soup, also roasted and made in a sweat meal
Shoots cooked with venison, corn or beans, also terminal shoots cut crosswise, strung on string and dried for winter use
Some groups used with acorns during times of famine
Photo credit: Larry Allain @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
American Lotus
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots boiled and eaten, also cut and strung for winter use
Tubers peeled and cooked with meat or hominy
Nut like seeds cracked, removed from shells and cooked with meat to make soup, also roasted and made in a sweat meal
Shoots cooked with venison, corn or beans, also terminal shoots cut crosswise, strung on string and dried for winter use
Some groups used with acorns during times of famine
Photo credit: Larry Allain @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Nymphaea odorata
White Waterlily
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Buds eaten before opening
Photo credit: Robin R. Buckallew @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
White Waterlily
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Buds eaten before opening
Photo credit: Robin R. Buckallew @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Onoclea sensibilis
Onoclea
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Cooked and seasoned with salt, pepper and butter
Photo credit: Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Barnes, T.G., and S.W. Francis. 2004. Wildflowers and ferns of Kentucky. University Press of Kentucky.
Onoclea
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Cooked and seasoned with salt, pepper and butter
Photo credit: Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Barnes, T.G., and S.W. Francis. 2004. Wildflowers and ferns of Kentucky. University Press of Kentucky.
Osmunda cinnamomea
Cinnamon Fern
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Eaten as a snack food
White base of plant eaten raw
Frond tips added to soup stock and thickened with flour
Photo credit: public domain
Cinnamon Fern
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Eaten as a snack food
White base of plant eaten raw
Frond tips added to soup stock and thickened with flour
Photo credit: public domain
Oxypolis rigidior
Stiff Cowbane
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots baked and eaten
Photo credit: William S. Justice @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Stiff Cowbane
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots baked and eaten
Photo credit: William S. Justice @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Peltandra virginica
Arrow Arum
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Used for food but references do not specify how
Photo credit: William S. Justice @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Arrow Arum
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Used for food but references do not specify how
Photo credit: William S. Justice @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Penthorum sedoides
Stonecrop Ditch
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves uses as a flavoring herb
Photo credit: H Zell @ commons.wikimedia.org
Stonecrop Ditch
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves uses as a flavoring herb
Photo credit: H Zell @ commons.wikimedia.org
Phragmites australis
Common Reed (Native)
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Seeds used for food
Dried sap made into balls, softened by fire and eaten like candy
Photo credit: William S. Justice @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Common Reed (Native)
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Seeds used for food
Dried sap made into balls, softened by fire and eaten like candy
Photo credit: William S. Justice @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Polygonum amphibium
Water Smartweed
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Young shoots eaten in the spring as a relish
Photo credit: Brother Alfred Brousseau @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Water Smartweed
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Young shoots eaten in the spring as a relish
Photo credit: Brother Alfred Brousseau @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Polygonum hydropiper
Marshpepper Smartweed
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Young growth boiled, fried and eaten
Whole plant, except roots, used as pepper
Photo credit: user:Aroche @ commons.wikimedia.org
Marshpepper Smartweed
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Young growth boiled, fried and eaten
Whole plant, except roots, used as pepper
Photo credit: user:Aroche @ commons.wikimedia.org
Quercus bicolor
Swamp Oak
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Acorns used for food
Photo credit: WIllow @ commons.wikimedia.org
Swamp Oak
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Acorns used for food
Photo credit: WIllow @ commons.wikimedia.org
Ranunculus abortivus
Subalpine Buttercup
Wetland Indicator: FACW-
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves cooked and eaten as greens
Photo credit: Patrick J. Alexander @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Subalpine Buttercup
Wetland Indicator: FACW-
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves cooked and eaten as greens
Photo credit: Patrick J. Alexander @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Rhexia virginica
Meadow Beauty
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves and stems used to make a sour drink
Photo credit: Choess @ commons.wikimedia.org
Meadow Beauty
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves and stems used to make a sour drink
Photo credit: Choess @ commons.wikimedia.org
Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum
Watercress
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Used as a salad plant
Eaten fresh in the spring, cooked or mixed with other greens for flavor
Photo credit: public domain
Watercress
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Used as a salad plant
Eaten fresh in the spring, cooked or mixed with other greens for flavor
Photo credit: public domain
Rudbeckia laciniata
Cut Leaf Coneflower
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves and stems dried or blanched for winter storage
Young stems eaten like celery
Young shoots and leaves boiled or fried in grease
Photo credit: GFDL @ commons.wikimedia.org
Cut Leaf Coneflower
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves and stems dried or blanched for winter storage
Young stems eaten like celery
Young shoots and leaves boiled or fried in grease
Photo credit: GFDL @ commons.wikimedia.org
Ruppia maritime
Widgeon Grass
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Seeds made into meal
Photo credit: public domain
Widgeon Grass
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Seeds made into meal
Photo credit: public domain
Sagittaria latifolia
Duck Potato
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Tubers peeled, roasted or baked and eaten whole or mashed
Cooked tubers also sliced and strung for winter use
Photo credit: Stan Gilliam @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Duck Potato
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Tubers peeled, roasted or baked and eaten whole or mashed
Cooked tubers also sliced and strung for winter use
Photo credit: Stan Gilliam @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Salicornia virginica
Virginia Glasswort
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Fleshy stems eaten
Photo credit: Larry Allain @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Virginia Glasswort
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Fleshy stems eaten
Photo credit: Larry Allain @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Sambucus Canadensis
Common Elderberry
Wetland Indicator: FACW-
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Berries eaten fresh or dried, also sun dried to fire dried, mashed and made into cakes
Blossoms dipped in water to make a beverage
Photo credit: H Zell @ commons.wikimedia.org
Common Elderberry
Wetland Indicator: FACW-
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Berries eaten fresh or dried, also sun dried to fire dried, mashed and made into cakes
Blossoms dipped in water to make a beverage
Photo credit: H Zell @ commons.wikimedia.org
Saxifraga micranthidifolia
Lettuce Leaf Saxifrage
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont
Native American usage:
Young growth boiled, fried with ramps
Leaves used in salads or wilted in boiling water with bacon grease on top
Photo credit: Jason Hollinger @ commons.wikimedia.org
Lettuce Leaf Saxifrage
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont
Native American usage:
Young growth boiled, fried with ramps
Leaves used in salads or wilted in boiling water with bacon grease on top
Photo credit: Jason Hollinger @ commons.wikimedia.org
Sisyrinchium angustifolium
Pointed Blue Eyed Grass
Wetland Indicator: FACW-
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Mixed with other greens
Photo credit: Erica Asai @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Pointed Blue Eyed Grass
Wetland Indicator: FACW-
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Mixed with other greens
Photo credit: Erica Asai @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Sium suave
Hemlock Water Parsnip
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots/tubers eaten raw, roasted or fried
Leaves used as relish
Photo credit: University of Michigan Herbarium
Hemlock Water Parsnip
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots/tubers eaten raw, roasted or fried
Leaves used as relish
Photo credit: University of Michigan Herbarium
Smilax laurifolia
Laurel Leaf Greenbrier
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots pounded and made into cakes and fried
Tubers dried, ground into flour and used to make bread
Photo credit: scott.zona @ commons.wikimedia.org
Laurel Leaf Greenbrier
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots pounded and made into cakes and fried
Tubers dried, ground into flour and used to make bread
Photo credit: scott.zona @ commons.wikimedia.org
Spiraea alba var. latifolia
Narrow Leaf Meadow Sweet
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make tea
Photo credit: J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Narrow Leaf Meadow Sweet
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make tea
Photo credit: J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Symplocarpus foetidus
Skunk Cabbage
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Young leaves and shoots cooked and seasoned with salt, pepper and butter
Photo credit: Fritzflohrreynolds @ commons.wikimedia.org
Skunk Cabbage
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Young leaves and shoots cooked and seasoned with salt, pepper and butter
Photo credit: Fritzflohrreynolds @ commons.wikimedia.org
Thalictrum pubescens
Tall Meadow Rue
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to flavor salmon
Photo credit: Jim Stasz @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Tall Meadow Rue
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to flavor salmon
Photo credit: Jim Stasz @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Thuja occidentalis
Northern White Cedar
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make a tea like beverage
Photo credit: H Zell @ commons.wikimedia.org
Northern White Cedar
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make a tea like beverage
Photo credit: H Zell @ commons.wikimedia.org
Typha angustifolia
Narrow Leaf Cattail
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Mature heads chewed like gum
Pollen baked into biscuits, also mixed with ground wheat and stirred into boiling water to make a gruel
Tender white stalks eaten raw
Photo credit: Petr Filippov @ commons.wikimedia.org
Narrow Leaf Cattail
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Mature heads chewed like gum
Pollen baked into biscuits, also mixed with ground wheat and stirred into boiling water to make a gruel
Tender white stalks eaten raw
Photo credit: Petr Filippov @ commons.wikimedia.org
Typha latifolia
Broad Leaf Cattail
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots and shoots eaten raw, boiled, roasted also dried and sometimes ground into meal for winter use
Pollen used to make cakes and mush, also used for flavoring
Seeds roasted and eaten, sometimes ground into flour and made into cakes
Photo credit: H Zell @ commons.wikimedia.org
Broad Leaf Cattail
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Roots and shoots eaten raw, boiled, roasted also dried and sometimes ground into meal for winter use
Pollen used to make cakes and mush, also used for flavoring
Seeds roasted and eaten, sometimes ground into flour and made into cakes
Photo credit: H Zell @ commons.wikimedia.org
Ulmus americana
American Elm
Wetland Indicator: FACW-
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Red inner bark used like coffee
Photo credit: Henryhartley @ commons.wikimedia.org
American Elm
Wetland Indicator: FACW-
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Red inner bark used like coffee
Photo credit: Henryhartley @ commons.wikimedia.org
Vaccinium corymbosum
Blueberry Highbush
Wetland Indicator: FACW-
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Berries eaten fresh or mashed into cakes and dried for future use
Also cooked down into a sauce or mixed with corn bread
Photo credit: JoJan @ commons.wikimedia.org
Blueberry Highbush
Wetland Indicator: FACW-
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Berries eaten fresh or mashed into cakes and dried for future use
Also cooked down into a sauce or mixed with corn bread
Photo credit: JoJan @ commons.wikimedia.org
Vaccinium macrocarpon
Large Cranberry
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Berries mashed into cakes and dried for future use
Also cooked down into a sauce or mixed with corn bread
Photo credit: Meneerke bloem @ commons.wikimedia.org
Large Cranberry
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Berries mashed into cakes and dried for future use
Also cooked down into a sauce or mixed with corn bread
Photo credit: Meneerke bloem @ commons.wikimedia.org
Veratrum viride
American False Hellebore
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make soup
Photo credit: User:SB_Johnny @ commons.wikimedia.org
American False Hellebore
Wetland Indicator: FACW+
Physiographic Provinces: Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves used to make soup
Photo credit: User:SB_Johnny @ commons.wikimedia.org
Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides
Possomhaw
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont
Native American usage:
Berries used for food
Photo credit: Ted Bodner, James H Miller @ commons.wikimedia.org
Possomhaw
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont
Native American usage:
Berries used for food
Photo credit: Ted Bodner, James H Miller @ commons.wikimedia.org
Viola blanda
Sweet White Violet
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves and stems mixed with other greens, boiled, rinsed and fried with grease until soft
Photo credit: Fungus Guy @ commons.wikimedia.org
Sweet White Violet
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Leaves and stems mixed with other greens, boiled, rinsed and fried with grease until soft
Photo credit: Fungus Guy @ commons.wikimedia.org
Vitis riparia
Riverbank Grape
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Fruit eaten fresh or dried for winter use
Photo credit: public domain
Riverbank Grape
Wetland Indicator: FACW
Physiographic Provinces: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Fruit eaten fresh or dried for winter use
Photo credit: public domain
Zizania aquatic
Wild Rice
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Used as staple food by many groups
Cooked with deer broth, pork or butter and seasoned with maple sugar
Seeds use to make cakes and fowl stuffing
Photo credit: Michael Wolf @ commons.wikimedia.org
Wild Rice
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Used as staple food by many groups
Cooked with deer broth, pork or butter and seasoned with maple sugar
Seeds use to make cakes and fowl stuffing
Photo credit: Michael Wolf @ commons.wikimedia.org
Zostera marina
Eel Grass
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Fleshy roots and leaf bases used to flavor meats
Roots eaten raw with grease
Photo credit: public domain
Eel Grass
Wetland Indicator: OBL
Physiographic Provinces: Coastal Plain
Native American usage:
Fleshy roots and leaf bases used to flavor meats
Roots eaten raw with grease
Photo credit: public domain
