In addition to learning about medicinal uses of plants, our botany students also learn wild edibles. Here are a few of the wild roots in our area:
Allium spp. (Wild Onion), which is very easily confused with Death Camus, one of the most poisonous plants in North America.
Lomatium spp. (Biscuit Root), the stronger smelling species are more medicinal, useful in viral respiratory infections, and the weaker species are more useful as food. This plant too has two deadly poisonous look-alikes: Hemlock and Water Hemock.
Perideridia gardneri (Yampah). This plant too has two deadly poisonous look-alikes: Hemlock and Water Hemock.
Typha latifolia (Cattail), young cattail lateral shoots are edible, but older toots must be processed to remove edible starch.
