Desert Plants
South Texas
One of the most common sites in the South Texas desert is the yucca plant. This tough plant grows nearly everywhere and nearly all of its parts have uses. The fruits of many varieties are edible and, if cooked well, the stalks can be eaten, too. Sotol and
lechuguilla, members of the agave family, have an edible inner portion in the pointed leaves.
Forest Areas
The bird pepper is found near rivers in South Texas, and the fruit can be eaten when it turns red. American licorice can be made into an extract for cooking or drunk as a tea. Wild onions, dandelions and sorrel can be used to make salads are all are easily found in the spring. Blackberries and raspberries are also found during mid-summer.
Edible Plant Tours and Classes
Many of the edible plants of South Texas are difficult to identify because they look like some non-edible or poisonous plants. To avoid making a serious mistake and to have fun at the same time, consider an edible plant tour. Local gardening clubs or community colleges often run tours and classes, especially in the spring.
Article Written By Catherine Rayburn-Trobaug
Catherine Rayburn-Trobaugh has been a writer and college writing professor since 1992. She has written for international companies, published numerous feature articles in the "Wilmington News-Journal," and won writing contests for her poetry and fiction. Rayburn-Trobaugh earned a Master of Arts in English from Wright State University.
