Berries
The classic wild edible food is the berry. In the Ozarks, there are serviceberries, elderberries and the ever-popular blackberries and black raspberries. However, while the blackberries and raspberries are well-known and easily identified, great care should be taken in making a proper identification of elderberries and serviceberries. There are other plants with a similar appearance that yield poisonous berries.
Vegetables
While nettles are stinging, leafy plants that will require gloves to collect, and they can be used either to make soup or stewed in a similar fashion to collard greens. Cooking eliminates the problems with the stinging poisons. They should be collected between April and May. Other wild vegetables include wild onions and milkweed. However, like nettles, milkweed requires some boiling before its seedpod and leaves can be eaten. Taken raw, they are mildly poisonous.
Tubers
The oxalis, or wood sorrel, can be found in the Ozarks. The tubers of this plant are basically little potatoes, and make for a great wild food source. The leaves can also be used to make tea.
Trees
Trees are a great source of nuts, and there are plenty of species with an edible bounty in the forests of the Ozarks. The red and white oaks both provide acorns, while there are both walnuts and black walnuts present as well. Finally, pecan trees can be found in the mountainous Ozarks, especially in the well-watered areas near rivers and streams.
Article Written By Edwin Thomas
Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.
