Good book for plant lore and foraging?

Mastalerz · May 22, 2014

Hey everyone,

I am looking for a good recomendation on books for plant lore and foraging. I live in New England, Massachusetts to be exact. I spend a lot of time in New Hampshire and Maine. I have always wanted to learn about all the different plants, wild edibles, etc. in the area. Sadly my knowledge is limited, so I'm hoping to find a good book that can help me teach myself about all the different kinds of plants, mushroom, berries, etc. especially the poisonous ones.

Thanks.

JWL · May 22, 2014

I highly recommend Ancestral Plants by Arthur Haines, who is one of the pre-eminent botanists in this region. It's very useful, though it's not necessarily a field guide. It outlines about 100 common native plants, explaining how they can be used for food, firecrafting, or herbal medicine for each plant.

http://www.arthurhaines.com/ancestral_plants.html

RWT · May 22, 2014

I need to tag his thread so I can order the book later.

Mastalerz · May 23, 2014

Sweet, thanks for the reply. I'll have to check it out, I've always admired the people with knowledge on plant lore, mushrooms, wild edibles, etc. and for some reason it's just one thing I never took the time to learn. Thanks again.

leghog · May 23, 2014

The Foxfire Book series.

http://www.foxfire.org/thefoxfirebookseries.aspx

schmittie · May 23, 2014

The Foragers Harvest is really good. Filled with color photos and recipes too!

Hammer67 · May 23, 2014

RayseM · May 23, 2014

Smithhammer said:

Beat me to it. This was the book handed out to Outward Bound Hurricane Island folks too long ago for me to admit

. It's a good one along with his Stalking the Blue Eyed Scallop about foraging along the coast for good (and not so good) edibles.

Shotgun · May 23, 2014

If you really want to learn, the best way is to find someone local who teaches wild edibles. Pictures in books are a far cry from someone pointing to a plant in front of you. I personally wouldn't want to try to differentiate between plants like poisonous hemlock and wild carrot from a book. They're both known as queen anne's lace and look almost identical except for a few traits.

JWL · May 23, 2014

Shotgun said:
If you really want to learn, the best way is to find someone local who teaches wild edibles.

True. Arthur Haines (author of the book I recommended above) offers classes throughout the year, on foraging, plant ID, and other bushcraft skills: http://arthurhaines.com/learn.html

stargawker · May 24, 2014

If you have a smart phone, you can also order apps that can help with this. Ultraportable, since you are already carrying the phone.

gadgetgeek · May 24, 2014

Wicked plants by Amy Stewart is pretty cool. Lots of good info on why some plants are poisonous, and some of the really odd things you never hear about. Its a look at stuff from all over, but it is an entertaining read.

GooberBoober · May 31, 2014

stargawker said:
If you have a smart phone, you can also order apps that can help with this. Ultraportable, since you are already carrying the phone.

Could you recommend some perhaps? Preferably ones that work when there's no network coverage as well

22-rimfire · Jun 2, 2014

I tend to use the wildflower guides to develop a basic knowledge since most of your plants flower. Once you have a basic foundation, "Edible Wild Plants" by Lee Allen Peterson isn't bad. The book "Edible Wild Plants of Pennsylvania and Neighboring States" isn't bad. It may be out of print since it was a 1991 publication. It only has line drawings of the plants. Color photos help get you used to identifying things, but not really necessary.