Lady's Thumb

Scientific Name(s): Polygonum persicaria
Abundance: common
What: leaves
How: cooked
Where: moist, sunny areas
When: spring, summer
Nutritional Value: assorted vitamins & minerals
Dangers: none known

Leaf Arrangement: The leaves are arranged in an alternate pattern along the stem.

Leaf Shape: The leaves are lanceolate to elliptic, usually measuring about 2 to 6 inches in length and 0.5 to 1 inch in width. A short sheath will run down the stem from the base of the leaf.

Leaf Venation: Leaf venation is pinnate, with a central vein and smaller veins branching off to the sides.

Leaf Margin: The leaf margins are entire, meaning they are smooth without serrations or teeth.

Leaf Color: The leaves are generally green, but they often have a distinctive dark blotch in the center. This splotch can range from a thick "V" to a roundish blotch. How pronounced the sploch is depends on the age of the leaf, with it becoming more distinctive as the leaf ages.

Flower Structure: Flowers are small, grouped in dense, elongated spikes located at the tip of the stem or arising from leaf axils. Each flower is typically around 0.1 to 0.2 inches in diameter.

Flower Color: The flowers are usually pink to red.

Fruit: The plant produces a small, black, shiny nutlet as its fruit.

Seed: The seed is enclosed within the nutlet, which is about 0.1 inch in diameter, round, and black.

Stem: The stem is slender, often reddish, and can be smooth or slightly hairy.

Hairs: There may be fine hairs along the stem and the underside of the leaves.

Height: The plant usually grows to about 1 to 3 feet in height.

Lady's thumb. The dark "V" stain is supposed to look like the thumbprint of a lady.


Lady's Thumb (note the dark smudge on the leaf between the 3" and 4" section of the ruler)


"Smudge-free" lady's thumb.


A stand of lady's thumb blooming along Spring Creek.


Close-up of flowers.


Texas distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture. The marked counties are guidelines only. Plants may appear in other counties, especially if used in landscaping.


North American distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture.


This "weed" prefers moist, sunny locations on the banks of streams and lakes but it can occasionally be found in much drier locations. It will usually be in clumps and standing approximately 18"-24" tall. In early summer the pink flowers will appear in small, round clusters at the tops of the stems. From a distance these flowers will make the whole clump of plants look pink.

A delicious potherb, simply boil the leaves for 8-10 minutes then serve with butter or roasted garlic or bits of bacon or all of those combined. It is better to cook it than to eat it raw because bacteria from the water this plant grows along can contaminate the leaves.


Buy my book! Outdoor Adventure Guides Foraging covers 70 of North America's tastiest and easy to find wild edibles shown with the same big pictures as here on the Foraging Texas website.

Lamb's Quarter/Goosefoot/Pigweed

Scientific name: Chenopodium album
Abundance: common
What: young leaves, young stems, seeds
How: Young leaves/stems raw, stir-fried, steamed or boiled; seeds boiled like couscous or grind for flour
Where: yards, fields, disturbed areas, sunny
When: Early spring through early fall
Nutritional Value: high in vitamins A,C,K,B, minerals, and protein
Dangers: beware poisonous mimic Silverleaf Nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium)

Leaf Arrangement: The leaves are arranged in an alternate pattern along the stem.

Leaf Shape: The leaves are variable in shape, typically rhombic to ovate; young leaves are more triangular, whereas older leaves may be more elongated. Their size ranges from about 1.5 to 3 inches in length and 1 to 2 inches in width.

Leaf Venation: The venation is pinnate, with a main central vein and multiple smaller veins branching out towards the leaf edges.

Leaf Margin: The margins of the leaves are irregularly toothed or slightly lobed.

Leaf Color: The leaves are generally green, but can sometimes have a mealy, whitish coating that gives them a grayish appearance. A decrotive version has been bred whose young, terminal leaves are purple.

Flower Structure: The flowers are small and clustered in dense, spike-like inflorescences. Each flower is tiny, typically less than 0.1 inches in diameter.

Flower Color: The flowers are greenish or slightly reddish.

Fruit: The plant produces a small, one-seeded fruit that is enclosed in the persistent perianth.

Seed: The seeds are small, disc-shaped, and black or dark brown, usually around 0.04 to 0.08 inches in diameter.

Stem: The stem is erect, ribbed, and squareish-angular. A purple splotch is often seen on the topside of a branch-stem junction.

Hairs: The stem and leaves are covered in fine hairs.

Height: Chenopodium album typically grows to a height of 1 to 6 feet.

Lamb's quarter seedling.


A group (flock?) of seedlings.


Larger lamb's quarter, perfect for eating.


Patch of lamb's quarter.


Note the red/purple coloring at the stem-branch joints. To remember this I tell people to think of it as "purple armpit rashes".


Mature lamb's quarter (approximately 5-feet tall).


Close-up of leaf near top of the plant.


Close-up of topside of leaf from lower on a mature plant.


More mature leaves.


Close-up of underside of leaf from lower on a mature plant.


Close-up of lamb's quarter "flowers". Most people don't realize those bumps are flowers!


Lamb's Quarter going to seed.


Texas distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture. The marked counties are guidelines only. Plants may appear in other counties, especially if used in landscaping.


North American distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture.


This common weed can grows all summer long reaching a height of 5' or taller. The small, soft (almost velvety) leaves and tender stems at the growing tip of each branch are best for eating and can be harvested from spring until killed by winter frost. Seeds are harvested in late fall to early winter. It is a very nutritious plant, higher in protein, vitamins, and minerals than spinach. The mild flavor of the leaves makes them excellent for cutting the bitterness of other wild greens but they taste better cooked than raw.

Crushing a leaf releases a very distinctive, somewhat musky scent. This smell was once described to me by an old-timer as "The smell of a good night in a bad house." Anyway, once you smell it you'll never forget it.

Lamb's quarter leaves can be frozen for later use. Blanch the leaves by dipping them in boiling water for one minute then quickly cool them off in ice water. Shake them dry, seal them in a freezer bag with all the air pressed out or use a vacuum sealer, then place them in the freezer. To use simply defrost and add them in to whatever you are cooking of a burst of summer nutrition!

This is a good companion crop to grow in your garden as many insects prefer to eat the leaves of lamb's quarters over the leaves of common vegetables. It sprouts very readily from seeds.

TOXIC MIMIC
The leaves of Silverleaf Nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) have a similar shape to those of Lamb's Quarter but the differences between the two are very easy to spot:
1. Silverleaf Nightsade stems have thorns, lack the purple color at joints, and "kink" quit a bit at each leaf junction. Lamb's Quarter stems have no thorns, have the purple "armpit rash", and curve smoothly but very little at each leaf/stem joint.
2. Silverleaf Nightshade flowers are big and purple. Lamb's Quarter flowers are almost unnoticeable.
3. Silverleaf Nightshade produces round, hanging fruit which starts out striped green and eventually turns yellow/orange. Lamb's Quarter produces tiny seeds.

Silverleaf Nightshade leaves (POISONOUS)


Silverleaf Nightshade flower (POISONOUS)


Immature Silverleaf Nightshade fruit (POISONOUS)


Mature Silverleaf Nightshade fruit (POISONOUS)



Buy my book! Outdoor Adventure Guides Foraging covers 70 of North America's tastiest and easy to find wild edibles shown with the same big pictures as here on the Foraging Texas website.

Lantana

Scientific Name(s): Lantana spp.
Abundance: plentiful
What: ripe berries (dark blue colored)
How: raw or cooked
Where: sunny yards, borders, fields
When: summer, fall
Nutritional Value: low
Dangers: Leaves and unripe fruit are very poisonous and eating them can lead to death.

Medicinal Summary:
Leaves* - wound healing; antimicrobial (poultice, tisane used as a wash)
*external use only due to being extremely poisonous if taken internally

Leaf Arrangement: The leaves are arranged oppositely alternating along the stems.

Leaf Shape: The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, with a length ranging from 2 to 5 inches and a width of 1 to 3 inches.

Leaf Venation: The venation is typically pinnate, with prominent lateral veins.

Leaf Margin: The leaf margin is serrated, providing a toothed appearance.

Leaf Color: The leaves are green, and there may be variations in color on the top and underside.

Flower Structure: The flowers are arranged in clusters, known as umbels, at the ends of the stems. Each flower has a tubular structure with a diameter of approximately 0.5 to 1 inch and features multiple small, tubular petals.

Flower Color: Lantana flowers exhibit a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, orange, yellow, and purple. In some species, flowers change color as they age.

Fruit: The fruit is a small, fleshy drupe, usually dark purple to black when mature.

Seed: Seeds are small, ovoid, and dark-colored, often found within the fruits.

Stem: The stems are typically green, woody, and may have a slightly square-shaped appearance.

Hairs: The plant may have fine hairs on the stems and leaves. Leaves have a rough texture.

Height: Lantana plants vary in height but generally range from 1 to 4 feet, depending on the species and growing conditions.

Lantana plant and flowers. TOXIC! DEADLY!


Another lantana. TOXIC! DEADLY!


Lantana berries, edible only when fully ripe.


Texas distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture. The marked counties are guidelines only. Plants may appear in other counties, especially if used in landscaping.


North American distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture.


Cooked lantana berries are considered starvation food in that they aren't eaten unless there's nothing else to eat. All other parts of the plant are deadly! Boil or toast the berries before eating them.

The pungent leaves of Lantanas contain powerful antibiotics and after mashing the fresh leaves they can be used EXTERNALLY on wounds to reduce the chance of infection. Do NOT chew the leaves to make the poultice as they'll poison you.


Buy my book! Outdoor Adventure Guides Foraging covers 70 of North America's tastiest and easy to find wild edibles shown with the same big pictures as here on the Foraging Texas website.

Lichen

Scientific name: That's a bit complicated.
Abundance: plentiful
What: entire lichen
How: boil with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or hardwood ashes to neutralize acid, then either eat the resulting goo or add it to any stew, soup, or bread recipe.
Where: on trees, rocks, and ground everywhere in the world.
When: any time
Nutritional Value: carbohydrates, usnic acid
Dangers: neutralize lichen acids with hardwood ash to prevent stomachache

Thallus: The body of the lichen, known as the thallus, is the most visible part. It can have various shapes and sizes, ranging from leafy to crusty or even hair-like. Colors may be gray, green, yellow, red, or orange depending on the fungi and algae/bacteria involved.

Cortex: The outer layer of the thallus is the cortex, which is composed of tightly packed fungal cells. This layer provides protection and can be transparent or pigmented.

Algal Layer: Beneath the cortex is the algal layer, where the photosynthetic partner (algae or cyanobacteria) resides. This layer is crucial for the lichen's survival, as it produces food through photosynthesis.

Medulla: Below the algal layer is the medulla, a loosely arranged layer of fungal hyphae. This layer helps in the storage of water and nutrients and provides a structure to the lichen.

Lower Cortex: Some lichens have a lower cortex that mirrors the upper cortex, offering additional protection and support.

Rhizines and Holdfasts: Many lichens have structures called rhizines or holdfasts on their lower surfaces. These structures anchor the lichen to the substrate (like rock, bark, or soil) but do not absorb nutrients like true roots.

Apothecia and Perithecia: For reproduction, lichens may have specialized structures like apothecia (disc-shaped fruiting bodies) or perithecia (flask-shaped fruiting bodies), where spores are produced.

Soredia and Isidia: Some lichens reproduce asexually through small structures called soredia or isidia. These are tiny, vegetative parts that can break off and grow into new lichens.

Oakmoss lichen (Evernia prunastri, the stringy ones) & Flavoparmelia caperata (the flatter ones) on an oak tree.

Oakmoss lichen (Evernia prunastri, the stringy ones) & Flavoparmelia caperata (the flatter ones) on an oak tree.

Generic edible lichen.


Another generic edible lichen.


And another edible lichen.


Orange/yellow colors in lichens indicate it contains usnic acid, a molecule supposedly used by the human body to convert consumed protein into muscle mass. Using acid does have antibiotic properties and is used in many topical creams, toothpastes, and other personal care products.


Samples of fructicose lichens.


Samples of foliose lichens.


Samples of crustose lichens.


Texas distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture. The marked counties are guidelines only. Plants may appear in other counties, especially if used in landscaping.


North American distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture.


Lichens are a symbiotic organism made up of a fungus combined with an algae and are found on just about every tree and most rocks. The come in many bright colors which makes them a popular source of traditional dyes. Current naming convention is to classify it by the fungal portion. They can also be separated by their three growth types:
1. Crustose, which form crust-like sheets flat against the surface on which they are growing.
2. Foliose, which form stringy or leaf-like structures above the surface.
3. Fruticose, which form bulbous growths on top of stalks attached to the surface. These resemble tiny mushrooms.

All but two types of lichens are edible. The two poisonous ones are described in the last paragraph of this page. However, most lichen are considered starvation foods and generally aren't eaten until other more common sources of calories have been used up. The traditional method involves soaking the lichens in water with some ashes from hardwood. The hardwood ashes produce lye (sodium hydroxide) which neutralizes acidic compounds in the lichen. If you don't neutralize the acids somehow you'll end up with a bad stomachache. Use approximately 1-2 teaspoons of ashes or baking soda per two cups of chopped lichen.

Lichens contain some carbs along with some vitamin C. The flavor can (must!) be improved by adding some other fruit, leaf, or other agent to the lichen "porridge". I prefer young blackberries leaves.

Another important compound found in yellow/orange lichens is Usnic Acid. Medicinally, this chemical has been shown to have antibiotic, antiviral, and antiprotozoal activity. Usnic acid functions somewhat like aspirin with anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties. More recently, it has been sold as a weight loss/muscle mass increaser.

Of the thousands of different lichens, only two are not edible. These two toxic ones are Wolf Moss Lichen (Letharia vulpina) and the related Letharia columbiana. These lichens are found from the Yukon down along the West Coast. Wolf Moss lichen is a bright yellow, stringy lichen used to poison wolves and also make a lovely yellow dye. Letharia columbiana is bright green, stingy and found in the same geographic areas.


Buy my book! Outdoor Adventure Guides Foraging covers 70 of North America's tastiest and easy to find wild edibles shown with the same big pictures as here on the Foraging Texas website.

Lizard's Tail

Scientific Name(s): Saururus cernuus
Abundance: uncommon
What: roots, leaves
How: tea
Where: moist areas, edge of water.
When: spring, summer, fall
Nutritional Value: none

Medicinal Summary:
Roots - sedative; pain relief; wound healing (tisane)

Leaf Arrangement: The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems.

Leaf Shape: The leaves are heart-shaped (cordate) with a length of approximately 4 to 8 inches and a width of 3 to 6 inches.

Leaf Venation: The venation is prominently palmate, radiating from the base of the leaf like the fingers of a hand.

Leaf Margin: The leaf margin is smooth (entire) with no serrations.

Leaf Color: The upper side of the leaves is typically medium to dark green, while the underside may have a paler hue.

Flower Structure: The flowers are arranged in a spike-like cluster, known as a raceme, located at the tip of a drooping (cernuus) stem. Each flower is small, with a diameter of about 0.2 to 0.3 inches, and has no distinct petals but rather white to greenish sepals.

Flower Color: The flowers are usually white or cream-colored.

Fruit: The fruit is a small, elongated capsule.

Seed: Seeds are tiny, ovoid, and brown.

Stem: The stems are erect, slender, and may have a reddish tint. They bear the raceme of flowers at the top.

Hairs: The plant is generally hair-free but the flower spikes may feel slightly fuzzy while still immature and green.

Height: Saururus cernuus typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet, with the flowering spike extending above the foliage.

Bed of Lizard's Tail plants.




Close-up of leaf.


Lizard's Tail flower stalk before flowers develop.


Lizard's Tail flowerhead and leaves.


The rhizome roots of Lizard's Tail.


Texas distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture. The marked counties are guidelines only. Plants may appear in other counties, especially if used in landscaping.


North American distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture.


Look for Lizard's Tail lining the banks of shaded Texas ponds beginning in the late winter and lasting until mid-fall. The "tails" show up in late April, blossoms in May, and are gone by July. The root can be gathered any time of year.

It has no edible/nutritional value but its roots have a long history of being used medicinally as a tea, which has both sedative and some pain-relieving properties. A wash made from boiled roots was used as a surface wash for rheumatism. Also, a paste of boiled then mashed roots was applied the sore, chapped breasts of nursing mothers and to heal flesh wounds.


Buy my book! Outdoor Adventure Guides Foraging covers 70 of North America's tastiest and easy to find wild edibles shown with the same big pictures as here on the Foraging Texas website.