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Edible Plants or Weeds

……Plantain…………….. Lambs Quarters……………..Purslane

This is the time of year that most of us spend time pulling weeds. A weed is a plant that is growing not where we want the plant to grow. Many of the weeds that we pull out are actually quit edible and tasty.
We have had visitors from other countries that were amazed that we would pull lambs quarters (often referred to as wild spinach). We would feed them to the chicken or chopped them up to use as mulch. Other edible weeds include purslane which is a succulent small plant high in omega 3’s, chickweed, sorrel, plantain, dandelion and more.
Maybe we should pull the plants and harvest the weeds since they seem to grow with little effort as compared to the plants we want to have grow. It may sound good although I can’t imagine sacrificing eating the first tomatoes that come out of our garden each year. Tomatoes bought in the grocery store can’t compete for flavor of our local tomatoes and many people refuse to buy tomatoes until Michigan tomatoes are ready.

To Learn More about wild edibles you may want to attend an Education opportunity: The Friends of Herbs at Seven Ponds will host speaker: Jim McDonald- innovative Michigan herbalist and wildcrafter on Tuesday, August 19 at 7:00 pm at Seven Ponds Nature Center. He will share with us what herbs and weeds can be harvested during this time of year. Preregistration is required by calling 810-796-3200 to reserve your seat. Join us for a wonderful informative program, cost is $5.00 per person.

Until Next Time
Marian Listwak