"If I eat this, will I die?"

2009-10-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

This is the number one question I get when leading edible and medicinal plant walks. Kids, parents, grandparents...everyone wants to know which plants have the power to take their lives. It could be a question that stems from fear and from our culture at large. Or it could be the sheer fascination with mortality and survival that is universal within the human condition. Either way, when faced with the prospect of their own death, people are all ears...especially if there's a plant involved.

So it's best to know the poisonous plants in your area. As a wildcrafter, I've got to say this is essential for those interested in making plant medicine and eating out in the woods. Of course, there are varying degrees of what we consider poisonous. When I was twelve, I spent half of a week at Camp Westwind outdoor school on the Oregon Coast. Rocky, my camp counselor, told me I could eat all I wanted of the "sour apple heart leaf" (Oxalis spp.). So I did and it tasted great! Fast-forward a couple hours and there I am blowing chunks off my bunkbed with some other kids sitting there like, "Whoa." Thanks, Rocky. The second half of the week was spent at home with Mom. Sour apples have never tasted the same..

So am I scared of eating plants now? Obviously not. But I did learn a couple things. Number one: never trust a dude named Rocky. Number two: to eat the greens, you gotta do a little homework. Oxalis has delighted the tastebuds of children and adults for eons but only in moderate amounts. Oxalic acid -- a chemical constituent of the plant -- has the ability not only to make you puke but also to cause kidney and bladder stones, damage the tissue of the stomach, etc. The same chemical is often used in bleach and other products that prevent rust and corrosion of metal. But in small amounts it's totally fine! This plant is adorable. It's "sour apple heart leaf" and if you're twelve you'll salivate at the very sight of it. To be straight, this is not a poisonous plant. Even the idea of it being a mildly toxic plant is debatable. But let's take it a step further..

The above photos depict the umbels of two distinct plants. The plant on the left is amazing! It has been known to treat asthma, indigestion, menstrual cramps and more. In my opinion, this plant has the most perfume-like scent in the Pacific Northwest. The plant on the right, however, can kill you within moments of ingestion and even through contact with the various orifices of the body. Can you tell the difference? Now, given that these photos don't do either plant a lick of justice (I'm no photographer, really) it's clear that the differences are slight. Even the most skilled botanist might spend years working to consistently gain a positive identification of either one. The plant on the left is known as Angelica (Angelica spp.). On the right is Douglas' Water-Hemlock (Cicuta douglasii) looking all shadowy and ominous for effect.

So how do you find out what's poisonous and what's not? Most experts will tell you to hit the books. And they're right. A good guide to poisonous plants should be in every wildcrafter's possession. I recommend Turner & Szczawinski's Common Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms of North America. But I certainly would not stop there. There's only so much a book can tell you.

When I was training as a naturalist, I was advised to find a "sit spot" that I would be able to frequent on a weekly basis for intervals of minutes to hours throughout the course of at least a year. Through mere observation, I was told I would come to understand the nature of this particular place: the plants, wildlife, seasonal changes...the ecosystem itself. And although I believe this is sound advice, I think it's necessary to take this concept a step further.

What we really need is immersion. We've got to ditch the "sit spot" and go exploring. If botanical studies interest you, you must spend as much time as you possibly can not only observing plant life but allowing yourself to wander. Careen through the various micro-climates that make up the habitat you're in. Notice the subtle differences that say a sunspot in the canopy or the set of plants along a roadside or trailside may vary from the overall gestalt of the area. If it appears ethical for the habitat you're in, get off the trail and see what you find. This will become more and more useful through repetition and as you become acquainted with a variety of habitats. It will work its way effortlessly into your everyday life. Even the city will take on a fresh ere. When I began to study plants, it was like seeing the world with new eyes.

Throughout your adventures, begin to make note of a few specific plants that you are drawn to and notice the conditions in which they thrive. Are the plants exposed to sun or in the shade? Is there water nearby? What is the elevation of the area? What plants seem to grow near one another? Are wildlife grazing some plants and not others? As you begin to get a feel for different ecosystems, notice the way your chosen plants are growing and thus changing through the seasons. Are they leafy in summer and barren in winter? When do they flower and who is pollinating the flowers? Do they even have flowers? What do the fruits look like? What is that weird fungus growing on them? As you become more familiar with the various sides of each plant, you'll feel more confident distinguishing the poisonous from the non-poisonous. It's like making new friends...

When you think you know the names of the plants you're seeing, flip through the pages in your guide and prove it. The things you'll want to examine are the flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves, buds and stem. If it's a conifer, check out the bark, needles, cones, et al. In some cases (esp. if you intend to harvest an entire plant or its underground parts) you will need to examine its roots. Remember to bring your plant guides with you on these outings -- esp. the one on poisonous plants. A photo is not always good enough. Pay close attention to detail and begin to incorporate botanical terms, leaf keys and flower manuals as you practice identification. This will really bring those books to life.

Sketching the plants helps with identification, too. This tradition is age-old and ideal for visual learners. You may also just want to sit with the plant, noting any somatic responses you receive from it. This is very useful for some but certainly no substitute for botanical keying. In fact, they are two completely separate things.

So to recap: wander around, check out the plants, observe the macro then hone in on the micro, bring your books and...invite a friend. If you know someone who shares your interest in plants, the odds are you can learn a great deal from one another. Seek out your local plant geeks. There's plenty of botany schools out there but you'd be surprised how much you can learn on your own, among others or by stepping in on a workshop or plant walk here and there. If you really want to know what plants can harm you, the answers are out there.

AUTUMNAL VISIONS

2009-09-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today marks an occasion: the last day of summer. As the final blackberries burst forth on the vines we're seeing apples, super tall nettles and the falling of leaves. The nights are a bit cooler. The harvest moon is right around the corner. The fever of summer will soon be a thing of the past. But then again, the temperature is up and we’re still dipping in the river. It’s a toss up.

As any one in Cascadia knows, Autumn is the beginning of the rainy season(s). Hordes of Portlanders will now begin to settle indoors, get cozy and dream up new projects. Feel free to check the blog for postings on plant classes and any other info related to wild edible and medicinal plants. The idea behind this thing is to share secrets about plants and tap into the wonders of using native plants for food and medicine. However, all things are subject to change. Maybe the next post will be about pizza...

SECRET POWERS

"If I eat this, will I die?"

AUTUMNAL VISIONS