MSU Extension 4-H Environmental & Outdoor Education

Michigan forests and fields are abundant sources of wild edible plants, which are often more nutritious than store-bought foods and can contribute to a healthy, varied diet. Learn tips for a successful harvest, what to look for in each season and where you can forage across the state.

Tips for a safe and successful harvest

The most important rule in foraging is to know before you eat. There are common toxic look-a-likes to many edible plants. For example, there are several mushroom species that look like morels but are not edible. Similarly, ostrich fern fiddleheads are safe to eat, while bracken ferns are not. It’s important to know the difference between the edible plant and its look-a-likes, and you should never eat a plant unless you are sure you have identified it correctly.

Just as important is knowing how to properly prepare plants. There are several edible plants that can only be safely eaten when prepared correctly. Acorns are a great example of this – eating them without leaching can make you very sick. Another example is wintergreen leaves which can be brewed for tea, but if eaten can cause nausea and stomach pain, among other unpleasant symptoms. Michigan State University Extension cautions that when foraging, you should always consult field guides and experts when necessary. Foragers should also consider the environmental quality of the area they are foraging. Ensure that there are no pesticides or other chemicals being used and that water quality is good if foraging aquatic plants such as cattail.

Seasonal availability

Each season in Michigan offers unique foraging options for residents across the state. Commonly foraged edible plants in each season include:

• Spring. In the spring, newly emerging plants offer many options for Michigan foragers. The coveted morel mushroom typically emerges in April or May. Wild leeks (or ramps) appear around the same time. Ramp bulbs have a strong onion and garlic flavor and can be used as a substitute for either. Ramp leaves can be sauteed or wilted and used in place of spinach or basil, adding a mild, sweet garlic flavor to dishes. Finally, the early shoots of an ostrich fern (often called “fiddleheads”) can be boiled or steamed and sauteed in butter or olive oil for a simple, nutritious snack.

• Summer. Summer in Michigan is the season for berries. Wild strawberries, blackberries and raspberries are common across the state along forest edges and in fields. Simply gather a handful for a quick snack while hiking or fill a basket to make a simple homemade jam. Other summer favorites include:
  • Lamb’s quarters: The leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach.
  • Dandelions: Every part of the common dandelion is edible, whether raw or cooked.
  • Cattail: Young cattail shoots can be peeled and eaten raw, sauteed or even pickled.

• Fall. As summer turns to fall, nuts become one of the primary edible foods in the forests. Acorns and black walnuts are both edible but need to be processed before eating. Acorns must be “leached” to remove bitter tannins. This involves boiling the nuts in water for 15 minutes, then draining and repeating the process until the water remains clear. Black walnuts must be hulled, washed, checked for insect infestation, cured and finally cracked. While they are a bit more time-consuming to process, both acorns and black walnuts are versatile, nutrient-rich foods.

• Winter. As winter arrives and many plants go dormant, foraging opportunities are fewer. Young white and red pine needles can be used to make tea rich in Vitamin C. Wintergreen maintains its minty flavor and berries throughout winter. The leaves can be used to make tea and the berries can be boiled with sugar to make a jam.

Foraging on public and private lands

Foraging laws determine what can be gathered from public and private lands. These laws vary, but there are some general rules to know in Michigan:

• Always have permission from a landowner before foraging on private land that you do not own.
• On state lands, it is generally illegal to forage whole plants (such as fiddlehead ferns and ramps) or anything that may be killed or damaged by foraging. It is also illegal to forage threatened or rare plant species.
• Mushrooms, berries, nuts, seeds and edible fruits can be foraged for personal consumption from most state lands.
• National park foraging laws are often stricter and vary greatly from park to park, so be sure to do your research.
• The Michigan DNR can provide more information on foraging laws in the state of Michigan.

Whether you are berry-picking on a summer afternoon, heading to your secret morel spot in the spring, or looking for ingredients to brew tea during the cold, winter months, foraging can be a great way to get outdoors and learn more about the environment.