Abies amabilis (Dougl. ex Loud.) Dougl. ex ForbesPacific Silver Fir; Pinaceae. Inner bark used for food and hardened pitch chewed as candy. AK, CA, OR, WA
Abies grandis (Dougl. ex D. Don) Lindl. Grand Fir; Pinaceae. Gum from inside the bark, next to the trunk, made into a drink or chewed as candy. Branch tips sometimes steeped to make a tea like beverage. CA, ID, MT, OR, WA
Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. Subalpine Fir; Pinaceae. Cones pulverized into a fine powder, mixed with backfat and marrow and eaten as a confection and resin chewed for bad breath and pleasure. AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY
Abronia fragrans Nutt. ex Hook. Snowball Sand Verbena; Nyctaginaceae. Roots ground, mixed with corn meal and eaten. AZ, CO, KS, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY
Abronia latifolia Eschsch. Coastal Sand Verbena; Nyctaginaceae. Roots eaten in the fall CA, OR, WA
Acacia greggii Gray Catclaw Acacia; Fabaceae. Pods eaten fresh, or dried pods ground into flour and used to make mush or cakes. Seeds stored, roasted, ground and made into bread. Beans ground into a meal, mixed with water or sea lion oil and eaten. AZ, CA, NM, NV, TX, UT
Acer circinatum Pursh Vine Maple; Aceraceae. Sap eaten dried or fresh. AK, CA, OR, WA
Acer glabrum Torr. Rocky Mountain Maple; Aceraceae. Dried, crushed leaves used to spice stored meat. AZ, CO, ID, MT, NE, NM, NV, SD, UT, WY
Acer macrophyllum Pursh Bigleaf Maple; Aceraceae. Seeds used for food. Leaves used in steaming pits to flavor deer, seal or porpoise meat. Cambium eaten in small quantities with oil. Raw shoots used for food. Sprouted seeds boiled and eaten as green vegetables. Sap boiled to make a type of maple syrup CA, OR, WA
Acer negundo L. Boxelder; Aceraceae. Inner bark scrapings dried and kept for winter use. Inner bark boiled until sugar crystallizes out of it. Sap mixed with shavings from inner sides of animal hides and eaten as candy. Sap boiled or frozen and used as a sweet syrup. Sap used to make sugar. AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, MY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV
Acer rubrum L. Red Maple; Aceraceae. Bark dried, pounded, sifted and made into bread. Sap used to make sugar. AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VT, WI, WV
Acer saccharinum L. Silver Maple; Aceraceae. Bark dried, pounded, sifted and made into bread. Sap, thimbleberries and water used to make a drink for home consumption and longhouse ceremonies. Sap fermented and used as an intoxicant or boiled to make sugar and syrup. AL, AR, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV
Acer saccharum Marsh. Sugar Maple; Aceraceae. Bark dried, pounded, sifted and made into bread. Sap, thimbleberries and water used to make a drink for home consumption and longhouse ceremonies. Sap fermented and used as an intoxicant or boiled to make sugar and syrup. Sap saved to drink as it comes from the tree, alone or mixed with box elder or birch sap. Sap allowed to sour to make vinegar and mixed with maple sugar to cook sweet and sour meat. Children made taffy by cooling the maple sap in the snow. AL, AR, CT, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN. MO, MS, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SD, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV
Acorus calamus L. Calamus; Acoraceae. Dried root chewed for the agreeable taste. CT, DC, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, VA, VT, WA, WI
Adenostoma sparsifolium Torr.Redshank; Rosaceae. Seeds used for food. CA
Aesculus californica (Spach) Nutt.California Buckeye; Hippocastanaceae. Roasted, peeled nuts ground into a meal and used to make soup. Nuts stored for long periods and resorted to only when the acorn crop failed. Seeds pounded, leached, boiled into a mush, made into a cake and eaten with meat. Fruits roasted and eaten cold without salt. CA
Agave americana L. American Century Plant; Agavaceae. Flower stalks roasted in ashes and eaten as greens. FL, HA, LA, TX
Agave decipiens BakerFalse Sisal; Agavaceae. Tubers pit baked and eaten. FL
Agave palmeri Engelm. Palmer's Century Plant; Agavaceae. Flower stalk baked and chewed for juice. AZ, NM
Agave parryi Engelm. Parry's Agave; Agavaceae. Flower stalk baked and chewed for juice. AZ, NM, TX
Agave sp. Mescal; Agavaceae. Flower stalk baked and soft, inner part used for food. AZ, CA, FL, HI, LA, NM, NV, TX, UT
Agoseris aurantiaca (Hook.) Greene Orange Agoseris; Asteraceae. Root juice used for chewing gum CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY
Allenrolfea occidentalis (S. Wats.) Kuntze Iodinebush; Chenopodiaceae. Ground seed flour and water made into a mush, or dampened, shaped, dried and eaten as a cookie, or mixed with water and made into a drink. AZ, CA, ID, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT
Allium schoenoprasum L. Wild Chives; Liliaceae. Bulbs used sparingly. AK, CT, ID, IL, MA, OR, PA, RI, VT, WA, WI, WY
Amelanchier alnifolia var. cusickii (Fern.) C.L. Hitchc.Cusick's Serviceberry; Rosaceae. Berries eaten fresh. ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY
Amelanchier alnifolia var. semiintegrifolia (Hook.) C.L. Hitchc. Pacific Serviceberry; Rosaceae. Berries eaten raw, to make puddings, pies and muffins, or dried and used in place of raisins or currants. AK, CA, OR, WA
Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex M. Roemer Saskatoon Serviceberry; Rosaceae. Ripe, mashed fruit added to water to form a paste and eaten without cooking. Crushed berries, animal fat and dried meat used to make pemmican. Berries and fat stuffed into an intestine, boiled and eaten like a sausage. Sun dried fruit eaten cooked in water or raw as a sweet snack. CO, IA, ID, MN, MT, ND, NE, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY
Amelanchier arborea (Michx. f.) Fern. Common Serviceberry; Rosaceae. Berries used for food. AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV
Amelanchier canadensis (L.) Medik. Canadian Serviceberry; Rosaceae. Fruit dried for winter use, eaten fresh, or mashed, made into small cakes and dried for future use. Raw or cooked fruit sun or fire dried and stored for future use. Dried fruit cakes soaked in warm water and cooked as a sauce or mixed with corn bread. AL, CT, DC, DE, MA, ME, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, WV
Amelanchier laevis Wieg. Allegheny Serviceberry; Rosaceae. Fresh fruit used for food. AL, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, ME, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VT, WI, WV
Amelanchier pallida Greene Pale Serviceberry; Rosaceae. Raw fruits used for food ID, NV, OR, WA
Amelanchier stolonifera Wieg. Running Serviceberry; Rosaceae. Berries relished as a fresh food. IA, IL, IN, KS, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NJ, NY, PA, SD, VT, WI
Amelanchier utahensis Koehne Utah Serviceberry; Rosaceae. Berries eaten fresh. AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY
Amphicarpaea bracteata (L.) Fern. American Hogpeanut; Fabaceae. Underground fruit used to make bean bread or cooked like pinto beans or added to cornmeal and hot water. AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV
Anemone narcissiflora L. Narcissus Anemone; Ranunculaceae. Upper root ends used for food. AK
Angelica archangelica L. Norwegian Angelica; Apiaceae. Tender, young leaf stalks and peeled, young flowering stems eaten raw. AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, , RI, SC, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Angelica lucida L. Wild Celery; Apiaceae. Young stems and tender stalks of young leaves peeled and the juicy inside eaten raw. Leaves cooked as a green vegetable or boiled with fish. AK, CA, MA, ME, NH, NY, OR, RI, VA, WA
Apios americana Medik. Groundnut; Fabaceae. Thickened root boiled until the skin came off and used for food. AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV
Arabis lyrata L. Lyrate Rockcress; Brassicaceae. Rosettes of lobed leaves added to tossed salads or cooked and served as a green vegetable. AK, CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV
Aralia racemosa L. American Spikenard; Araliaceae. An aboriginal Menomini dish was spikenard root, wild onion, wild gooseberry and sugar. AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV
Arbutus menziesii PurshPacific Madrone; Ericaceae. Fruit eaten in small quantities. Berries roasted over an open fire and eaten OR, WA
Arctostaphylos alpina (L.) Spreng. Alpine Bearberry; Ericaceae. Berries, other berries and sugar cooked and eaten. AK, ME, NH
Arctostaphylos canescens Eastw. Hoary Manzanita; Ericaceae. Dried berries pounded, mixed with salmon eggs, cooked in a basket with a hot rock and eaten OR
Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. Eastwood's Manzanita; Ericaceae. Mashed fruit mixed with water and strained into a drink OR
Arctostaphylos glauca Lindl. Bigberry Manzanita; Ericaceae. Mashed fruit mixed with water and strained into a drink. CA
Arctostaphylos parryana Lemmon Parry Manzanita; Ericaceae. Ground berry pulp used for food. CA
Arctostaphylos nevadensis Gray Pinemat Manzanita; Ericaceae. Dried berries pounded, mixed with salmon eggs, cooked in a basket with a hot rock and eaten NV, OR, WA
Arctostaphylos patula Greene Greenleaf Manzanita; Ericaceae. Berries used for food during an acorn crop failure. AZ, CA, CO, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA
Arctostaphylos pringlei Parry, Pringle Manzanita; Ericaceae, Berries eaten raw or cooked. AZ, NV, UT
Arctostaphylos pungens Kunth Pointleaf Manzanita; Ericaceae. Berries eaten fresh or mashed fruit mixed with water and strained into a drink. AZ, CA, NM, NV, TX, UT
Arctostaphylos rubra (Rehd. & Wilson) Fern.Red Fruit Bearberry; Ericaceae. Berries and salmonberries stored in barrels for future use. WY
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. Kinnikinnick; Ericaceae. Berries cooked and eaten. Berries eaten raw or mashed in fat and fried. Berries mixed with salmon eggs as a palatable and nutritious treat. Berries and oil eaten with dry meat. Leaves powdered, dried, used as a substitute for tobacco or mixed with the tobacco and smoked. AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY
Arctostaphylos viscida ParrySticky Whiteleaf Manzanita; Ericaceae. Berries pounded and eaten OR
Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. mariposa (Dudley) P.V. WellsMariposa Manzanita; Ericaceae. Berries pounded and eaten. CA
Argentina egedii ssp. egedii Eged's Pacific Silverweed; Rosaceae. Roots eaten raw, boiled or roasted like potatoes. AK, CA, NH, NY, OR, WA
Armoracia rusticana P.G. Gaertn. Horseradish; Brassicaceae. Root used as a condiment CO, CT, DC, FL, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, UT, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Artemisia sp. Wormwood; Asteraceae. Seeds parched, ground, kneaded into seed butter and eaten with fruit drinks or spread on bread.
Asarum canadense L. Canadian Wild ginger; Aristolochiaceae. Root used as an appetizer in all cooked foods, also used as seasoning for mud catfish, to destroy the mud taste and to render them palatable, and flavored meat or fish and rendered otherwise inedible, palatable. AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV
Asclepias speciosa Torr.Showy Milkweed; Asclepiadaceae. Green, immature fruits peeled and the inner layer eaten raw. AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL, KS, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA , WI, WY
Asclepias syriaca L. Common Milkweed; Asclepiadaceae. Tender leaves, young green seed pods, sprouts and tops cooked as greens. Tender stems, leaves and immature flower clusters cooked and seasoned with salt, pepper or butter. Inflorescence, before the flower buds opened, and young fruits used as greens. AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV
Asimina triloba (L.) DunalCommon Pawpaw; Annonaceae. Raw or cooked fruit sun or fire dried and stored for future use. Fruit mashed, made into small cakes and dried for future use. Dried fruit cakes soaked in warm water and cooked as a sauce or mixed with corn bread. AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
Asclepias viridiflora Raf. Green Milkweed; Asclepiadaceae. Root pieces stored for winter soups. AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV, WY
Astragalus canadensis L. Canadian Milkvetch; Fabaceae. Root considered a staple. AL, AR, CO, DC, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Astragalus crassicarpus Nutt.Groundplum Milkvetch; Fabaceae. Fruits eaten for food. AR, CO, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, WI, WY
Astragalus cyaneus GrayCyanic Milkvetch; Fabaceae. Tubers eaten. NM
Astragalus lentiginosus var. diphysus (Gray) M.E. Jones Speckledpod Milkvetch; Fabaceae. Pea fruit eaten raw and cooked. AZ, CO, NM, NV, TX, UT
Atriplex argentea Nutt. Silverscale Saltbush; Chenopodiaceae. Fruits eaten for food. AZ, CA, CO, ID, IL, KS, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY
Atriplex semibaccata R. Br. Australian Saltbush; Chenopodiaceae. Berries gathered and eaten fresh. AZ, CA, HI, NM, NV, TX, UT
Balsamorhiza sagittata (Pursh) Nutt. Arrowleaf Balsamroot; Asteraceae. Ground seed meal and juniper berries used to make a pudding. Dried seed flour eaten as porridge, especially in times of famine. Root pitch chewed as gum and root crown, with the young undeveloped leaves, used for food. AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, ND, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY
Barbarea orthoceras Ledeb. American Yellowrocket; Brassicaceae. Rosettes of dark green shiny leaves cooked as a green vegetable or eaten raw in a mixed salad. AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, ME, MI, MN, MT, NH, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WI, WY
Berberis fendleri GrayColorado Barberry; Berberidaceae. Berries used for food. CO, NM, UT
Caesalpinia jamesii (Torr. & Gray) FisherJames' Holdback; Fabaceae. Raw or boiled tubers used for food. AZ, CO, KS, MO, NE, NM, OK, TX
Calochortus leichtlinii Hook. f. Smokey Mariposa; Liliaceae. Roots and tubers peeled and eaten roasted or raw NV
Calochortus macrocarpus Dougl. Sagebrush Mariposa Lily; Liliaceae. Sweet flower buds used for food ID, MT, NV, OR, WA
Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray Sego Lily; Liliaceae. Roots and tubers peeled and eaten roasted or raw. AZ, CO, ID, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, SD, UT, WY
Caltha palustris L. Yellow Marsh marigold; Ranunculaceae. Roots boiled and eaten. Leaves and thick fleshy smooth slippery stems cooked and eaten. Raw leaves considered poisonous. AK, CA, CT, DE, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV
Canotia holacantha Torr.Crucifixion Thorn; Celastraceae. Berries eaten raw. AZ
Capsicum annuum L. Cayenne Pepper; Solanaceae. Fruits eaten raw and boiled FL, GA, HI, LA, NJ, PA, UT
Cardamine diphylla (Michx.) Wood Crinkleroot; Brassicaceae. Ground root put into vinegar for use as a relish. AL, AR, CT, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV
Carex aquatilis Wahlenb. Water Sedge; Cyperaceae. Stem bases eaten raw. AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SD, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY
Carex utriculata Boott Northwest Territory Sedge; Cyperaceae. Lower, tender stems and root parts eaten by children CO, CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Carica papaya L. Papaya; Caricaceae. Fruit used for food. FL, HI
Carnegia gigantea (Engelm.) Britt. & Rose Saguaro; Cactaceae. Fruit used for food - to make a kind of butter, a syrup, or to make preserves without sugar. Ripe fruits eaten fresh or used to make a cold drink. Dried fruit smeared with fresh fruit juice, pressed into bricks and dried for later use, pieces broken off and stirred in water. AZ, CA
Carpobrotus chilensis (Molina) N.E. Br. Baby Sunrose; Aizoaceae. Raw fruit used for food, eaten raw OR
Carya ovata (P. Mill.) K. Koch Shagbark Hickory; Juglandaceae. Edible nuts were appreciated. AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI
Ceanothus fendleri GrayFendler's Ceanothus; Rhamnaceae. Berries sweetened with sugar and used for food. AZ, CO, NM, SD, TX, UT, WY
Celtis laevigata Willd. Sugarberry; Ulmaceae. Fruits beaten to a pulp, mixed with fat, rolled into balls and roasted over fire. AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN,KS, KY, LA, MO, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
Celtis laevigata var. reticulata (Torr.) L. Benson Netleaf Hackberry; Ulmaceae. Berries extensively used as food. Fruit ground, caked and dried for winter use. AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS, LA, NM, NV, OK, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY
Celtis occidentalis L.Common Hackberry; Ulmaceae. Dried fruit pounded to make a condiment used for seasoning meat in cooking, OR pounded fine, mixed with a little fat and parched corn and eaten, or pounded into a paste like consistency, molded onto a stick and baked over an open fire. AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY
Chamaesyce serpyllifolia ssp. serpyllifolia Thymeleaf Sandmat; Euphorbiaceae. Root pieces used to sweeten corn meal. AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, KS, LA, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, OK, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY
Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium Fireweed; Onagraceae. Young, tender greens, properly prepared, used as a good source of vitamin C and pro-vitamin A. Young shoots mixed with other greens and eaten. Young stems peeled and eaten raw. Pith used as a berry sweetener and eaten by children. AK, CO, MN, MT, WA, WY
Chamerion latifolium (L.) Holub Dwarf Fireweed; Onagraceae. Young, tender greens, properly prepared, used as a good source of vitamin C and pro-vitamin A. Flowers and leaves eaten raw with seal blubber. Leaves cooked and eaten. Flowers eaten raw as a salad. AK, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY
Chenopodium album L. Lambsquarters; Chenopodiaceae. Young, tender leaves and stems cooked in a small amount of boiling water and eaten, used as a substitute for spinach or other greens.Fresh leaves, properly cooked, furnished significant amounts of vitamins C and A. ALL States
Chenopodium capitatum (L.) Ambrosi Blite Goosefoot; Chenopodiaceae. Young, tender leaves used in raw salad mixture or cooked like garden spinach. Leaves properly cooked and used as a good source of vitamins C and A. AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NH, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY
Chilopsis linearis (Cav.) Sweet Desert Willow; Bignoniaceae. Blossoms and seed pods used for food. KS, OK, NM, TX
Cirsium edule Nutt. Edible Thistle; Asteraceae. Fresh roots boiled and eaten or dried and stored for future use. Young shoots eaten as greens. Tender, spring shoots eaten raw. Peeled stem used for food. Young stems eaten raw as a "luxury food." AK, ID, OR, WA
Cirsium undulatum (Nutt.) Spreng. Wavyleaf Thistle; Asteraceae. Root cooked and eaten. AZ, CA, CO, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY
Citrullus lanatus var. lanatusWatermelon; Cucurbitaceae. Ripe melon scooped with fingers and eaten, or cut into strips, wound upon sticks in the form of a rope, sun dried and stored for months.. AL, AR, AZ, CA, CT, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, WI, WV
Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f. Lemon; Rutaceae. Fruit much prized for food after it became available FL, GA, LA, TX
Citrus medica L. Citron; Rutaceae. Fruit much prized for food after it became available FL
Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck Sweet Orange; Rutaceae. Fruit used for food FL, LA
Claytonia acutifolia Pallas ex J.A. Schultes Bering Sea Springbeauty; Portulacaceae. Fresh roots eaten raw or cooked with seal oil. AK
Claytonia lanceolata Pall. ex Pursh Lanceleaf Springbeauty; Portulacaceae. Crisp, tuber-like corms eaten fresh or boiled CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY
Claytonia sibirica L. Siberian Springbeauty; Portulacaceae. Leaves added raw to mixed salads or cooked as a green vegetable. Leaves properly prepared and used as a good source of vitamin C and pro-vitamin A. AK, CA, ID, MA, MT, OR, WA
Claytonia tuberosa Pallas ex J.A. Schultes Tuberous Springbeauty; Portulacaceae. Tubers boiled and eaten. Basal leaves added to other greens and eaten raw or cooked. Corms roasted and used for food or cooked and added to stews. Green, fresh leaves eaten raw as a source of vitamin C and vitamin A. AK
Cleome serrulata Pursh Rocky Mountain Beeplant; Capparaceae. Flower buds salted and eaten as food. AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY
Cochlearia officinalis L. Common Scurvygrass; Brassicaceae. Leaves eaten raw in mixed salads or cooked as greens. AK, CA, OR, WA
Condalia globosa I.M. JohnstonBitter Snakewood; Rhamnaceae. Fruits eaten raw. AZ, CA
Condalia hookeri var. hookeri Hooker's Bluewood; Rhamnaceae. Black berries used for food. TX
Cornus canadensis L. Bunchberry Dogwood; Cornaceae. Pulpy berries gathered and mixed with other berries. CO, CT, IA, ID, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Cornus sericea L.Redosier Dogwood; Cornaceae, Bitter, seedy fruits eaten alone or mashed with dried, "white" saskatoon berries or mixed with serviceberries and sugar and eaten as a "sweet and sour" dish, or berries pounded, mixed with chokecherries or saskatoon berries or boiled and eaten alone. AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Cornus sericea ssp. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) FosbergWestern Dogwood; Cornaceae. Berries eaten fresh ID, MT, NV, OR, WA
Cornus suecica L. Lapland Cornel; Cornaceae. Fresh, ripe berries gathered and mixed with other berries and used for food. AK
Cornus unalaschkensis Ledeb. Western Cordilleran Bunchberry; Cornaceae. Ripe berries eaten with sugar and grease ID, OR, WA
Cucurbita moschata (Duchesne ex Lam.) Duchesne ex Poir. Crookneck Squash; Cucurbitaceae. Seed sun dried, parched, cracked and the meat eaten. FL, GA, NC, PA, SC, VA
Cupressus sp. One Seed Juniper; Cupressaceae Berries ground into a meal and mixed with bread dough or cornmeal mush. Leaf ash mixed with breads. Berries eaten raw or roasted. Dried berries used to make necklaces. AZ, CO, NM, OK, TX, UT
Cymopterus bulbosus A. Nels. Bulbous Springparsley; Apiaceae. Root eaten raw or roasted in ashes. Root dried for winter use. Dried, ground root cooked with milk. AZ, CO, NM, TX, UT, WY
Cyperus esculentus L.Chufa Flatsedge; Cyperaceae. Tubers on the rootstock eaten raw, baked or boiled like potatoes. All States except MT, WY
Cyperus fendlerianus Boeckl. Fendler's Flatsedge; Cyperaceae. Tubers eaten raw or peeled and cooked. AZ, CO, NM, NV, TX, WY
Cyperus odoratus L. Fragrant Flatsedge; Cyperaceae. Tubers eaten. AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV
Cyperus rotundus L. Nutgrass; Cyperaceae. Tubers made into meal and cooked as cereal. AL, AR, AZ, CA, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, KY, LA, MN, MO, MS, NC, NY, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA
Cyperus squarrosus L. Bearded Flatsedge; Cyperaceae. Tubers eaten. All States except AK, HI
Dalea lanata Spreng. Woolly Prairieclover; Fabaceae. Root eaten and regarded as sugar. AR, CO, KS, NE, NM, OK, TX
Dalea lasiathera Gray Purple Prairieclover; Fabaceae. Root chewed, especially by children, and greatly enjoyed. TX
Darmera peltata (Torr. ex Benth.) Voss Indian Rhubarb; Saxifragaceae. Pulverized root mixed with acorn meal to whiten it OR, UT
Dasiphora floribunda (Pursh) Kartesz Shrubby Cinquefoil; Rosaceae. Leaves dried and used as a substitute for tea. AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, IA, ID, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY
Dasylirion wheeleri S. Wats. Common Sotol; Agavaceae. Flower stalks roasted in ashes or eaten as greens. AZ, NM, TX
Daucus carota L. Queen Anne's Lace; Apiaceae. Steamed or boiled root used for food. All States except AK, HI
Descurainia sp. Tansy Mustard; Brassicaceae. Seeds parched, ground, kneaded into seed butter and eaten with fruit drinks or spread on bread. All States
Dioscorea pentaphylla L.Fiveleaf Yam; Dioscoreaceae. Tubers oven cooked and eaten. HI
Dryopteris carthusiana (Vill.) H.P. Fuchs Spinulose Woodfern; Dryopteridaceae. Young, curled fronds boiled or steamed & eaten like asparagus with butter, margarine or cream sauce. Old leaf stalks on the underground stem roasted, peeled and the inner portion eaten. AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV
Elaeagnus commutata Bernh. ex Rydb. Silverberry; Elaeagnaceae. Berries fried in moose fat and eaten. AK, CO, ID, KY, MN, MT, ND, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY
Empetrum nigrum L. Black Crowberry; Empetraceae. Berries eaten fresh, mixed with other berries and used to make jelly or pie, or stored frozen and eaten with seal blubber or oil. AK, CA, OR, WA
Equisetum arvense L. Field Horsetail; Equisetaceae. Black, edible nodules attached to roots used for food. AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Equisetum telmateia Ehrh. Giant Horsetail; Equisetaceae. Root stock bulbs cooked and eaten ID, MI, OR, WA
Ericameria nauseosa ssp. nauseosa var. nauseosa Rubber Rabbitbrush; Asteraceae. Root bark chewed like gum. CO, KS, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, WY
Eriogonum alatum Torr. Winged Buckwheat; Polygonaceae. Root chew by children. AZ, CO, KS, NE, NM, TX, UT, WY
Eriogonum longifolium Nutt. Longleaf Buckwheat; Polygonaceae. Root used for food. AR, KS, LA, MO, NM, OK, TX
Eriophorum angustifolium Honckeny Tall Cottongrass; Cyperaceae. "Mouse nuts" found in mice caches, cooked and eaten with seal oil. Stem bases eaten raw with seal oil. AK, CO, IA, ID, IL, IN, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, NY, OR, SD, WA, WI, WY
Equisetum arvense L.Field Horsetail; Equisetaceae. Tubers eaten. All States except FL, HI, LA
Fragaria chiloensis (L.) P. Mill. Beach Strawberry; Rosaceae. Berries made into a jam or eaten raw as a rich source of vitamin C. This plant is found below 200 m, in dune and grassland communities of coastal California. It is found from Alaska to coastal South America and Hawaii.
Frasera speciosa Dougl. ex Griseb. Showy Frasera; Gentianaceae. Root used for food. AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY
Fritillaria camschatcensis (L.) Ker-Gawl. Kamchatka Missionbells; Liliaceae. Bulbs dried and used in fish and meat stews or pounded into a flour. AK, OR, WA
Fritillaria pudica (Pursh) Spreng. Yellow Missionbells; Liliaceae. Root used for food CO, ID, MT, ND, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY
Gaillardia pinnatifida Torr. Red Dome Blanketflower; Asteraceae. Seeds parched, ground, kneaded into seed butter and eaten with fruit drinks or spread on bread. AZ, CO, NM, NV, OK, TX, UT
Gaultheria shallon Pursh Salal; Ericaceae. Berry-like fruits used for food. AK, CA, OR, WA
Geocaulon lividum (Richards.) Fern. False Toadflax; Santalaceae. Fruit used for food. AK, ID, ME, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, VT, WA, WI
Gilia sinuata Dougl. ex Benth. Rosy Gilia; Polemoniaceae. Seeds parched, ground, kneaded into seed butter and eaten with fruit drinks or spread on bread. AZ, CA, CO, ID, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA
Gleditsia triacanthos L. Honeylocust; Fabaceae. Seed pulp used to make a drink. All States except AK, HA, OR, WA
Gossypium sp. Cotton; Malvaceae. Seed flour mixed with saguaro seed flour, baked on sand and eaten as browned cakes.
Hedysarum alpinum L. Alpine Sweetvetch; Fabaceae. Tubers located in mice "caches" by specially trained dogs and eaten raw, boiled or roasted. Root tubers eaten by brown and black bears and meadow mice. AK, ME, MI, MT, NE, NH, RI, SD, VT, WY
Hedysarum boreale Nutt. Northern Sweetvetch; Fabaceae. Roots located in mice "caches" by dogs and eaten. Roots eaten by the brown bears, meadow mice and lemmings. AZ, CO, ID, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WY
Helianthus annuus L. Common Sunflower; Asteraceae. Powdered seed meal boiled or made into cakes with grease. Seeds parched, ground, kneaded into seed butter and eaten with fruit drinks or spread on bread. Outer seed coatings boiled and used as a dull, dark red dye. All States
Helianthus maximiliani Schrad.Maximilian Sunflower; Asteraceae. Tubers were dug and eaten. AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY
Helianthus petiolaris Nutt. Prairie Sunflower; Asteraceae. Seeds parched, ground, kneaded into seed butter and eaten with fruit drinks or spread on bread. AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Helianthus tuberosus L. Jerusalem Artichoke; Asteraceae. Root used as a vegetable food. Tubers boiled and sometimes fried after boiling for food. AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Heracleum maximum Bartr. Common Cowparsnip; Apiaceae. Raw stalks of young leaves and flower buds eaten with sugar or honey. Inner stem pulp eaten raw and often dipped in seal oil. AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Hippuris vulgaris L. Common Marestail; Hippuridaceae. Leaves piled on high ground and stored for winter use. Whole plant used to make soup. AK, AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL, IN, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, OR, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY
Hoffmannseggia glauca (Ortega) EifertIndian Rushpea; Fabaceae. Tubers boiled and eaten like potatoes. AZ, CA, CO, KS, NM, NV, OK, TX
Honckenya peploides (L.) Ehrh. Seaside Sandplant; Caryophyllaceae. Young stems and leaves eaten raw or mixed with other greens, eaten with dried fish, pickled as "sauerkraut" or eaten as a potherb. Fresh and raw leaves eaten as a good source of vitamins A and C. Leaves chopped, cooked in water, soured & mixed with reindeer fat & berries into Eskimo ice cream. AK
Humulus lupulus var. neomexicanus A. Nels. & Cockerell Common Hop; Cannabaceae. Flower used to flavor drinks and make them stronger. AZ, CA, CO, DC, ID, KS, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY
Hydrophyllum occidentale (S. Wats.) Gray Western Waterleaf; Hydrophyllaceae. Root cooked and eaten. AZ, CA, ID, NV, OR, UT
Ipomoea leptophylla Torr. Bush Morningglory; Convolvulaceae. Root roasted for food when pressed by hunger. CO, KS, MT, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, WY
Juglans cinerea L. Butternut; Juglandaceae. Butternuts gathered for their edible quality and furnished a winter supply of food. AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI , WV
Juniperus monosperma (Engelm.) Sarg. Oneseed Juniper; Cupressaceae. Berry-like cones eaten roasted or boiled. AZ, CO, NM, OK, TX, UT
Ledum groenlandicum Oeder Bog Labrador tea; Ericaceae. Strongly, aromatic leaves dried and used as a substitute for tea. AK, CT, ID, MA, ME, MI, MN, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SD, VT, WA, WI
Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens (Ait.) Hultén Marsh Labrador tea; Ericaceae. Leaves dried and used as a substitute for tea. AK
Lepidium lasiocarpum Nutt. Shaggyfruit Pepperweed; Brassicaceae. Seeds parched, ground, kneaded into seed butter and eaten with fruit drinks or spread on bread. AZ, CA, CO, LA, NM, NV, SC, TX, UT
Lewisia rediviva Pursh Oregon Bitterroot; Portulacaceae. Roots used for food as the most important root crop. Small pieces of bitter root steeped, boiled in water and eaten. AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY
Ligusticum scoticum ssp. hultenii (Fern.) Calder & Taylor Hulten's Licoriceroot; Apiaceae. Leaves and stalks used as a cooked vegetable and in cooking fish, or eaten raw with seal oil. Leaves and stalks stored in seal oil for winter use. Leaves and stalks used as a substitute for celery and fresh leaves used as a good source for vitamins C and A. AK
Lithospermum canescens (Michx.) Lehm. Hoary Puccoon; Boraginaceae. White, ripened seed used as a sacred bread in the Midewewin ceremony. AL, AR, DC, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX ,VA, WI, WV
Lithospermum incisum Lehm. Narrowleaf Gromwell; Boraginaceae. Root cooked and eaten. AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, WI, WY
Lomatium dissectum (Nutt.) Mathias & Constance Fernleaf Buscuitroot; Apiaceae. Root of the young plant roasted and eaten ID, OR, WA
Lomatium geyeri (S. Wats.) Coult. & Rose Geyer's Biscuitroot; Apiaceae. Roots peeled, cooked and eaten with bitter-root. ID, MT, WA
Lomatium macrocarpum (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Coult. & Rose Bigseed Biscuitroot; Apiaceae. Sweet seed used to flavor tea and pinole. CA, CO, ID, MT, ND, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY
Lomatium simplex (Nutt.) J.F. Macbr. Narrowleaf Lomatium; Apiaceae. Fusiform root eaten baked, roasted or raw. AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY
Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose Nineleaf Biscuitroot; Apiaceae. Fusiform root eaten baked, roasted or raw ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY
Lupinus nootkatensis Donn ex Sims Nootka Lupine; Fabaceae. Roots peeled and inner portion eaten raw or boiled. Roots considered poisonous. AK, WA
Lycopus uniflorus Michx. Northern Bugleweed; Lamiaceae. Cooked tuberous root eaten for dessert. AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Lysichiton americanus Hultén & St. John American Skunkcabbage; Araceae. Root cooked and eaten, root centers eaten after boiling eight times ID, MT, OR, WA, WY
Maianthemum dilatatum (Wood) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. Twoleaf False Solomon's Seal; Liliaceae. Ripe berries occasionally eaten by hunters and berry pickers ID, OR, WA
Malus fusca (Raf.) Schneid. Oregon Crabapple; Rosaceae. Used as a source of pectin for jelly making. Sticks used to retrieve special cooking stones used for cooking edible seaweed. AK, CA, OR, WA
Matricaria discoidea DC. Disc Mayweed; Asteraceae. Small, yellowish-green flower heads eaten occasionally. AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, IA, ID, IL, IN. KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Mentzelia albicaulis (Dougl. ex Hook.) Dougl. ex Torr. & Gray Whitestem Blazingstar; Loasaceae. Seeds parched, ground, kneaded into seed butter and eaten with fruit drinks or spread on bread. AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NE, NM, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY
Menyanthes trifoliata L. Common Buckbean; Menyanthaceae. Rootstocks dried, ground, leached, dried and used in the past as an emergency food ground into flour and used to make bread. AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Microseris nutans (Hook.) Schultz-Bip. Nodding Microceris; Asteraceae. Bitter, milky root juice eaten raw CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY
Mitella diphylla L. Twoleaf Miterwort; Saxifragaceae. Seed used as the sacred bead and swallowed in the medicine dance, during the reinstatement ceremony. AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV
Muhlenbergia rigens (Benth.) A.S. Hitchc. Deergrass; Poaceae. Ground seed meal used to make bread. AZ, CA, NM, NV, TX
Musineon divaricatum var. hookeri (Torr. & Gray) Mathias Hooker's Wildparsley; Apiaceae. Fleshy root used for food. CO, ID, MT, ND, NV, SD, WY
Nemopanthus mucronatus (L.) Loes. Catberry; Aquifoliaceae. Berries edible, but quite bitter and kept for a food. CT, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, WV
Nuphar lutea ssp. polysepala (Engelm.) E.O. Beal Rocky Mountain Pondlily; Nymphaeaceae. Rootstocks boiled or roasted and eaten as a vegetable. AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY
Nuphar lutea ssp. advena (Ait.) Kartesz & Gandhi Yellow Pondlily; Nymphaeaceae, Mucilaginous seed pods were well-flavored and nutritious. AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV
Nuphar lutea ssp. variegata (Dur.) E.O. Beal Varigated Yellow Pondlily; Nymphaeaceae. Root stocks eaten raw or boiled with meat. CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, PA, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, RI, SD, VT, WI
Opuntia acanthocarpa Engelm. & Bigelow Cholla; Cactaceae. Flower buds pit baked and used for food. AZ, CA, NV, UT
Opuntia fragilis (Nutt.) Haw. Brittle Pricklypear; Cactaceae. Stems mixed with berry juice and canned for future use. AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL, KS, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY
Opuntia phaeacantha Engelm. Tulip Pricklypear; Cactaceae. Seed flour used to thicken soups, puddings or fruit dishes. AZ, CA, CO, KS, NM, NV, OK, SD, TX, UT
Opuntia polyacantha Haw. Plains Pricklypear; Cactaceae. Berry pits roasted, after spines burned off and removed, and used for food. AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY
Orobanche cooperi ssp. cooperi Cooper's Broomrape; Orobanchaceae. Root peeled and eaten. AZ, CA, NM, NV, TX, UT
Osmorhiza occidentalis (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Torr. Western Sweetroot; Apiaceae. Root chewed, especially during the winter, as a confection CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY
Oxyria digyna (L.) Hill Alpine Mountain sorrel; Polygonaceae. Fresh leaves and young stems eaten raw and cooked, or mixed with seal blubber and eaten. Leaves eaten fresh, soured, boiled or in oil and root also utilized. Juice sweetened, thickened with a small amount of rice or potato flour and eaten. Leaves used as a good source of vitamin C. AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NH, NM, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY
Oxytropis nigrescens (Pallas) Fisch. ex DC. Blackish Oxytrope; Fabaceae. Roots used for food. AK
Panicum capillare L. Witchgrass; Poaceae. Ground seed meal used to make bread. All States except AK, HA
Parrya nudicaulis (L.) Boiss. Nakedstem Wallflower; Brassicaceae. New, young leaves used for food. Leaves stored raw in seal oil for winter use. Roots cooked and used for food or added to fish and meat stews. AK, UT, WY
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch. Virginia Creeper; Vitaceae. Root cooked and given as a special food by Winabojo. AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV
Pedicularis kanei ssp. kanei Woolly Lousewort; Scrophulariaceae. Flowering stems boiled and eaten as a potherb. Flowers sucked by children for the sweet nectar. Flowers with water added allowed to ferment. Fermented young flower tops eaten with oil and sugar, like sauerkraut. Roots eaten either raw or cooked (boiled or roasted). AK
Pediomelum esculentum (Pursh) Rydb. Breadroot Scurfpea; Fabaceae, Thickened root eaten dried. AR, CO, IA, KS, LA, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, NY, OK, SD, TX, WI, WY
Pediomelum hypogaeum var. hypogaeum Scurfpea; Fabaceae. Root eaten fresh. CO, KS, MT, NE, NM, OK, TX, WY
Perideridia gairdneri ssp. gairdneri Gairdner's Yampah; Apiaceae. Root eaten raw or cooked, considered a staple. CA
Petasites frigidus (L.) Fries Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot; Asteraceae. Young leaves & flowering stems eaten raw as salad, cooked as a potherb or made into a "sauerkraut." Large, mature leaves used to cover berries and other greens stored in kegs for winter use. AK, MT, OR, WA
Phaseolus coccineus L. Scarlet Runner; Fabaceae. Seed pods boiled, dried in evaporating baskets or on flat boards and stored away in bags or barrels. Dried seed pods soaked, boiled, seasoning and butter added and eaten as a soup, or cooked and eaten whole or cooked with butter, squash or meat.
Phaseolus lunatus L. Sieva Bean; Fabaceae. Seed pods boiled, dried in evaporating baskets or on flat boards and stored away in bags or barrels. Dried seed pods soaked, boiled, seasoning and butter added and eaten as a soup, or cooked and eaten whole or cooked with butter, squash or meat. AL, FL, MO, MS, NC, SC, VA
Phaseolus vulgaris L. Kidney Bean; Fabaceae. Seed pods boiled, dried in evaporating baskets or on flat boards and stored away in bags or barrels. Dried seed pods soaked, boiled, seasoning and butter added and eaten as a soup, or cooked and eaten whole or cooked with butter, squash or meat. CT, DC, FL, KY, MA, ME, MI, MO, MT, NC, NH, NY, PA, OH, RI, SC, UT, VA, WY
Pholisma sonorae (Torr. ex Gray) YatskievychSandfood; Lennoaceae. Used as a staple root crop. AZ, CA
Photinia melanocarpa (Michx.) Robertson & Phipps Black Chokeberry; Rosaceae. Berries used for food. AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH ,NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV
Physalis lanceolata Michx. Lanceleaf Groundcherry; Solanaceae. Firm, young, green seed pods boiled with meat in the spring. AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NM, OH, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY
Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm. Engelmann's Spruce; Pinaceae. Sap considered edible. AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY
Pinus edulis Engelm. Twoneedle Pinyon; Pinaceae. Seeds parched, ground, kneaded into seed butter and eaten with fruit drinks or spread on bread. AZ, CA, CO, NM, OK, TX, UT, WY
Plantago macrocarpa Cham. & Schlecht. Seashore Plantain; Plantaginaceae. Young, tender leaves used raw in salads or cooked as spinach. AK, OR, WA
Plantago maritima L. Goose Tongue; Plantaginaceae. Plant eaten fresh or cooked, or canned for winter use. AK, CA, CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, OR, RI, VA, WA
Polygonum alpinum All. Alaska Wild Rhubarb; Polygonaceae. Stems cut into small pieces and used in the same manner as domesticated rhubarb, stewed and eaten, used as pie filling. Juice sweetened and used to make a beverage. Young, tender leaves mixed with other greens and cooked in boiling water. Chopped leaves and stems added to a thick pudding of flour and sugar and eaten. AK
Polygonum bistorta var. plumosum (Small) Boivin Meadow Bistort; Polygonaceae. Leaves mixed with other greens, cooked and eaten. Roots boiled, mixed with seal oil and eaten or added to stews. Leaves rich in vitamin C and pro-vitamin A. AK
Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera (Ait.) Eckenwalder Plains Cottonwood; Salicaceae. Buds and seed capsules used for food. Seed vessels boiled to make a yellow dye for pluming arrow feathers. CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, OH, OK, PA, SD, TX, WI, WY
Porphyra abbottae Krishnamurthy Edible Seaweed; Bangiaceae. Whole plant cooked and eaten with salmon eggs, cooked salmon, clams, herring eggs and other foods. Whole plant formed into flat sheets, pressed in boxes, dried and made into cakes and stored for future use. Plant dried, crushed and sprinkled on various foods as a condiment. Decoction of plant taken or poultice applied for any kind of sickness in the stomach or body. Poultice of plant applied to broken collarbones. AK
Porphyra laciniata (Lightfoot) Agardh. Seaweed; Bangiaceae. Leaves used in fish stews and soups. Leaves sun dried, chopped, dried and stored in closed containers or eaten raw like popcorn. AK
Porphyra perforata J. Agardh Edible Seaweed; Bangiaceae. Boiled with herring spawn and eaten with dogfish oil or eulachon oil. AK
Prosopis glandulosa Torr. Honey Mesquite; Fabaceae. Beans cooked with meat and seed coats spit out when eaten. CO, KS, LA, NM, OK, TX
Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana (L. Benson) M.C. Johnston Western Honey Mesquite; Fabaceae. Parched, ground seeds dampened, sometimes mixed with ground saguaro seed, and used for food. AZ, CA, MO, NM, NV, TX, UT
Prunus ilicifolia (Nutt. ex Hook. & Arn.) D. Dietr. Hollyleaf Cherry; Rosaceae. Large seed cracked, the kernel extracted, pounded into a meal and made into patties and roasted. CA
Prunus virginiana L. Common Chokecherry; Rosaceae. Dried berry powder mixed with dried meat flour for soup. AR, CT, DC, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV
Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa (A. Nels.) Sarg. Black Chokecherry; Rosaceae. Fresh or pounded, dried berries and pits used to make berry pemmican CO, ID, KS, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY
Pseudocymopterus montanus (Gray) Coult. & RoseAlpine False Spring parsley; Apiaceae. Ground root cooked with meat. AZ, CO, NM, NV, TX, UT, WY
Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn Western Brackenfern; Dennstaedtiaceae. Young fiddlenecks peeled, boiled or steamed and eaten as a substitute for asparagus or canned for winter use. Full grown fronds poisonous to cattle. All States (Except, maybe, Nebraska)
Ranunculus pallasii Schlecht. Pallas' Buttercup; Ranunculaceae. Young, tender shoots cooked and eaten. AK
Rhodiola integrifolia ssp. integrifolia Entireleaf Stonecrop; Crassulaceae. Root used for food. AK, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY
Rhodiola rosea L. Roseroot Stonecrop; Crassulaceae. Young leaves & flowering stems eaten raw as salad, cooked as a potherb or made into a "sauerkraut." Leaves and succulent, fleshy stems used raw in mixed salads or cooked as a green vegetable. Roots used for food. AK, CA, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY
Rhodymenia palmata (L) Greville Dulse; Rhodymeniaceae. Leaves eaten fresh or singed on a hot stove or griddle, air dried and added to soups and fish head stews or air dried and stored for winter use. AK
Ribes aureum Pursh Golden Currant; Grossulariaceae. Berries dried, ground, mixed with seed flour and used to make mush. AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY
Ribes triste Pallas Red Currant; Grossulariaceae. Berries used raw, made into jams and jellies. AK, CT, IL, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV
Rosa acicularis Lindl. Prickly Rose; Rosaceae. Rose hips cooked, juice extracted, pasteurized and mixed with other fruit juices. Rose hip juice used to make syrups and jellies. Rose hip pulp, with seeds and skins removed, used to make ketchups, jams and marmalades. Rose hips used as one of the richest known food sources of vitamin C. Leaves used to make tea. AK
Rubus arcticus L. Arctic Blackberry; Rosaceae. Fruit used to make a superior jelly. AK
Rubus chamaemorus L. Cloudberry; Rosaceae. Fruit stored in large quantities for winter use. Berries eaten raw with sugar, seal oil or both, used to make berry shortcakes and pies, mixed with seal oil and chewed caribou tallow, beaten and eaten as "Eskimo ice cream." Fruit stored in seal pokes, kegs or barrels and buried in the frozen tundra for future use. Berries used as a very rich source of vitamin C. AK, ME, MN, NH, NY
Rubus idaeus L. American Red Raspberry; Rosaceae. Berries eaten raw, made into jams and jellies. AK, AR, IA, ID, IL, IN, ME, MN, MT, NC, ND, NJ, NY, OH, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, WA, WY
Rubus lasiococcus Gray Roughfruit Berry; Rosaceae. Fruits eaten raw, stewed, or canned and saved for future food use OR, WA
Rubus parviflorus Nutt. Thimbleberry; Rosaceae. Berries used for food or to make dried berry cakes for winter use. AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MI, MN, MT, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WI, WY
Rubus pedatus Sm. Strawberryleaf Raspberry; Rosaceae. Fruit used to make an excellent jelly. AK, ID, MT, OR, WA
Rubus spectabilis Pursh Salmonberry; Rosaceae. Fruit eaten raw, made into jams and jellies. Plant used as an indicator for picking edible seaweed. AK, CA, ID, OR, WA
Rumex arcticus Trautv. Arctic Dock; Polygonaceae. Leaves used as salad greens and cooked as vegetables; cooked, chopped, mixed with other greens and stored in kegs or barrels for winter use. Leaves from young stems eaten raw as a salad or cooked like spinach. Fresh, green leaves used as a source for vitamins A and C. AK
Sabal minor (Jacq.) Pers. Dwarf Palmetto; Arecaceae. Fresh root slices baked and eaten as bread. AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, TX
Sagittaria latifolia Willd. Broadleaf Arrowhead; Alismataceae. Cooked root, dried, soaked and used with fish for food. All States except AK, NV
Salix alaxensis (Anderss.) Coville Feltleaf Willow; Salicaceae. Young, new shoots eaten raw or dipped in seal oil. Inner bark eaten raw with seal oil and sugar as a winter tidbit. Young, tender leaves and shoots used as sources for vitamin C. AK
Salix pulchra Cham. Tealeaf Willow; Salicaceae. Leaves mixed with seal oil and stored in barrels, kegs or seal pokes for winter use. Young, tender leaves mixed with seal oil and eaten raw. Shoots peeled and eaten raw. Leaves used as one of the richest and probably the first spring source of vitamin C. AK
Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea (Raf.) R. Bolli Blue Elderberry; Caprifoliaceae. Berry juice used for marinating fish.
Sambucus racemosa L. Scarlet Elderberry; Caprifoliaceae. Berry juice used to marinate salmon. AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Sarcocornia pacifica (Standl.) A.J. Scott Pacific Swampfire; Chenopodiaceae. Young plants used in salads or for pickles. AK, CA, OR, WA
Saxifraga nelsoniana ssp. nelsoniana Brook Saxifrage; Saxifragaceae. Leaves eaten raw mixed with seal or walrus oil, raw with seal blubber, or as "sauerkraut." Leaves prepared and eaten soon after picking as a good source of vitamin C and pro-vitamin A. AK
Saxifraga spicata D. Don Spiked Saxifrage; Saxifragaceae. Young, tender leaves used as a salad green and as a fair source of vitamin C. AK
Senecio congestus (R. Br.) DC. Marsh Fleabane; Asteraceae. Young leaves & flowering stems eaten raw as salad, cooked as a potherb or made into a "sauerkraut." IA, MI, MN, ND, SD, WI
Shepherdia canadensis (L.) Nutt. Russet Buffaloberry; Elaeagnaceae. Berries mixed with sugar & water, beaten with hands into foam & used on desserts like whipped cream. Canned berry juice used as a beverage during haying time. AZ, CO, ID, IL, IN, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY
Silene acaulis var. exscapa (All.) DC.Moss Campion; Caryophyllaceae. Raw root skins used for food. AK, ID, ME, MT, NH, OR, WA
Sium suave Walt. Hemlock Waterparsnip; Apiaceae. Root used for food. All States except HI, NM, OK
Smilax herbacea L. Smooth Carrionflower; Smilacaceae. Fruit of the carrion flower used as food. AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV
Solanum tuberosum L. Irish Potato; Solanaceae. Potatoes cultivated, harvested and stored in a root cellar for winter use. AL, AR, CA, CT, FL, HI, IL, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NV, OH, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT, WA, WI
Sporobolus airoides (Torr.) Torr. Alkali Sacaton; Poaceae. Grain occasionally used for food during famines. AR, AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, NY, OK, OR, SC, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY
Sporobolus flexuosus (Thurb. ex Vasey) Rydb. Mesa Dropseed; Poaceae. Grain occasionally used for food during famines. AZ, CA, CO, KS, MT, NM, NV, TX, UT
Streptopus amplexifolius (L.) DC. Claspleaf Twistedstalk; Liliaceae. Young, tender shoots used in salads. Berries used for food. AZ, CA, CT, ID, MA, ME, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OR, PA, TN, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY
Symphyotrichum dumosum var. dumosumRice Button Aster; Asteraceae. Small fruits eaten. AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, ME, MS, NC, NH, NJ, OK ,RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
Taraxacum sp. Dandelion; Asteraceae. Tender, young leaves used raw or cooked as a green vegetable, eaten in salads and as a potherb. Raw, fresh leaves used as an excellent source for vitamin C and pro-vitamin A. AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Trifolium fucatum Lindl. Bull Clover; Fabaceae. Flowers and seed pods used for food MI, OR, WA
Triticum aestivum L. Common Wheat; Poaceae. Seed used in mush and to make flour for bread. All States
Triteleia hyacinthina (Lindl.) Greene Fool's Onion; Liliaceae. Root eaten boiled and mashed, like potatoes ID, NV, OR, WA
Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. Western Hemlock; Pinaceae. Inner bark roasted in a pit oven, sometimes mixed with dried berries and pressed into cakes ID, MT, OR, WA
Typha latifolia L. Broadleaf Cattail; Typhaceae. Green flower spikes boiled in salted water and eaten. Shoots eaten boiled or roasted. AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis (Ait.) Seland. California Nettle; Urticaceae. Fresh, green leaves used as a good source of pro-vitamin A, vitamin C and some of the minerals. Leaves boiled and eaten as a good substitute for spinach. AK, AZ, CA, CO, DC, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NM, NY, OK, OR, PA, SD, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY
Vaccinium caespitosum Michx. Dwarf Blueberry; Ericaceae. Berries eaten raw or cooked in pies, puddings and muffins, frozen or canned for winter use. Berries used as a fair source of vitamin C.
Vaccinium membranaceum Dougl. ex Torr. Blue Huckleberry; Ericaceae. Berries eaten raw, cooked in pies, puddings and muffins, frozen or canned for winter use. Berries used as a fair source of vitamin C. AZ, CA, ID, MI, MT, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY
Vaccinium ovalifolium Sm. Ovalleaf Blueberry; Ericaceae. Berries eaten raw or cooked in pies, puddings and muffins, frozen or canned for winter use. Berries used as a fair source of vitamin C. ID, MI, OR, WA
Vaccinium oxycoccos L. Small Cranberry; Ericaceae. Fruit eaten raw, cooked and used for food. CT, ID, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, VT, WA, WI, WV
Vaccinium parvifolium Sm. Red Huckleberry; Ericaceae. Fruit used to make a very superior jelly OR, WA
Vaccinium uliginosum L. Bog Blueberry; Ericaceae. Berries frozen or canned for winter use. Berries eaten raw used as a fair source of vitamin C, cooked in pies, puddings and muffins. Berry pudding used as a topping for hotcakes, bread or desserts. Berry juice made into a vinegar and used to pickle meats and greens ID, ME, MI, MN, MT, NH, NV, NY, OR, UT, VT, WA, WY
Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. Lingonberry; Ericaceae. Berries used to make jams and jellies. Berries cooked as a sauce. Berries mixed with rose hip pulp and sugar to make jam. Juice diluted and sweetened to make a refreshing beverage. Berries stored for future use. MA, ME, MI, MN, NH, VT, WI
Valeriana edulis Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray Edible Valerian; Valerianaceae Raw root poisonous and cooked root used for food. Boiled root used for food. Roots cooked overnight and eaten. Roots stored in underground pits for about a year. Large quantities of roots cooked in a kiln until black and very sticky. Steamed, cooked roots used for food. Root used for hemorrhages. Poultice of pulverized root placed on painful and bleeding cuts and applied to draw out inflammation of boils. Root used as a tapeworm medicine. Pounded roots rubbed on swollen and bruised parts and rubbed on parts affected by rheumatism. AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY
Viburnum edule (Michx.) Raf. Mooseberry Viburnum; Caprifoliaceae Berries used to make jelly. CO, ID, ME, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, OR, SD, VT, WA, WI, WY
Washingtonia filifera (L. Linden) H. Wendl. California Fan Palm; Arecaceae. Fruit and seed ground into a flour and used to make mush. AZ, CA, FL, NV
Wyethia amplexicaulis (Nutt.) Nutt. Mulesears Wyethia; Asteraceae. Root heated, fermented and eaten. CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY
Yucca baccata Torr. Banana Yucca; Agavaceae. Flower stalks gathered before blossoming, roasted in fire and prepared for use. AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV, TX, UT
Yucca glauca Nutt. Small Soapweed; Agavaceae. Seed pods boiled and used for food. AR, CO, IA, KS, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, WY
Zizania aquatica L. Annual Wildrice; Poaceae. Grain used as an important and prized food item.
Zostera marina L.Seawrack; Zosteraceae. Greenish "root" (actually rhizomes) eaten raw CT, DE, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OR, RI, VA, WA
Still working on it...