These Are 5 Edible Plants You Can Forage For In Michigan

Nothing beats fresh local food often found at a farmer's market.

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But If you're the adventurous type and want to forage for food on your own then these are some good options found in Michigan.

These Are 5 Edible Plants You Can Forage For In Michigan

Blueberries 

Wild blueberry shrubs are stout plants with small, pointed leaves and pinkish-white flowers.

The blue-to-purple berries ripen in mid-to-late summer and are full of flavor. Berries can be identified by a five-pointed crown on their undersides.

Brambles 

Berries in the bramble family are among the easiest to identify and pick. These include raspberries, blackberries, black raspberries, and thimbleberries.

They are identifiable by their clusters of hollow-capped, compound berries that ripen in summer.

These plants grow in thickets and feature woody canes with bristles or thorns, alternate-toothed leaves with lighter undersides, and small white flowers.

Michigan Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)

Michigan Mayapples, also known as Podophyllum peltatum, can be found in moist, shaded woods of southern Michigan. They grow 12-18 inches tall and are known for their large, twin, umbrella-like leaves. In the spring, they produce a single white or pinkish flower, followed by a green fruit that ripens in late summer.

While the fruit of the Mayapple is edible and has a sweet, custard-like flavor, the roots and leaves are highly toxic and should not be consumed. It is important to note that the fruit should only be eaten when fully ripe, as unripe fruit can cause stomach upset.

Pawpaw (Wild-Banana)

Pawpaw, also known as wild-banana or American custard-apple tastes like a mix of mango, banana, and citrus. Pawpaws were once widespread across the eastern United States and as far west as Nebraska, and settlers named the southwest Michigan city of Paw Paw after them.

Pawpaws can be found in the southern third of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. They have a slow growth rate and tend to form thickets, and they are an understory tree that tolerates shade and likes consistently moist, rich, and well-drained soil

Morels

Morales are a type of mushroom that are highly sought after by foragers and chefs alike. They are known for their unique flavor and texture and can be found in the wild during the months of May and June in Michigan.

However, it is important to note that not all mushrooms that resemble Michigan Morales are safe to eat. False Morales can cause serious illness if ingested, so it is crucial to properly identify them before consuming. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development provides a helpful factsheet on how to distinguish between true and false Morale.