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Plants and Fungi
Warning: Please Read Carefully
DO NOT: Rely solely on the information given here. We are not responsible if you falsely identify any of the plants or fungi shown here. There are a number of factors that require to be taken into account when identifying any plants or fungi, foliage, bark, surroundings, time of year are only a few of these factors. DO NOT: Consume any of the plants or fungi shown here. Some of these plants contain poisons and toxins, there is also the possibility of cross contamination from other plants and fungi by wildlife. DO NOT: Touch any of the plants or fungi without a positive ID, there are poisons and toxins that can be passed through the skin on contact, or into small cuts. Seek professional hands on tuition on plant and fungi identification.. A false ID can be fatal!
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| 1. Chicken of the Woods (Genus: Laetiporus)For those who miss "chicken" when out in the wilderness, Chicken-of-the-woods can prove to be a good substitute. Found abundantly across the globe, especially during summer and autumn, Chicken-of-the-woods is a parasitic mushroom that creates its own hollowed-out home on the trunk of a living tree such as oak (a favourite), yew, cedar, cherry wood, eucalyptus, willow, elm, or sweet chestnut. It can grow on decaying matter too. Easily noticeable because of its weight (can go up to 45 kg) and size (ranging from 5 cm to 60 cm), the mushroom presents a glowing and bracketed appearance. The smooth and velvety outer skin forms the base for clusters of thick yellowish-orange or ivory-coloured petals. Numerous minute pores dot the yellow under surface. The tender portions and leafy sections of the "young" mushroom are meant for consumption, but only after a thorough cleaning. Fully mature mushrooms or those growing on decaying matter can contain toxins absorbed from the host plant. It is advisable to eat small quantities at first, since the plant's own proteins and allergens can result in swollen lips and a tingling tongue sometimes. Hypersensitive people can even experience nausea and vomiting, disorientation and dizziness. Long-term storage is not possible, as Chicken-of-the-woods does not dry well. Wild Mushrooms on Line | Mushroom Collecting
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| 2. Beefsteak Fungus (Genus: Fistulina)Beefsteak fungus or ox tongue fungus is extremely common in Britain, though found in other parts of the world too-Eastern North America, Europe and Australia. This parasitic plant can be seen clinging to the base of a tree trunk; it prefers trees with broad leaves, such as the oak and sweet chestnut. In Australia, it grows on eucalyptus trees. Though the fruit bodies are most abundant from August to November, late fall produces the best specimens. With a large diameter ranging from 20 cm to 40 cm, the pinkish-red or reddish-brown fruit body resembles a tongue. It is a rough semi-circle, with a somewhat convex surface and slightly inflated margins. The texture is soft and fleshy. There is no visible stem. The underside has pinkish-yellow spores. Thick and succulent, the Beefsteak fungus secretes a red-coloured juice when cut. Fresh and moderately-sized specimens that exhibit an even colour are the best; slimy or excessively soft mushrooms are better left alone. Further, the specimens should be soaked in salt water for sometime and cleaned thoroughly before cooking, as insects tend to settle in the spores. If eaten raw, the mushroom should be boiled in several changes of water, to get rid of the tannic acids absorbed from host trees. Junctify | Arkive
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| 3. Oyster (Genus: Tragopogon)Hitherto always associated with a sea animal, the name Oyster also refers to a wild flower. Though originally from the Mediterranean region, the biennial Oyster plant or Purple salsify also makes its home in the dry grasslands of Northern Europe, Northern America and Southern Africa now. In Britain, the flowering season is from June to September. They flower from June through February in other regions.The plant is shaped like a Parsnip, with a length of 12 inches and a diameter of 2 ½ inches. The roots are generally fleshy and white, but sometimes exhibit greyish, golden or black skins. They are the tapering tap roots, long and straight and narrow. The leaves are easy to recognize with their grass-like appearance and height of 60 cm. They have greyish-green surfaces with white midribs. Each violet flower head is 5 cm across, exhibiting distinctive green bracts that are longer than petals. The roots of the Oyster plant are a favourite as they are similar to delicious oysters in taste. The roots utilized should be heavy, but not too gnarled in appearance. The young roots, shoots and sprouting seeds can be directly used in salads. It is advisable to cook older and mature roots, however, before consuming them. Flickr | Flori Data | California Plant Names
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| 4. Jews Ear (Genus: Auricularia)Call it Jelly Fungus or Jew's Ear; this perennial plant has been a favourite with people across Europe and Asia since the Middle Ages. The Chinese are very fond of it. Able to withstand even freezing temperatures, the thawed-out plant can be consumed safely without any ill effects. The cup-shaped or floppy human Ear makes its home on rotting oak, tree stumps, and decaying branches of the Elder tree. Red in colour with a purplish tint, the large (2 to 15 cm in diameter) Ear is attached to the substrate directly, despite the presence of a rudimentary stem. Smooth, or undulating with tiny folds, the upper surface is covered with tiny hairs. Generally smooth, the lighter-coloured inner surface might exhibit veins at times. Traces of spores are visible on both surfaces. It is best to consume Jew's Ear when it is young and fresh, for then it is soft, moist, elastic and chewy like gelatine. The stem, however, should be discarded. And just to be on the safe side, it is advisable to boil Jew's Ear for 45 minutes or more in a solution of stock or milk, before consumption. The mature Fungus is black and hard. It can be dried and ground, to add flavour to dishes. Wild Mushrooms OnLine | UK Safari | MD Idea
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| 5. HorseredishComing Soon ...
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Warning: Please Read Carefully
DO NOT: Rely solely on the information given here. We are not responsible if you falsely identify any of the plants or fungi shown here. There are a number of factors that require to be taken into account when identifying any plants or fungi, foliage, bark, surroundings, time of year are only a few of these factors. DO NOT: Consume any of the plants or fungi shown here. Some of these plants contain poisons and toxins, there is also the possibility of cross contamination from other plants and fungi by wildlife. DO NOT: Touch any of the plants or fungi without a positive ID, there are poisons and toxins that can be passed through the skin on contact, or into small cuts. Seek professional hands on tuition on plant and fungi identification.. A false ID can be fatal!
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| 6. MintComing Soon ...
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| 7. Burdock (Genus: Articum)A plant that offers both, nutritional and medicinal benefits, Burdock belongs to a group of biennial thistles. It is abundantly available in early spring, in the woods of Europe, Asia and North America. This wild plant reaches a height of 5 feet and grows expansively. The dark-green, heart-shaped leaves are very distinctive, reaching a length of 45 cm to 1 foot. Rather fuzzy or woolly underneath, these leaves are low-lying. The tap roots are black in colour. The flowers resemble purple shaving brushes, and contain plenty of nectar. The fruits sport globular and sticky seed heads or burs that get caught in the clothes of human beings and the pelts of animals. The young tap roots of the Burdock plant are edible, provided they are collected fresh in spring or autumn; they might become too dry or old or tough to consume afterwards. Since they are deeply anchored and need to be dug out, the roots should be thoroughly cleansed and the tough outer rind cut off before cooking. Even the leaf stalks and leaves are best consumed, young. But they are quite bitter in taste, so generally need to be combined with something else before consumption. The seeds can be used to prepare a herbal tea. Life Mana | Wild Man Steve Brill | Alternative Nature
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| 8. Nettle (Genus: Urtica)The Nettle can be seen growing everywhere-open meadows, hedge banks, roadsides, and so on-wherever it can find soil that is rich in nitrates. Hence, the rapidly-growing, perennial plant is a common sight across the British Isles, Western Asia, North Africa, western part of North America, parts of South America, Australia and Europe. The erect stem of the Nettle can reach a height of 4 feet. The leaves are the main attraction-dark-green and serrated at the edges, triangular in shape, large in size (2 to 4 inches long with varying breadth), and covered with tiny hairs containing formic acid. At the junctions of the stem and leaves, there are clusters of greenish-white or reddish-brown flowers, but with no petals. It is advisable to wear gloves and protective clothing when handling the leaves, for each tiny hair releases its poison upon being touched. The result is a stinging sensation and a rash. Intensely sensitive people can suffer from respiratory illnesses or allergic conjunctivitis if they are exposed to the pollen from Nettle plants. Apart from that, it is safe to collect the young shoots of the plant, boil or dry them (to remove the sting), cook, and consume them; they are rich in vitamin C. Age Old Herbs | Country Lovers
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| 9. HawthornComing Soon ...
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| 10. Lords and Ladies (Genus: Arum)"Royal" in appearance, and bestowed with a "royal" name, Lords and Ladies is a common sight in the British Isles, Central Europe, and Southern Europe; it grows in woods, along hedgerows and shaded ditches. While the plant blossoms only during the spring, the orange-red fruits can be seen only in autumn. The locals have given it many other names too, such as Adam and Eve, Cuckoo pint, Wake Robin and Adder's Root. Beautiful Lords and Ladies commands attention with its sparkling green, arrow-shaped leaves, dotted with black specks. From amongst this clump of leaves, arises a tall, slender cowl; it is a covering for the slender purple-coloured Spike or Spadix. The flowers give out a rather pungent fragrance. Appearances are deceptive, however, for the leaves and fruits of this plant are highly toxic in nature, leading to a stinging sensation within the mouth, irritation in the eyes, asphyxiation, digestive problems, and even cardiac disorders in extra-sensitive individuals. Only the tuberous root is safe, and can be processed to yield a rather bitter-tasting starch. Hand gloves are to be worn while processing, keeping other foodstuffs well away. All used utensils are to be thoroughly washed and dried naturally. The root is not to be consumed in its raw form. Arkive | Herbarim
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Warning: Please Read Carefully
DO NOT: Rely solely on the information given here. We are not responsible if you falsely identify any of the plants or fungi shown here. There are a number of factors that require to be taken into account when identifying any plants or fungi, foliage, bark, surroundings, time of year are only a few of these factors. DO NOT: Consume any of the plants or fungi shown here. Some of these plants contain poisons and toxins, there is also the possibility of cross contamination from other plants and fungi by wildlife. DO NOT: Touch any of the plants or fungi without a positive ID, there are poisons and toxins that can be passed through the skin on contact, or into small cuts. Seek professional hands on tuition on plant and fungi identification.. A false ID can be fatal!
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| 11. Hemp Agrimony (Genus: Eupatorium)Native to the British Isles, the perennial, herbaceous Hemp Agrimony is also found in Europe, North Africa, and Western and Central Asia. It loves damp habitats such as woodlands, marshes, ditches, fens, heaths, etc. The flowering season lasts from July (late summer) to September (early autumn). The woody rootstock gives rise to a round, bushy, reddish stem that is around 1.2 m in height, and covered with downy hairs. Every leaf on the stem has an extremely tiny stalk. Each leaf is further divided into three lance-shaped segments that are deeply and coarsely toothed. Often likened to raspberries and cream, the flower heads are soft, tiny and pinkish-purple in appearance, and give off a pleasant fragrance. Edible, but more useful as a medicine, Hemp Agrimony cannot be consumed by all; certain precautions need to be observed. Considering that the plant acts like an emetic, diuretic and laxative, pregnant women and nursing mothers are advised to avoid it. The drying action of the plant has a bad impact on those who suffer from dryness of mouth or constipation. Topical application may result in the skin becoming extra-sensitive to sunlight. Patients on blood-thinning medicines should stay away. Finally, the plant contains a volatile oil that can affect the kidneys. Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland | Nature Gate | Realy Wild Flowers
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| 12. ElderComing Soon ...
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| 13. Goose GrassComing Soon ...
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| 14. BlackberryComing Soon ...
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| 15. Great MilleinComing Soon ...
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Warning: Please Read Carefully
DO NOT: Rely solely on the information given here. We are not responsible if you falsely identify any of the plants or fungi shown here. There are a number of factors that require to be taken into account when identifying any plants or fungi, foliage, bark, surroundings, time of year are only a few of these factors. DO NOT: Consume any of the plants or fungi shown here. Some of these plants contain poisons and toxins, there is also the possibility of cross contamination from other plants and fungi by wildlife. DO NOT: Touch any of the plants or fungi without a positive ID, there are poisons and toxins that can be passed through the skin on contact, or into small cuts. Seek professional hands on tuition on plant and fungi identification.. A false ID can be fatal!
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| 16. FoxgloveComment
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| 17. St Johns WardComing Soon ...
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| 18. Coltsfoot (Genus: Tussilago)Native to England, Europe and North America, the perennial Coltsfoot is an invasive weed, rushing to occupy every bit of available space on dry soil, wet grounds, along railway banks and wastelands. A single peduncle with a lone yellow flower at the tip shoots out of the underground Rhizome, in late winter (February). This flower stem is covered with white hairs and reddish-coloured bracts. After the death of this peduncle, the surrounding shoots begin to grow leaves during the summer months of June and July.The Coltsfoot stands around 20 cm tall, with white and small roots. Balanced on long stalks, the broad, hoof-shaped leaves with angularly-serrated margins stretch four inches across. New leaves are covered by loose white, felted woolly hairs on both surfaces; the upper surface loses them later. The dandelion-like, fragrant flowers are yellow-coloured; their seeds have tufts of silky hairs attached to them. Though containing mucilage and tannin, every part of this wild plant is edible. The bitter taste, mucilage and slight toxicity can be removed via boiling. Pregnant women should keep their distance from Coltsfoot, for it induces abortion. It is not good for nursing mothers either. Its consumption can interfere with treatment for cardiovascular problems and hypertension; prolonged use is to be avoided. Flora Health | Annies Remedy | All Creatures
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| 19. Garlic MustardComing Soon ...
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| 20. Silver WeedComing Soon ...
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Warning: Please Read Carefully
DO NOT: Rely solely on the information given here. We are not responsible if you falsely identify any of the plants or fungi shown here. There are a number of factors that require to be taken into account when identifying any plants or fungi, foliage, bark, surroundings, time of year are only a few of these factors. DO NOT: Consume any of the plants or fungi shown here. Some of these plants contain poisons and toxins, there is also the possibility of cross contamination from other plants and fungi by wildlife. DO NOT: Touch any of the plants or fungi without a positive ID, there are poisons and toxins that can be passed through the skin on contact, or into small cuts. Seek professional hands on tuition on plant and fungi identification.. A false ID can be fatal!
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| 21. ComfreyComing Soon ...
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| 22. Dead NettleComing Soon ...
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| 23. YarrowComing Soon ...
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| 24. PlantainComing Soon ...
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| 25. Rose Willow HerbComing Soon ...
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Warning: Please Read Carefully
DO NOT: Rely solely on the information given here. We are not responsible if you falsely identify any of the plants or fungi shown here. There are a number of factors that require to be taken into account when identifying any plants or fungi, foliage, bark, surroundings, time of year are only a few of these factors. DO NOT: Consume any of the plants or fungi shown here. Some of these plants contain poisons and toxins, there is also the possibility of cross contamination from other plants and fungi by wildlife. DO NOT: Touch any of the plants or fungi without a positive ID, there are poisons and toxins that can be passed through the skin on contact, or into small cuts. Seek professional hands on tuition on plant and fungi identification.. A false ID can be fatal!
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| 26. Monkshood (Genus: Aconitum)Generally found on rocky or stony slopes of mountains, wet grasslands and near forest streams, the perennial Monkshood has the tenacity to survive even in freezing temperatures, right across Europe, the Himalayan regions of Asia, and North America. Monkshood is extraordinarily glorious to behold, for its blossoms have multiple hues-white, yellow, bright violet, pink, or a deep luxuriant blue. Even the shape of each flower is unusual, as it mimics a monk's hood. The stem can be anywhere between three and five feet tall, ending in divided foliage. The coarsely-textured, darkly-veined leaves almost hug the slender, but strong stem. Monkshood is a plant to strictly avoid, however, for it is one of the most toxic plants known to man. Every part contains Aconitine, a life-threatening alkaloid -tuberous roots, leaves, stem, petals, and sap. Mere touching of the plant without gloves will result in mild irritation, nausea and dizziness, for the poison is absorbed through open skin. Consumption of a small quantity will result in headache, vomiting dizziness, and a burning sensation within the mouth. In case large quantities are consumed, the individual can be seen to convulse in agony. Within an hour, either the person asphyxiates due to failure of the circulatory system, or goes into a coma and finally dies. Consumption of at least three to five pints of water immediately after ingestion, might possibly lead to recovery. Vince Lewis | Poisonous Plants
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| 27. Wild StrawberryComing Soon ...
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| 28. MallowComing Soon ...
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| 29. Wood SorrelComing Soon ...
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| 30. Fat HenComing Soon ...
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Warning: Please Read Carefully
DO NOT: Rely solely on the information given here. We are not responsible if you falsely identify any of the plants or fungi shown here. There are a number of factors that require to be taken into account when identifying any plants or fungi, foliage, bark, surroundings, time of year are only a few of these factors. DO NOT: Consume any of the plants or fungi shown here. Some of these plants contain poisons and toxins, there is also the possibility of cross contamination from other plants and fungi by wildlife. DO NOT: Touch any of the plants or fungi without a positive ID, there are poisons and toxins that can be passed through the skin on contact, or into small cuts. Seek professional hands on tuition on plant and fungi identification.. A false ID can be fatal!
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| 31.Coming Soon ...
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| 32. Chick WeedComing Soon ...
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| 33. King HenryComing Soon ...
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Warning: Please Read Carefully
DO NOT: Rely solely on the information given here. We are not responsible if you falsely identify any of the plants or fungi shown here. There are a number of factors that require to be taken into account when identifying any plants or fungi, foliage, bark, surroundings, time of year are only a few of these factors. DO NOT: Consume any of the plants or fungi shown here. Some of these plants contain poisons and toxins, there is also the possibility of cross contamination from other plants and fungi by wildlife. DO NOT: Touch any of the plants or fungi without a positive ID, there are poisons and toxins that can be passed through the skin on contact, or into small cuts. Seek professional hands on tuition on plant and fungi identification.. A false ID can be fatal!
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