Plant guide

A nutrient-dense perennial with opposite leaves and stinging hairs. Common along trails, edges, and rich soils across the Great Lakes.

Beloved spring ephemeral of rich hardwood forests. Onion/garlic aroma is a key ID trait. Highly pressured — harvest with care.

Iconic spring mushrooms of Midwest woodlands. True morels are hollow from tip to stem. Always cook thoroughly.

Shrub of wet edges and thickets. Ripe blue-black berries used for syrups after proper preparation.

Low mat-forming succulent with tiny yellow star flowers. Common on rocky ground and sandy openings in West Michigan.

Invasive biennial. Crushed leaves smell of garlic. Harvesting can support native plant recovery where allowed.

Wetland staple with edible shoots and pollen in season. Critical habitat plant — harvest lightly.

Small trees/shrubs with early white blossoms and sweet purple-blue berries in early summer.

Native mint-family perennial with lavender flowers beloved by pollinators.

Familiar spring woodland and lawn violet. Flowers and young leaves used in salads.

Biennial with large leaves and burrs. First-year roots and young stalks are classic wild foods.

Ubiquitous beginner plant. Fully usable parts when free of chemicals.

Native wild grape of river corridors. Tart fruit for jellies.

Low evergreen of acidic woods. Classic wintergreen aroma; red berries persist.

Essential avoidance plant. Learn vine, shrub, and seasonal forms for every Great Lakes outing.