Please read all caution notes for each relevant plant. Also read the general safety notes.

Keep samples of plants consumed. In case of adverse reaction seek medical attention immediately, taking along the samples.

This list of plants was compiled from several sources which have claimed edibility of these plants or some of their parts. The information was cross-referenced with information from herbal medicine books and databases of poisonous plants. Some of it is contradictory. Every effort has been made to bring together as much data as possible to allow an informed decision about edibility.

The information is given in good faith, but is by no means complete, and is of known hazards only. Absence of information on toxicity or danger, or inclusion in this list is not indicative of a plant's safety. Consumption is at the reader's own risk and discretion.

Some guidance may reduce the risk of starvation in a survival situation, but it is best to err on the safe side when other food is available.

The list below has basic essential details for over 300 plants. There are also about 50 plants (highlighted in brick-red) which have a more in-depth profile which can be accessed with a button link inside the drop-down item. Most of those profiled plants have photos which you can access from the profile page.

The list on this page allows quick access to the most important information, whilst inside the profile view you can also browse from plant to plant alphabetically from links at the bottom of the page.

Plant parts:
leaf
stem or trunk
sap
root, bulb, tuber and other below ground parts
flower
fruit
seed

Other:
caution

Botanical name: Agrimonia eupatoria
Family: Rose (Rosaceae)
Perennial

Collectability: availability unknown

Edible parts and how to consume
: tea
: cooked

Safety unknown

Botanical name: Berberis vulgaris
Family: Barberry (Berberidaceae)
Deciduous shrub

Collectability: availability unknown

Edible parts and how to consume
: raw

The bark (especially of the root) is toxic. The fruit is safe.

Botanical name: Silene vulgaris
Family: Pink (Caryophyllaceae)
Perennial

Collectability: availability unknown

Edible parts and how to consume
(shoot) : raw

Contains saponins. Saponins may be beneficial in small doses, but are toxic in large. May be removed by leaching, rinsing or heat. Eat in moderation. May affect mucous membranes. Some saponins are highly toxic.

Botanical name: Chrysanthemum leucanthemum
Family: Daisy (Asteraceae)
Perennial

Collectability: availability unknown

Edible parts and how to consume
: raw

Safety unknown

Botanical name: Oenothera glazioviana
Family: Willowherb (Onagraceae)
Perennial

Collectability: availability unknown, worthwhile root

Edible parts and how to consume
(shoot) : raw
: cooked

Shoots may be toxic. Leaves and root may be irritating to throat.

Botanical name: Foeniculum vulgare
Family: Carrot (Apiaceae)
Biennial/perennial

Collectability: availability unknown, worthwhile root

Edible parts and how to consume
: raw
: flavouring, sprouted
: cooked

May cause photo sensitivity in sensitive people. Contact with sap my cause irritation in sensitive people.

Member of the carrot family. There are a number of deadly poisonous plants in this family, with great superficial resemblance to edible plants. It is therefore advisable to be very careful when identifying plants in this family, and only consume them if you are completely sure of correct identification. See special note on the carrot family on the safety page.

Botanical name: Galinsoga parviflora
Family: Daisy (Asteraceae)
Annual

Collectability: availability unknown, weed

Edible parts and how to consume
: raw

May be toxic to goats

Botanical name: Leontodon hispidus
Family: Daisy (Asteraceae)
Perennial

Collectability: availability unknown, weed

Edible parts and how to consume
: raw
: roasted, beverage

Safety unknown

Botanical name: Juniperus communis
Family: Cypress (Cupressaceae)
Evergreen shrub

Collectability: rare and of little value as food

Edible parts and how to consume
: tea
: flavouring, tea
: roasted, beverage (cone slow to mature)

May be toxic to kidneys if consumed in large quantities. Avoid if pregnant.

Botanical name: Laminaria digitata - Seaweed

Collectability: plentiful, specialised habitat - very low tidal waters

Botanical name: Alchemilla vulgaris
Family: Rose (Rosaceae)
Perennial

Collectability: availability unknown

Edible parts and how to consume
: raw
: cooked

Safety unknown

Botanical name: Adiantum capillus-veneris
Perennial

Collectability: rare and of little value as food

Edible parts and how to consume
: cooked

May contain carcinogens.

Contains thiaminase. Thiaminase is a heat-resistant enzyme which destroys Vitamin B1. It is safe in small quantities, and when diet contains plenty of Vitamin B1. It is destroyed by cooking at 80 degrees Centigrade or above for at least 5 minutes.

In-depth profile Botanical name: Filipendula ulmaria
Family: Rose (Rosaceae)
Perennial

Collectability: plentiful, specialised habitat, weed

Edible parts and how to consume
: cooked, tea
: tea, flavouring
: cooked

Contains methyl salicylate - not suitable for individuals with heightened sensitivity to aspirin.

Contains traces of coumarin, especially when dried. Coumarin is a moderate kidney and liver toxin. Can cause headaches and suppress appetite. Coumarin is transformed by certain fungi into an anti-coagulant. Avoid if on drugs for circulatory conditions. Smells of fresh cut hay.

Botanical name: Orchis mascula
Family: Orchid (Orchidaceae)
Perennial

Collectability: famine food - rare but nutritious

Edible parts and how to consume
: cooked

Note: Many orchids are protected and none grow in great profusion - avoid

Botanical name: Anthriscus sylvestris
Family: Carrot (Apiaceae)
Perennial

Collectability: plentiful, common, widespread, weed

Edible parts and how to consume
: raw
: cooked

May be toxic.

Member of the carrot family. There are a number of deadly poisonous plants in this family, with great superficial resemblance to edible plants. It is therefore advisable to be very careful when identifying plants in this family, and only consume them if you are completely sure of correct identification. See special note on the carrot family on the safety page.

Botanical name: Brassica napus
Family: Cabbage (Brassicaceae)
Annual/biennial

Collectability: suspect source information, caution advised

Edible parts and how to consume
: raw
: oil, flavouring

The oil of the seeds is toxic, except in some cultivars.

Also known as Glasswort

Botanical name: Salicornia europaea
Family: Goosefoot (Chenopodaceae)
Annual

Collectability: plentiful, specialised habitat

Edible parts and how to consume
(shoot) : cooked
: oil

Beware of polluted water. Plant contains high concentrations of sodium (salt) and silica.

Botanical name: Tanacetum vulgare
Family: Daisy (Asteraceae)
Perennial

Collectability: suspect source information, caution advised

Edible parts and how to consume
: flavouring

Contains thujone which is toxic to brain and liver cells and may cause abortion if eaten in quantity. Avoid if pregnant.

Does not contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are present in some of Tansy's close relatives.

Botanical name: Valeriana officinalis
Family: Valerian (Valerianacea)
Perennial

Collectability: availability unknown

Edible parts and how to consume
: flavouring
: details unknown

Narcotic - may be addictive if consumed for prolonged period. Consume for no more than three months.

Botanical name: Nymphaea alba
Family: Water-lily (Nymphaeaceae)
Perennial

Collectability: rare (protected) and of little value as food

Edible parts and how to consume
: cooked

Leach in several changes of water to remove substance. May be toxic.