In addition to its usual uses as a garnish or a seasoning for fish, poultry and in casseroles or stews, it can also be eaten on its own to cleanse the pallet and settle the stomach. Canada embarked on its second wave of cannabis legalization, which added edibles, extracts and topicals for recreational consumption to the public, on October 17, 2019. Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants in Saskatchewan Our April 2017 educational event featured plant and landscape ecologist, Sandra Walker. Leaves are generally used in soups, salads, and with beans, rice, fish and poultry. There are two species that produce somewhat edible fruit: Canadian Buffaloberry (Sheperdia Canadensis) and Silver Buffaloberry (Sheperdia argentia). Not only is Betony an attractive addition to the garden with its purple flower spikes, it also has a flavour very similar to black tea without the caffeine. These antioxidant rich berries resemble blueberries in colour and size, and do extremely well as either jam or in a pie. For many people, the phrase “edible plants” conjures up neat rows of carrots, peas and corn. Until dried or cooked, stinging nettle leaves … Crabapples are the more wild relatives of the domesticated apples. Sage does not always survive our winters and needs some additional protection from the cold. Native to the prairies, the Riverbank grape (Vitis riparia) is very hardy but produces little fruit. Haskap berries are quite new to the scene in Alberta, yet grow exceeding well in our climate. Sherwood Park, AB  •  780-410-0611  •  info@salisburylandscaping.ca, #10 of The Top 10 Things You Need To Know Before Landscaping by Donna Brown, Bringing The Outdoors In For The Holidays. ‘Goodman’, ‘Rescue’, ‘Rosybrook’, and ‘Trailman’ are good eating varieties. There are many other unusual and rare fruit trees making their way to North America. Before you go and waste any money on less … Alternatively, several varieties can be grafted on to one tree for the same effect. The dark blue variety, ‘Valiant’, is very hardy and a good producer. All of the plants listed below are suitable for the Canadian prairies (horticultural Zone 3). Thyme has numerous culinary uses including flavouring seafood, poultry, eggs, vegetables, rice and tomato sauces. Long valued for their high vitamin c and other nutrient content, the rose hip producing prickly rose (Rosa acicularis) is easily integrated into the home landscape. Due to their low growing and spreading nature, strawberries also make an excellent ground cover. I have my own favorites, and there are some newer choices out there for the discerning gardener, but the selection of varied species available to us never ceases to amaze me, even if I find there are far too many choices to fit into my own garden plot. Regular chives and garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) are snipped and added to eggs, stir fries, soups, and salads whenever and onion or garlic flavour is desired. I can’t wait. the variety in Alberta is Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus). Some wild plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects. Plants which produce edible leaves are probably the most numerous of all plant foods. It is also used in teas and baths as a natural calming agent. If you are already a fan of this superfood, you know how expensive they are to buy in the store. While it lives it is a tough plant that can handle traffic well. Basil prefers a hot and sunny location in a lighter, sandy soil. They … If the plant you are looking for isn’t on the list, or you have questions or concerns about exposure or eating these plants, please call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) at 1-800-332-1414 (Alberta) Non-toxic plants … Very popular in Asian and Latin American cooking, cilantro adds a fresh and sharp taste to foods. Chicory is a short-lived perennial. Red clover also adds nitrogen to the soil through the symbiotic relationship between select soil bacteria and plant roots. Blog. The plant and flowers are edible… Dill grows up to 4 feet tall or more and is best used at the rear of the garden bed. Most mints are knocked back every few years by colder winter temperatures. Raspberries generally require little care for the amount of fruit they produce, though the fruit bearing canes need to be removed either in later fall or early spring each year. Chicory is a short-lived perennial. It is also often used to flavour vinegars. Both are hardy, drought resistant and very attractive in the urban landscape. Should be divided approximately every three years. Whether you are a seasoned forager, or just enjoy growing different edible plants in your own backyard, there is a myriad of choices of edible shrubs to choose from in Northern Alberta. Applecrabs are a cross between apples and crabapples and are generally larger and sweeter than crabapples. Salad Burnet’s plump leaves have a slightly nutty and cucumber taste that works very well in salads, soups, herb vinegars and as an alternative coleslaw. Berries are first on the list, because they are arguably the most inviting and accessible way to get started with foraging. young leaves are edible raw. rosemary and mint), which come from the green leafy parts of plants, and spices (e.g. You can choose between low bush and high bush varieties, depending on your growing area, however if I had to choose one, I would choose a hybrid of the two, which grows to about 3′ tall and produces bountiful numbers of bright blue berries. Nanking Cherry (Prunus tomentosa), and Mongolian Cherry are also very good producers. It is also dried and ground into a powder or juiced as a supposedly nutrient dense superfood. Lovage grows as a vigorous bushy perennial with leaves that have the strong taste of celery. The young leaves of chicory can be added to salads or cooked up like a chard. It includes all of the major plant, tree, shrub, etc. Woodland strawberry or alpine strawberry (Fragaria vesca) and wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) produces small but extremely tasty berries and can make an effective ground cover or border plant. Angelica has a mild licorice flavour and is often used in candies and deserts because of its natural sweetness. Sea Buckthorn can be aggressive. Similar to oregano but with a more subtle flavour, marjoram is generally used to season meats, cheese, and vegetables. They can be eaten fresh, pickled or stored for winter use. Morchella species. Each entry has a nice photo (some have multiple photos), as well as information on the medicinal use and edible (or inedible) parts of the plant… Plants may needs some winter protection. Red clover handles traffic well and needs little water to survive. Artic raspberry, (Rubus articus ssp. I am also told that deer do not seem to like them, so you are more likely to be able to keep what grows. Used extensively in Biodynamic practises. It has a mild licorice and parsley-like flavour. Bloody dock is reported to have anti-cancer properties. Leaves. Pears require 2 varieties for pollination. 5:36. This perennial relative of the carrot produces a delicate fern like foliage and delicate white flower umbels. Confining them, to a pot dug into the ground may be a useful strategy. A familiar favorite, there are many varieties of basil offering a wide pallet of colours and flavour. Cherry plums, a cross between plums and sand cherries, also do well on the prairies. ‘Norda’, ‘Harcourt’, ‘Brookland’, ‘September Ruby’) and one late-season producer (i.e. Fall-bearing varieties bear fruit on the new canes each year. The initiative was simple and yet effective: edible plants were added to garden pots in and around the community for anyone to access. Nov. 21, 2020. Mature plants will reach over 5 meters in height. As a ground cover, it is exemplary, in that it takes heavy traffic well and it survives both drought and extreme cold. ‘Fedorovsk’ is perhaps the hardiest but not the best eating. Wild, Plant, Forage, Foraging, Edible, Alberta, Native, Outdoors, Survival, Hiking, Nature, Botany. Phlox has five petals, Dame’s Rocket has just four. All grapes will need a warm location and some winter protection. However, if you don’t have the right kind of guides you’ll only frustrate yourself.When beginning to learn about edible/medicinal plants, most people will go to the bookstore and pick up the fattest field guide they see with a bunch of colorful photos. Usually hardy to the prairies, oregano is sometimes grown as an annual though it can survive our winters particularly if protected with snow or mulch. While it is relatively new to the prairies, gardeners have reported successful cultivation of this plant. Most mints establish quickly and tend to spread rapidly. While the traditional garden vegetables and field crops can certainly find their place within an “edible landscape”, the possibilities for urbanites to produce a bounty of fruits, berries, culinary herbs, plants for tea, edible flowers, and unique perennial vegetables provide for many more exciting possibilities. The honey-sweet lemon fragrance of this plant makes it a favourite for teas. Great for using fresh in vegetable dishes, soups, stews and stir fries. Most mints establish quickly and tend to spread rapidly. Most thymes, including Thymus pulegioides are low growing and make resilient and very fragrant ground covers. Native edible species are the Wild Black currant (Ribes americanum) and Wild Red Currant (Ribes triste). Dec 6, 2015 - Explore Amy Thorn Porchamour's board "Medicinal and edible weeds in Alberta" on Pinterest. All walks 6 pm to 8:30 pm June 4 - Nose Hill, (64th st pkng lot NW) June 9 - Edworthy Park (5050 Spruce drive SW) June 16-South … Hyssop is best as a tea when mixed with spearmint or lemon balm. While this is not an exhaustive list, there are over 80 different species included which should provide many options for Alberta landscapes. Flowers are harvested and dried to make a calming tea, also known to aid digestion. The tangy tasting leaves of sorrel and zest to salads or can be used in making sorrel soup. The peppery aroma of summer sage makes it very popular in the seasoning of beans, chicken, fish and in soups and sauces. The striking pink, red, or purple blossoms can be added to salads. There are three types of blueberries that will grow in the Edmonton area: lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium), highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum), and a hybrid cross of highbush and lowbush. leaves are suitable as a potherb. This berry has been a staple of native peoples and prairie settlers for generations and their health benefits are many. Either on their own or mixed with other herbs, mints make excellent teas. Closely related is the species Ribes hirtellum. It has long been used as a ground cover and can be heavily walked on and mown if desired. Some will require some winter protection, however. Sandra described a number of locally found plants, their culinary potential, and uses for health and wellness. Raspberries seem to grow everywhere and anywhere, and Alberta is no exception. Will grow over 6 feet tall! Mints are used in salads, soups, with lamb, and in vegetable dishes. edible and medicinal plant species, link to the Plants for a Future database. Nathan Parks 32 views. Mints are used in salads, soups, with lamb, and in vegetable dishes. ‘Dolgo’, ‘Columbia’, and ‘Artic Red’ are three popular edible varieties. orientalis) is a type of Russian Olive that bears abundant date-like fruits that are sweet and good fro fresh eating or drying. Start with the number-one habitat for wild edible plants — your lawn. will tolerate partial shade. For herbs in Alberta, check out Inspired Market Gardens. Shrub-like in growth habit, Sea Buckthorn will require at least 3 square meters for its mature size. These can either be used in combination or on their own. The berries are said to have a sweetness to them with an herblike aftertaste and can be incorporated into your diet via smoothies, trail mixes, added to salads, or just eaten raw. Annual and biennial herbs, like parsley, basil, and cilantro, are surprisingly appealing to animals, considering their strong scent. Also known as Himalayan Goji Berry or Wolf Berry, this hardy plants produces clusters of small red fruit that is cooked into soups in some Asian cuisine. Happy Holidays! The leaves, seeds, and roots all have a licorice-like tastes and can be used in salads, baking, soups and stews. Fresh leaves are used in salads and dried leaves can be used to season chicken, fish and vegetables. Sea Buckthorn is a very hardy, drought tolerant plant that also “fixes” its own nitrogen in the soil through a complex interaction between its roots soil micro-organisms. Confining them, to a pot dug into the ground may be a useful strategy. Respect endangered species. Very attractive to bees. Rosemary is a relatively slow growing herb and is therefore often grown in pots and brought indoors for the winter in colder climates. This perennial sunflower produces very large tubers that are rich in vitamins, minerals and starch. In fact, most Canadians don’t even know about these delicious and hardy berries, as they are not widely available in many provinces east of us. Native to the prairies, anise hyssop is a strikingly beautiful tall plant with spikes of purple flowers. While they may still be difficult to find, the following species may be worth considering for colder climates: (Sorbus x Pyrus) is a cross between a European Mountain Ash and a pear developed in the former Yugoslavia. acaulis) is a sprawling, creeping native raspberry that makes an excellent ground cover. Fresh or dried leaves make a refreshing tea, reminiscent of Earl Grey. Roots can be roasted and eaten or brewed as a coffee substitute. The plants grow to around 5 feet in height and width in our climate. Edible products could translate into $2.7 billion worth of sales in the next year, according to Deloitte's June report on the country's cannabis industry. The young cucumber-flavoured leaves of borage make a nice addition to salads. Most commonly a pleasant tasting tea is made from the dried flowers. They are also packed with fibre, fat-free and low in calories. Plums also require two compatible cultivars for cross-pollination. Nettles also make excellent “green manures” and organic fertilizer teas. Raspberries are abundantly popular in Alberta and there are many varieties that produce very well in our climate. Young leaves are the nicest. ‘Early Gold’, ‘Golden Spice’, ‘Ure’, ‘Prairie Sweet’, ‘Summer Crisp’ and ‘Roppo’ are good selections for eating and canning. An easy to grow, long living perennial that adds an interesting “spiky” texture to the garden and a splash of purple colour when in bloom. Saskatoon bushes can also serve as a tall hedge once established and can grow to 15′ tall. Any place that is regularly cleared is potentially loaded with weeds such as dandelion, chickweed, plantain, wild onion, violets, wood sorrel, henbit, clover, dead-nettle and sow thistle — all of which are 100% edible. One plant is sufficient for most yards. Catnip is strongly attractive to cats and should be planted in chicken wire or some other enclosure. The flowers of red clover have long been known to have many positive health effects including anti cancer properties. cumin and cinnamon), which come from other plant parts. Evans Cherry (Prunus cerasus ‘Evans’) is a very popular, larger sour cherry. Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Rockies ... 5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book with a lot of information relevant to Alberta… Several edible weeds have ‘toxic look-alikes.’ Use a reputable foraging guidebook or plant identification app, and take classes or hire a professional guide to teach you. ‘Martin’, ‘Northline’, and ‘ Smoky’ have an upright shrub-like form while ‘Altaglow’, ‘Honeywood’, ‘Theissen’, and ‘Pembina’ grow more tree-like from a single stem. Edible Flowers of the Prairies - Tasty florals, tips on petal selection and recipes. Fresh or dried leaves make a mellow mint-like tea that is said to improve digestion. Based on their breeding work since the 1940’s, the University of Saskatchewan has recently made available a new series of prairie hardy cherries that produce abundant, large sized fruit that are a cross between sweet and sour cherries in taste. Great for use in salads, soups, stews, and anywhere else that celery is used. Below is a list of the most common plants in Alberta. What could be better than to cut down on some of the labor-intensive, water-guzzling and fertilizer-demanding lawn creating a beautiful alternative ground cover that also feeds you? The following list provides a good start for those interested in having a variety of edibles growing in their own yards, communities or public spaces. This is not the best option. Technically Zone 4 but can survive winters with protection. The delicious young shoots of asparagus provide an early spring harvest year after year once established. Both shoots and leaves are very strong in Iron. Copyright © 2020 Salisbury Landscaping • 52337 Range Road 232 Brentwood Blvd. Edible plants in Alberta 2:11 This story was originally published on June 27. With some exceptions, most of these plants are perennial which means once given a suitable location within the landscape, they will keep on producing food for harvest for many years. Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), and Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana) are sweet cherries that are native to Alberta and very hardy. seeds can be winnowed, roasted and ground into a flour. Once the bane of the urban homeowner’s existence, the nutritional and medicinal benefits of the lowly dandelion are making a comeback. ( e.g Sprout U-Pick apples Farms one tree for the prairies - Tasty florals, on! Use in salads, sauces, with meats, cheese, and cloudberries … young leaves are used salads... 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