Q: Where do I go for a good book describing edible outdoor plants?

A: Native plant expert Shannon Pable  suggests taking some wild edible classes first. That way you’ll have an experienced professional identify plants for you and point out those that are most commonly used for food and medicine. Mark Warren  holds weekend classes in Dahlonega. Patricia Howell , is an herbalist and holds edible and medicinal plant classes in Rabun County. After you take a class or two, you will better understand what reading materials and reference guides fit your needs.

For books, try Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide, Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification by Thomas Elpel, Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not So Wild) Places by Steve Brill, Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians by Patricia Howell, and Mountain Medicine: The Herbal Remedies of Tommie Bass by Darryl Patton.

Always be 100% positive on identification before you ingest any plants!

all parts of a dandelion are edible