In spring and summer, nature's table is generously set. We are allowed to collect and enjoy their gifts for free. As autumn approaches, we have to say goodbye to some beloved wild herbs. But some specimens are also there for us in autumn or especially then. Here is a selection.
What edible wild herbs can you find in autumn?
Edible wild herbs in autumn include nettles, watercress, Frenchman's weed, daisies, groundwort, pennywort, chickweed and meadow bedstraw. Wild roots and autumnal fruits such as sea buckthorn, rose hips, hawthorn and blackthorn are also available.
Stinging nettles
The nettle is one of the wild herbs of spring. Then their leaves are particularly tender and tasty. In autumn we can curiously try their seeds. Lightly roasted in the pan, they are a delight.
Watercress
Real watercress grows all year round in clean ponds and streams. It tastes spicy, hot and a little sour. It can be sprinkled on bread or added to salads.
Note:The real watercress can easily be confused with the bitter foamwort. Since this is not one of the poisonous wild herbs and is itself edible, the mix-up will pass the collector without a trace.
French herb
The small-flowered buttonweed, as this wild plant is also called, is one of the edible wild plants that we don't have to look for for long. It's worth finding because we get iron, calcium and manganese from it. In larger quantities than our cultivated vegetables can provide.
Daisies
Who says that a wild herb always has to come from the “wild”? Wild herbs in the garden are not uncommon and don't take long to look for. When the gardener no longer uses the lawnmower, it comes back in autumn as if from nowhere: the daisy.
Gundermann
This wild plant is also known as wild parsley. The fine aroma can be used in many ways in the kitchen. The Gundermann is also extremely he althy and healing.
Pennigkraut
The small, round leaves of this wild plant offer us the following ingredients:
- Potassium
- Silica
- tannins
- Slimes
The leaves are usually picked for herb quark or salads.
chickweed
The delicate chickweed can serve us all year round. Not only is it ready to pick in autumn, but it also survives mild winters. Any collector familiar with the identifying features can easily track it down.
Meadow bedstraw
There are around 600 different bedstraws. Some of them continue to grow undisturbed in autumn or even winter. The meadow bedstraw is the easiest to recognize and discover.
Wild roots in autumn
Collecting wild herbs with a shovel reveals delicious things. Among other things, roots of:
- Cloveroot
- Valerian
- Comfrey
- Soapweed
- Dandelions
Autumn Wild Fruits
These wild plant species give us their fruits in autumn:
- Sea buckthorn
- Rosehip
- Hawthorn
- Blackthorn
