Edible plants A photographic survey of the wild edible botanicals of North America

The photographs in this botanical survey are almost otherworldly. Fike offers over 100 edible plants, white on a solidly black background, with their edible parts gently colorized. Each plant's image is accompanied by concise notes with information on field description, common landscape, edible portions, medicinal uses, food preparation, and traditional use by Native Americans. The mountain dandelion flower is edible, and leaves may be used in salads and the roots roasted. As a medicinal herb, it is used to treat wounds and swelling, as well as for wart removal. Sea beans, also known as pickleweed, grow only in saltwater environments like coastal marshes, bays, and saltwater lakes. The stalks are the edible parts, best harvested young. They are high in calcium, iron, and vitamin A. Salty and crunchy when eaten raw, they are sometimes pickled. This is an unusual and exceptionally engaging survey of edible plants. Hungry food foragers will carry it in the woods, and the images are wonderfully suitable for coffee-table enjoyment. Edible Plants merits prominent display in any public library collection.