**Summer is the season of flowering and the first fruits ripening under the warm sun. While we tend to our orchards and gardens, many plants in nature grow by themselves. Among the trees, grasses and weeds, there are valuable medicinal herbs, perfect for making teas, tinctures, syrups and jams.**

Whether we head off into the woods, wander through meadows and clearings, or simply relax in our own garden or backyard, plants are all around us. If we take a closer look, we’ll discover many edible and medicinal species that often look like ordinary weeds. While gardens are flourishing, experienced foragers do not overlook the value of wild plants, which at this time of year offer their finest flowers and an abundance of forest fruits.

Among the wide variety of plants, there are also some poisonous species, so careful identification is essential. Fortunately, summer brings many edible plants that are easy to spot and recognise. With a little care and curiosity, anyone can become a forager of edible and medicinal wild plants. Before heading out into nature, it is helpful to know how to forage wild plants properly during the summer:
- **Summer is the season of flowers and ripe fruits.** Flowers should be picked in full bloom, when they are richest in aroma and active compounds. After flowering, some plants produce fruits that should be harvested when fully ripe. 
- Towards the end of the growing season, it is time to collect **seeds**, which can be stored for teas, spices, or planting.
- The perfect time for foraging is on a **dry, sunny morning**, after the dew has dried and before the sun becomes too strong. This is when plants are richest in beneficial compounds.

![Basic rules of foraging](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1771942792/plantistica/posts/nature/what-to-forage-in-summer/foraging-rules_ltpboj.webp)

Following the basic rules of foraging, we can head out into nature and discover **what to forage in summer**.

![Linden – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1771864111/plantistica/posts/nature/what-to-forage-in-summer/linden_sq3fjr.webp)

## Linden
lat. _Tilia platyphyllos_

At the beginning of summer, the scent of linden draws us into parks, rural gardens, and deciduous and beech forests. Linden is a tall tree with heart-shaped leaves on long stalks and clusters of yellowish flowers. In the past, linden trees were believed to protect homes, villages, and communities. They were often the centre of village life, where people gathered for discussions and traditional ceremonies.

Linden trees flower **from June to July**, and it is best to gather the early blossoms. During this time, we most commonly encounter two species: the _small-leaved linden_ and the_ large-leaved linden_, which flowers around two weeks earlier. Both species produce high-quality flowers for tea, rich in flavonoids, essential oils and vitamins, particularly vitamin C. **Linden tea** is traditionally used for colds, fever and insomnia. In addition to the flowers, the **young leaves** are also edible and are best picked before flowering. They can be eaten raw in salads and sandwiches or cooked in soups and stews. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and have a soothing effect on throat irritation and coughs.

![Chamomile – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1771864495/plantistica/posts/nature/what-to-forage-in-summer/chamomile_gzbi04.webp)

## Chamomile
lat. _Matricaria chamomilla_

As we walk along sunlit paths through meadows and overgrown fields, we often come across chamomile. Delicate white flowers with yellow centres grow on a slender stem with feathery leaves. There are several flowers in nature that look similar, but true chamomile can be recognised by its domed, hollow centre and distinctive tea-like aroma. Chamomile is almost synonymous with tea, offering refreshment, warmth, and comfort for centuries.

Chamomile flowers can be gathered **late April through September**. When foraging, only the flower heads are picked, leaving the stems behind. The flowers are rich in essential oils which have a gentle calming effect. **Chamomile tea** is one of the best-known folk remedies for colds, coughs, digestive complaints and easing tension. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is commonly used in traditional medicine as a compress for the skin and eyes. 

![Yarrow – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1768060765/plantistica/posts/nature/yarrow_nxjyxo.webp)

## Yarrow
lat. _Achillea millefolium_

Among the many plants in sunlit meadows, yarrow particularly stands out. It is characterised by an upright stem covered with soft woolly hairs and finely divided, feather-like leaves. The name Achillea comes from Achilles, the mythical hero who is believed to have used yarrow to heal the wounds of warriors. According to folk tradition, it was also used by outlaws, which is why it is often called “outlaw’s herb”.

The young spring leaves are picked **from late February to June**, and in summer both leaves and flowers are collected for tea. The young leaves have a mildly bitter taste and can be mixed into soups, stews, and salads. The flowers are particularly rich in essential oils, adding a characteristic aroma to any dish or drink. Aromatic **yarrow tea** is traditionally used to relieve digestive issues, colds and fever, and is especially considered beneficial for easing menstrual discomfort.

![St. John's wort – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1771865287/plantistica/posts/nature/what-to-forage-in-summer/st-johns-wort_cq4urq.webp)

## St John's wort
lat. _Hypericum perforatum_

If we linger in dry meadows, we might come across St John’s wort. It is easily recognised by its bright yellow flowers with five petals, often marked with small black dots along the edges. If we crush a flower or bud between our fingers, a reddish, blood-like stain appears on the skin. An even more important identifying feature is its leaves, which, when held up to the light, reveal tiny translucent dots. If a plant shows these characteristics, it is almost certainly St John’s wort, best known as a natural antidepressant.

>St John’s Wort can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may interact with certain medications, so it should be used with caution.

St John’s wort is primarily used as a medicinal herb rather than in cooking. The flowers are gathered **from June to August** and are used to prepare teas, tinctures, and oils. Teas and tinctures are particularly well known for their effects on mild depression, anxiety, and nervousness, which is why the plant is often considered a natural antidepressant. St John’s wort oil, more commonly known as kantarion oil, is highly valued in skin care and wound healing, and may also help relieve muscle and nerve pain.

![Red clover – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1771884467/plantistica/posts/nature/what-to-forage-in-summer/red-clover_l2gent.webp)

## Red clover
lat. _Trifolium pratense_

Red clover can be found in many meadows and should not be overlooked. Beneath its crimson, round flower heads grow the trifoliate leaves typical of clover, often marked with pale whitish spots. While red clover has the classic three-part leaves, the four-leaved clover that symbolises luck is in fact a rare mutation. Nevertheless, the true “luck” of red clover lies in its high nutritional value and medicinal properties.

Young leaves can be gathered from spring through early summer, while the flowers are picked at full bloom **from May to September**. The young leaves are especially rich in vitamin C, carotene, and even protein. They are best lightly cooked before use and can then be added to soups or prepared like spinach. Unlike the leaves, the flower heads can be eaten raw, either added to salads or chopped into sandwiches. The flowers are most commonly dried for use as a herbal tea. The plant contains phytoestrogens that help maintain hormonal balance, making **red clover tea** especially beneficial for menopausal symptoms.

![Common mallow – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1771873124/plantistica/posts/nature/what-to-forage-in-summer/mallow_v26jl1.webp)

## Common mallow
lat. _Malva Sylvestris_

As we pass through fields, clearings and neglected places, we cannot miss common mallow. It has tall stems with dark green, rounded leaves on long stalks, and pale lilac flowers with darker veins. Common mallow has been used as a medicinal and edible plant since ancient times. In folk medicine, it is often referred to as “the miraculous herb for the throat and digestion”.

Young leaves can be gathered **from April right through to mid-summer**. They are particularly rich in vitamin C, carotene, iron and calcium, placing them among the healthiest leafy vegetables. Thanks to their high mucilage content, they are ideal for thick soups and stews, and can also be cooked like spinach. Later, **from May to September**, the flowers can be added to salads or used as a delicate garnish for sweet and savoury dishes. Young leaves and flowers in full bloom are both gathered for medicinal tea. **Mallow tea** helps soothe coughs and irritated respiratory tracts and has a beneficial effect on the digestive system.

![Wild thyme – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1771937278/plantistica/posts/nature/what-to-forage-in-summer/wild-thyme_ciyo6y.webp)

## Wild thyme
lat. _Thymus serpyllum_

If we step onto sandy meadows, pastures and rocky ground, we may catch the scent of wild thyme. Low, creeping plant with small, oval leaves densely cover the ground, while in summer tiny light pink flower clusters appear. A closely related plant is commonly grown in gardens, most often as the species _Thymus vulgaris_. Thanks to its hardiness, thyme was a symbol of courage and strength in the Middle Ages.

Wild thyme has the most intense aroma when in full bloom, **from June to July**. The best time to gather the leaves is just before or at the beginning of flowering, when they are richest in essential oils. Fresh leaves can be added to salads and cooked dishes, while drying preserves them for later use. The leaves are most commonly used for seasoning, and the flowering tips are gathered for tea. **Wild thyme tea** helps relieve coughs, colds and digestive complaints, and may also ease minor inflammations of the mouth and throat.

![Fennel – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1775727424/plantistica/posts/nature/what-to-forage-in-summer/fennel_nwrcgp.webp)

## Fennel
lat. _Foeniculum vulgare_

On dry, stony pastures, fennel is particularly common. Although it’s a typical Mediterranean plant, it may also grow in some warmer inland areas. It is easily recognised by its branched stem with fine, feathery leaves and small yellow flowers gathered in umbrella-shaped clusters. Fennel was particularly valued among the ancient Romans as a valuable vegetable, spice and medicine.

> Fennel can be confused with poisonous species such as hemlock, so it is important to remember that true fennel has a strong aniseed scent and yellow flowers.

The young, tender leaves can be gathered **from spring to early summer**. They are particularly rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Since they don’t dry well, it’s best to use them fresh in salads, sauces and soups. Fennel flowers mainly during summer, **from July to September**. Unlike the leaves, the flowers are usually dried and used for tea or as a spice. However, the most valuable part of the plant is the fruit, commonly known as seeds, which ripens **at the end of summer and beginning of autumn**. The seeds are dried and used for herbal teas or as a spice in cakes, bread and stuffings. **Fennel tea** helps improve digestion, reduces bloating and cramps, and has a mild antibacterial effect.

![Wild mint – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1771934613/plantistica/posts/nature/what-to-forage-in-summer/wild-mint_qhbwlw.webp)

## Wild mint
lat. _Mentha spp._

If we turn towards the water, along springs, streams and canals, we're likely to find plenty of wild mint. There are many species, but in the wild we most commonly encounter corn mint (_Mentha arvensis_), long-leaved mint (_Mentha longifolia_) and water mint (_Mentha aquatica_). Although they differ in leaf shape, they all share certain properties and similar uses. They are characterised by serrated leaves that grow in opposite pairs, square stems and a distinct aroma. If we crush a leaf between our fingers, the strong menthol scent is the clearest sign that it is true mint.

Wild mint has its most intense aroma from late spring to mid summer, most commonly **from May to August**. The characteristic scent of the leaves comes from essential oil, whose main component is menthol, known for its refreshing aroma. Mint leaves can be added to sauces, salads, lemonades and fruit cocktails. The plant tops are picked for a refreshing tea and can be used fresh or dried. **Mint tea** is traditionally used to treat fevers, headaches and digestive complaints.

![Purslane – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1776278319/plantistica/posts/nature/what-to-forage-in-summer/purslane_mwwkfc.webp)

## Purslane
lat. _Portulaca oleracea_

For some plants, such as purslane, we don’t have to go far. It is commonly found in gardens, yards, around houses, and along country paths, where it grows low to the ground. The plant has rounded, fleshy, reddish stems with thick, succulent, oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are green, but in strong sunlight they can develop reddish edges. During the flowering season, small yellow, star-shaped flowers appear, but only on sunny mornings. This easily accessible plant is very versatile and was once a highly valued food source.

>Purslane contains oxalic acid, which can put a strain on the kidneys, so moderate consumption is recommended. The oxalic acid content can be reduced by blanching.

Purslane leaves can be gathered **throughout the summer**. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially iron, calcium and phosphorus. What makes purslane especially valuable is its high content of omega-3 fatty acids. Young leaves are excellent for salads, juices, and even preserves such as pickled purslane. Slightly older leaves are also edible, but they are better cooked in soups and stews, where their natural mucilage nicely thickens the dish. Like many wild plants, the leaves can be dried for medicinal tea. **Purslane tea** is traditionally used to relieve coughs, digestive issues, and headaches.

![Wild strawberry – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1771935333/plantistica/posts/nature/what-to-forage-in-summer/wild-strawberry_jrqyln.webp)

## Wild strawberry
lat. _Fragaria vesca_

If we head into the woods, among bushes and thickets, we may discover wild strawberries. They are easy to recognize by their distinctive leaves, which consist of three serrated leaflets on long, hairy stalks. In late spring, the plant produces delicate white flowers with five petals, followed in summer by small, fragrant, bright red fruits. Wild strawberries do not produce much fruit, but they are often tastier and more nutritious than cultivated varieties.

The young leaves can be gathered in spring and early summer, while the fruits ripen **from May through August**. Both the leaves and the fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and manganese. Fresh young leaves make a wonderful addition to salads, while the dried leaves produce a pleasant herbal tea that aids digestion and supports overall health. The fruits are best eaten fresh, but they are also excellent for making jams, syrups, compotes, and cakes.

![Blackberry – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1771935755/plantistica/posts/nature/what-to-forage-in-summer/blackberry_w6pog9.webp)

## Blackberry
lat. _Rubus fruticosus_

When foraging for wild forest fruits, blackberries are one of the easiest to find. Their branched bushes spread along sunny forest edges, country paths, and neglected areas. On thorny branches grow leaves made up of three to five serrated leaflets. In early summer, delicate five-petaled flowers, white or pale pink, begin to bloom. Later, the fruits develop, first light green, then red, and finally black and glossy when fully ripe. Although we often think of it as a single berry, the blackberry is actually made up of many tiny connected drupelets.

Before or at the beginning of flowering, **from May to June**, young blackberry leaves are gathered for tea. Fresh leaves contain more vitamin C than the fruit itself. Blackberry leaf tea is valued for its ability to soothe digestion and relieve sore throats. The juicy fruits ripen gradually **from August to October**. They can be eaten fresh or frozen for later use. Blackberries make delicious jams, pies, cakes, and even wine. Blackberry wine, consumed in moderation, is traditionally believed to improve circulation and strengthen immunity.

From flowers to fruits, summer offers an abundance of edible and medicinal wild plants. Foraging is not only for the experienced, especially when choosing easily recognisable species. For those seeking deeper knowledge, it is always best to check reliable local sources. Guided by curiosity, caution, and a love of nature, enjoy summer foraging!

**Download the summer wild herb foraging calendar for free as a handy reminder of what to forage in summer.**



With warmer days, we can head into nature and discover what to forage in summer.

What to Forage in Summer: Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants + Foraging Calendar

**A walk through nature in spring carries the scent of the first buds and blossoms adorning fields, meadows, and forests. Wherever we go, we encounter a variety of wild plants usually referred to as weeds. Yet within these weeds lies a true treasure trove of health, as many wild plants are both edible and medicinal.**

The walk doesn't have to be long, as many edible and medicinal species grow all around us, and some can even be found in our own gardens or yards. That’s why even gentle walks can be an opportunity for foraging, as even a short time in nature is beneficial. However, it is best to choose clean, natural areas away from roads, industry and other sources of pollution, because such herbs are safer and of higher quality.

When foraging for wild plants, it is important to keep in mind that there are both **edible and poisonous species**. However, many plants are distinctive enough that even beginners can identify them easily. When caution is combined with a love of nature, anyone can become a forager of wild edible and medicinal plants. Before setting off on a foraging walk, it is useful to know how to gather wild plants properly in spring:
- **Spring is the season of young leaves.** Young, tender leaves should be picked at the earliest stage when they are the most flavourful and richest in nutrients. After flowering, most leaves become bitter, tough, and harder to digest.
- After leaves come buds and young shoots, followed later by **flowers in full bloom**.
- The best time for foraging is during **dry**,** stable weather**, when the plants are of the highest quality.

![Basic rules of foraging](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1768061196/plantistica/posts/nature/foraging-rules_k6bauz.webp)

Once we know the basic rules of foraging, we can go for a gentle walk and discover what to forage in spring.

![Nettle – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1768060650/plantistica/posts/nature/nettle_zqr3y6.webp)

## Nettle
lat. _Urtica dioica_

We don’t have to search far for nettles, it’s enough to walk along the edge of a meadow or a garden to come across their clumps. Seemingly an ordinary weed, this green-leaved plant with stinging hairs has a long history as a valuable medicinal herb. If you were ever stung by a nettle as a child, chances are an older folk reassured you that it was "good for you". Indeed, traditional gatherers have long believed in the healing power of the sting itself, claiming it boosts circulation and helps ease rheumatic aches. Nevertheless, to protect the skin, it is safest to pick nettles while wearing gloves.

Young leaves can be picked as early as **February** and prepared like a Swiss chard with potatoes or cooked in milk like spinach. They are also wonderful in pies, salads, soups and stews, or made into pesto. Before use, the leaves should always be briefly blanched. Fresh leaves can be added to smoothies or used to make a healthy nettle juice. 
Young leaves are packed with vitamins and minerals, including significant amounts of vitamin C, carotene, iron, and chlorophyll. Later, **up until May** and before the plant blooms, the tender tops (the first 10 cm) can be picked and dried for tea. Nettle tea is traditionally consumed for detoxification, blood cleansing, and strengthening the immune system.

![Dandelion – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1768060647/plantistica/posts/nature/dandelion_awb2gi.webp)

## Dandelion
lat. _Taraxacum officinale_

Dandelions can be found everywhere, as soon as we lower our gaze to the grass. They grow on meadows and pastures, in parks and gardens, along roadsides and paths. It is one of the most widespread and well-known wild plants. The flower, yellow as the sun, and the long, lobed leaves are easily recognisable. There are several types of dandelions, with leaves that vary slightly in shape and size. But all of them are edible and medicinal, from root to flower.

Young dandelion leaves are picked **from March to May**, before flowering. They are best for salads, but also make a great addition to omelettes, soups, and stews. The young leaves are particularly rich in vitamin C, carotene, and iron. Dandelion roots are traditionally dug up in autumn, when they are considered most beneficial for liver health, but they can also be gathered in spring, before flowering, when they are richest in potassium. The roots can be cooked or eaten raw, and when roasted, they make a good coffee substitute. Once the first fully open yellow flowers appear, they can be picked, dried, and used for tea. Dandelion tea supports digestion, immunity, and gentle detoxification. Flowers can also be turned into dandelion honey, which is very similar in appearance and taste to real honey.

![Wild Garlic – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1768060751/plantistica/posts/nature/wild-garlic_jsh1nk.webp)

## Wild Garlic
lat. _Allium ursinum_

If we venture into a deciduous forest, we may come across wild garlic, also known as bear’s garlic, ramsons, or wild leeks. According to folk belief, bears feast on this plant in spring. It grows in shady, damp areas, often along streams, rivers, and springs. Related to chives, onions, and garlic, it can be recognised by its long leaves and strong garlic scent.

> Young wild garlic leaves can closely resemble those of lily of the valley, autumn crocus, and hellebore, all of which are highly poisonous. The key to identifying true wild garlic is its strong garlic scent, while the other plants have little to no smell at all.

Young leaves are foraged **from March to May**, before flowering. The leaves, bulbs, and later the flowers, make a flavourful addition to soups, stews, salads, and sauces. The pure white flowers have a delicate, gentle flavour and are especially decorative in salads. Wild garlic is best used fresh or lightly cooked, as prolonged heat or drying diminishes its distinctive flavor. Young spring leaves are especially rich in vitamin C and carotene. Like garlic, wild garlic may help lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

![Daisy – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1768060645/plantistica/posts/nature/daisy_uf2noi.webp)

## Daisy
lat. _Bellis perennis_

On a walk through sunlit meadows, we cannot overlook daisies. This charming little flower, with delicate white petals and a yellow centre, hides small, ovate leaves, arranged in a low rosette. You may have once counted their petals or woven them into flower crowns, unaware that they are edible and medicinal. This small, delicate blossom is not only very decorative but also offers numerous health benefits.

Young daisy leaves are picked **from March to May** and are excellent in salads. They can also be added to omelettes, soups, and stews, or mixed with cheese. The young leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, carotene, potassium, and calcium, while also containing significant amounts of iron. After flowering, the leaves and flowers can be made into fresh daisy juice or dried to make tea. Daisies have been used for centuries as a remedy for coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments.

![Sweet Violet – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1768060717/plantistica/posts/nature/sweet-violet_lbnquj.webp)

## Sweet Violet
lat. _Viola odorata_

As we step into the gentle shade of meadows and woodland edges, we may discover the sweet violet. With its soft purple flower of five petals and its delicate, sweet scent, it is one of the quiet heralds of spring. Its oval leaves rest close to the ground, forming a graceful rosette. According to folk tradition, on Palm Sunday people wash their faces with violets and other flowers, symbolising spring renewal and the purification of the soul and body. Even angels are believed to wash in this fragrant water.

Violets can be gathered ** from March to May**, beginning with the young leaves. As with any leafy green, they can be added to salads, soups, stews, and smoothies. The young leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and carotene. Violet flowers are also edible and they make a particularly lovely decoration for desserts. With their distinctive floral aroma and delicate colour, they can also be a charming addition to drinks like lemonade or infused water. Both the leaves and the flowers can be dried and used for tea. Violet tea has a calming effect and may help relieve headaches, migraines, and insomnia. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and was traditionally used as a remedy for coughs.

![Primrose – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1768060653/plantistica/posts/nature/primrose_krhzlm.webp)

## Primrose
lat. _Primula vulgaris_

On semi-shaded meadows and woodland edges, the primrose particularly stands out. There are more than 600 species of primroses, and not all are edible. When referring to the edible and medicinal species, we usually mean the **common primrose**. It is characterised by pale yellow flowers with five petals, broad green leaves arranged in a rosette, and very low growth. This beautiful perennial can also be easily grown in the garden.

The primrose is one of the first heralds of spring, flowering **from late February through April**. Young primrose leaves are not particularly flavoursome, but they are very rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C. For this reason, they make a valuable addition to salads, soups, stews and teas. The flowers are often used to decorate various dishes, especially desserts. In folk medicine, primrose has traditionally been used to relieve cramps, rheumatic pain, coughs, and inflammation.

![Coltsfoot – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1768060645/plantistica/posts/nature/coltsfoot_rp20jl.webp)

## Coltsfoot
lat. _Tussilago farfara_

Even before the meadows turn green, along rivers, streams, and damp paths, coltsfoot surprises us with its yellow flowers. It is special because the flowers emerge from the soil first, while the young, rounded leaves appear later, making it easy to recognise in spring. Both the flowers and young leaves of coltsfoot are edible and medicinal, but only in moderation, as larger amounts may burden the liver.

Coltsfoot flowers can be picked from as early as **the end of February until April**, while the tender young leaves are most flavoursome **from May to June**. The leaves can be added in small amounts to salads, soups, and stews, or prepared like spinach. The flowers and leaves of the plant can also be dried for tea. Coltsfoot tea has long been known for its medicinal properties in relieving coughs and inflammation of the respiratory tract.

![Sorrel – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1768060654/plantistica/posts/nature/sorrel_hwl4rw.webp)

## Sorrel
lat. _Rumex acetosa_

While walking in damp places, along streams and rivers, we can easily spot sorrel. It stands firmly and upright among meadow plants and can grow up to a metre tall. It has elongated, arrow-shaped leaves and small flowers, greenish to reddish in colour, gathered in panicle-like inflorescences. Sorrel is edible and medicinal, but excessive consumption should be avoided due to oxalic acid, which can be harmful to people prone to kidney stones.

As a vegetable, sorrel is valued for its fleshy, juicy basal leaves. They are best picked before the stem emerges, **from March to May**. As its name suggests, sorrel has a pleasant, sour, and refreshing taste. It is excellent in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, and salads, and it also serves as a sour seasoning. Sorrel is not among the most nutritious leafy plants, but it contains moderate amounts of vitamin C, carotene, iron, as well as other vitamins and minerals. In traditional folk medicine, sorrel leaves were used as poultices for minor skin ailments.

![Hop – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1778655796/plantistica/posts/nature/what-to-forage-in-spring/hop_b35wgx.jpg)

## Hop
lat. _Humulus lupulus_

In damp, shady spots, fast-growing climbers twine around fences, bushes, and trees. One of the most distinctive is hop, with its slender, twisting stems and large heart-shaped, toothed leaves, resembling the grapevine. In spring, the young hop shoots emerge, while by late summer the plant develops its characteristic cone-like flowers, known as hop cones. Although hops are best known for their use in brewing beer, the young shoots are worth highlighting as a valuable spring wild vegetable.

The young spring shoots are harvested **from March to May**, along with the very young leaves. The shoots are similar to asparagus and can be sautéed or added to pies, salads, or stews. Like asparagus, they should always be briefly blanched or boiled first.
They are a rich source of vitamin C and beta-carotene and contain high levels of potassium. Towards the end of summer, the hop cones ripen and are commonly dried for medicinal tea. The bitter hop tea has a calming and mildly sedative effect.

![Plantain – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1768060651/plantistica/posts/nature/plantain_jicptn.webp)

## Plantain
lat. _Plantago spp._

Wherever we turn, plantain is all around us. There are over 200 different species of plantain, but in our region the two most widespread are:
- ribwort plantain (narrow-leaf plantain),
- broadleaf plantain (greater plantain).

They are easy to recognise by their small flowers arranged in spikes and their connected basal leaves. Ribwort plantain has narrow, elongated leaves, while broadleaf plantain has broad, rounded leaves. Both species are valuable wild leafy vegetables.

The young leaves are picked **from March to June**, before the flower stalk develops. They can be added to soups and stews and are an excellent substitute for cabbage and kale. The leaves are not particularly tasty, but they are nutritionally valuable due to their high content of potassium, vitamin C and carotene. In folk medicine, leaf poultices have been used to aid wound healing and stop bleeding, while also offering antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea made from the leaves is traditionally used for coughs and irritations of the respiratory tract. The seeds of plantain are also edible and have a mild laxative effect.

![Elderflower – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1768060648/plantistica/posts/nature/elderflower_cdcdll.webp)

## Elderflower
lat. _Sambucus nigra_

Towards the end of spring, the scent of elderflower leads us to sunny woodland edges and neglected meadows. It grows as a shrub or a small tree and in spring is covered with white flowers arranged in flat, umbrella-shaped clusters. Elderflowers are known for their sweet, aromatic fragrance that is both relaxing and soothing. In folk tradition, elder is considered a protector of the home and health, believed to help safeguard the garden and house.

The white elder blossoms are gathered **from May to June**, while the fruits, in the form of black berries, are harvested in autumn. The leaves and stems are poisonous and are not used for food. The flowers are most commonly dried for tea or used to make syrup, which in many rural households is known as elderflower cordial. There is also an old, rustic recipe in which elderflowers are dipped in pancake batter and fried. These fried flowers are particularly delicious when served with tea. Elderflower tea is best known for its traditional use in treating colds, coughs, and sore throats.

![Birch – edible and medicinal wild plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/delhfu5yk/image/upload/v1768060644/plantistica/posts/nature/birch_aftcj4.webp)

## Birch
lat. _Betula pendula_

The slender, graceful birch can be spotted from afar. It prefers sandy soils and can be found in bright, dry meadows, along forest edges, on hills, and in mountain areas. Upright and elegant, with snow-white bark streaked with dark markings, its branches hang like delicate tassels. This beautiful deciduous tree has inspired artists for centuries. The **silver birch** is one of the most common and widespread birch species.

Since ancient times, people have known birch sap as a vitamin- and mineral-rich drink, collected from the trunk in spring. However, improper techniques and excessive tapping can easily damage the tree, so this practice is not recommended for beginners. The safest and simplest way for beginners to use birch is by making tea, using the buds and young leaves, which are harvested and dried from March to May. The buds and young leaves can also be added to salads, soups, and stews. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotene. Traditionally, birch tea is consumed to support urinary tract health, help with kidney stones, and relieve rheumatism.

Out in the sunshine and fresh air, it’s a joy to discover what to forage in spring. Gathering edible and medicinal wild plants is not only for the experienced, especially when choosing easily recognisable species. For deeper knowledge and easier identification, check reliable local sources. Guided by curiosity, caution, and a love of nature, enjoy your spring foraging!

**Download the spring wild herb foraging calendar for free as a handy reminder of what to forage in spring.**


Out in the sunshine and fresh air, it’s a joy to discover what to forage in spring.

What to Forage in Summer: Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants + Foraging Calendar

What to Forage in Spring: Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants + Foraging Calendar

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