Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of the Midwest

by Matthew Alfs
October, 2020
Minnesota Historical Society Press

Our Take

An impressive compendium of in-depth information for the midwestern plant forager. Will delight beginner and experts alike with foraging information, identification, lore, edibility and medical notes.

ISBN: 978-1681341750

The potential benefits of wild plants for human health and well-being are wide-ranging. But, knowing which plants to use, and how, for edible and medicinal purposes requires a deep understanding of the characteristics and qualities of these species in the wild. Whether you are seeking an herbal remedy for a specific ailment or simply want to make the most of the natural bounty that surrounds us, you need look no further than this groundbreaking study.

 

Collected here are insightful tips and detailed descriptions relating to the edibility and healing potential of 100 wild plants of the upper Midwest. Drawing on his own extensive experience as well as more than 1,000 scientific and ethnobotanical studies, author Matthew Alfs offers tips on foraging for and identifying the plants growing in the region's fields, meadows, and woods. He provides detailed lists of plants for specific physiological functions and offers instruction for processing the plants to maximize their edible and medicinal properties. Now in its third edition, the book includes full color photos, a glossary, and an extensive resource list to supplement the plant descriptions, making it the ultimate resource to the edible and medicinal aspects of wild plants of the upper Midwest.