Native Edibles

Native plants are the foundation of nature’s web of life, providing food for thousands of insects, which in turn become food for songbirds and other cherished wildlife. 

Many native plants also provide food to people. Fruit from pawpaw and persimmon trees can be used to make many kinds of desserts, for example, as can nuts from black walnut and hickory trees. 

Note: These resources on native edibles are intended as general information only. As with any foods, there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.

Gather native edibles only with permission from landowners, and, ideally, grow them yourself.

Planting native plants in or near your vegetable and fruit gardens helps support pollinating insects that also pollinate your food crops–resulting in better harvests for you. Consult this fact sheet for details. 

Learn more about Pawpaw with our new educational rack card:

Grow Native! Webinar: 10 Easy-To-Grow Spring Edible Native Plants with Nadia Navarrete-Tindall

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