11 Foraging Finds You’re Probably Walking Past

You don’t have to venture deep into the wilderness to forage something delicious or useful. Many edible and medicinal plants are growing right under your nose—in sidewalks, backyards, and quiet trails.

Foraging is not only a fun way to connect with nature, but it can also supplement your meals with fresh, seasonal finds for free. Here are 11 surprising plants you’ve likely seen before but didn’t realize you could harvest and enjoy.

Chickweed

Often dismissed as a garden weed, chickweed is a tender, spinach-like green rich in vitamins. Add it to salads, sandwiches, or soups.

Purslane

With its succulent leaves and lemony tang, purslane is packed with omega-3s and perfect for tossing into a summer salad.

Wood Sorrel

Its clover-like leaves and citrusy flavor make wood sorrel a refreshing trail nibble or garnish. Just avoid confusing it with clover.

Lamb's Quarters

Sometimes called wild spinach, this plant is highly nutritious and grows abundantly in disturbed soil. Cook it like kale or chard.

Plantain (Broadleaf and Narrowleaf)

This common “weed” is great for soothing insect bites when used topically, and the young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.

Dandelion

From root to flower, every part of this plant is useful. Try the leaves in salad, the flowers in tea, or the roasted roots as a coffee substitute.

Garlic Mustard

This invasive plant has a strong garlic flavor and is ideal for making homemade pesto. Foragers love it—and so do butterflies.

Japanese Knotweed

Often overlooked, young knotweed shoots taste like rhubarb and can be used in pies, jams, or even infused vinegar.

Red Clover

These pretty purple blossoms are high in nutrients and can be brewed into tea or sprinkled over salads for a sweet touch.

Curly Dock

Its lemony-flavored leaves are edible when young, and the seeds can be ground into flour. It’s one of the most useful wild greens.

Shepherd's Purse

Named for its heart-shaped seed pods, this mild-flavored plant is a mustard relative that adds peppery notes to salads or stir-fries.

Foraging is a rewarding and sustainable way to enjoy the outdoors—just remember to harvest responsibly, positively ID each plant, and avoid areas sprayed with chemicals. Nature’s grocery store is open—you just have to look down.