Trees with Edible Leaves
For the new forager, identifying and using edible tree leaves is often overlooked. While we’re focused on nuts, berries and early spring greens, many trees offer a source of nutrition. Now there’s a surprising number of trees that have edible leaves – but the catch is that in most cases, you need to harvest the leaves at their earliest stages – often as young shoots or when they’re just starting to unfurl. Mature leaves are generally going to be tough and bitter – so just like your spring greens, harvest early. Here’s a few options that are accessible to much of the continental United States: Hardy hibiscus, aka Rose of Sharon. While technically a shrub, they can grow up to 20 feet. This is a case where even mature leaves are edible, as well as the flowers. Leaves can be an addition for your salads and the flowers, even in…