Spring Beauty: This relatively rare plant can be seen in deciduous forests at spring-time. It is easily identified by it's flower petals which are white with bright pink veins. Edible parts are the roots, therefore picking them should be done sparingly where they are abundant and only when needed for survival in order for the species to survive.

Hobblebush: This plant is found at higher altitudes and can be identified by its oblong leaves with purplish blotches and rusty hairy branches. The berries are ripe once they turn black.

Wild Raisin: This picture was taken on a recent trip to Newfoundland, where I had the pleasure of finding 23 edible plants that are not easily seen in southern Quebec. This plant prefers wet soil in swampy areas. Like it's relative Hobblebush (above) the berries turn black when ripe.

Wintergreen: This plant is useful for it's flavor of wintergreen.  The leaves can be used all year.  Young tender leaves and fruit can be eaten as a trailside snack.  Young or older (tougher) leaves may be used to make tea.  Leaves usually stay on plant through winter, hence the name 'Wintergreen'. Before artificial flavoring, it was the sole source of this flavor.  Salicin, the main medicinal ingredient in aspirin, is contained in this plant.

Hawthorn:  Hawthorn trees have long thorns with coarsely toothed leaves. These small trees produce crab apple type fruit and are a good trailside snack.  The fruit (called Haws) are bland tasting but provide enough nutrients to use as a survival food..  This plant also contains Salicin and was the focus of many studies regarding it's use as an anti-hypertensive as some of it's properties may help dilate arteries.  There are many herbal heart medicines derived from Hawthorn available in Germany.

Choke Cherry: Chokecherry is a bush or small tree producing cherries that grow in clusters (as shown). 

Arrowhead: This plant is found around water and can be uprooted to harvest the potato like roots.

Bunchberry: This plant grows to about 4-5 inches high.  The leaves grow in whorls of 4-6 leaflets.  Berries ripen through July and are rich in vitamin C.  Take caution when eating, as the tiny seeds in the fruit are hard to separate.

Nettles: There are a number of species found throughout our area.  The stinging hairs of this plant make it hard to mistake. It grows in rich moist woods, streambanks.  The stinging qualities are lost upon cooking.  A great source of protein, iron, vitamin A and C.

Japanese Knotweed: A great source of vitamin C, this plant is harvested in Spring only when it is 1 foot high (or less).  If you like Rhubarb then you'll love this plant. It can be used in place of Rhubarb.

Just a thought
Next time you are in a forested area, try to find some of these plants or mushrooms. You never know what you'll find when you look a little closer! Besides, what else do you have to do when you are walking around in the woods?  You're not in a rush are you?  I mean, the summit can wait, it's been there a long time already! So why not learn a new skill? It could save your life one day or at least make you a little less dependant on the local grocer for everything.