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Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Greenway

Written by Michael Meadows, AAMN

WARNING!

Exercise caution when foraging for native edible or medicinal plants. We strongly recommend that all plants are identified by an expert before consuming. Many edible plants have “toxic look-alikes” that can be difficult for the untrained eye to distinguish. Even correctly identified plants can cause adverse reactions in some individuals due to personal sensitivities, allergies, or environmental contaminants.

The information provided is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any illness or injury. Consult with a physician or medical expert before attempting any traditional or folk remedies.

Also note that it is illegal to forage in Texas state parks.

By choosing to forage, you are doing so at your own discretion and risk. Please be advised the Alamo Area Master Naturalists (AAMN) and Texas Master Naturalists (TMN) are not liable for any illness, injury, allergic reactions, or adverse effects caused by the ingestion of misidentified plants.

When in doubt, throw it out. Your health and safety are more important than any potential harvest.

EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE GREENWAY

Bexar County contains a wide variety of flora. It sits on the convergence of four ecoregions: The Edwards Plateau in the north, the Blackland Prairies through the middle, the Post Oak Savannah in the east and the South Texas Plains to the south. Some native species are found in all four regions, but there are also species unique to each!  Native Americans and early Texas settlers took advantage of the diversity of flora to support themselves. Many of the plants are edible, have medicinal uses, or both. Knowledge of plant use was passed from generation to generation of Native Americans. Native American plant knowledge was transferred to European settlers primarily through direct, often lifesaving, interaction, personal mentorship by Indigenous individuals, and the adoption of agricultural techniques. Settlers learned to identify, cultivate, and utilize local flora for food, medicine, and survival.

The two following sections will focus on a few of the more common plants you will see, followed by the names of others for you to look into yourself. You will notice that many plants that are edible also have medicinal properties and are listed on both lists.

EDIBLE PLANTS

The following plants are just a few examples of the many edible plants in our area.

Agarita (Berberis trifoliolata)– Also known as Algerita, Agritos and Currant-of-Texas. Look for Agarita on rocky hillsides, scrublands, and grasslands. The fruit is sweet yet tart and can be eaten directly from the plant. It can also be dried or made into jam. Native Americans used them as a seasonal supplemental food.

Photo of an Agarita plant.
Figure 1: Agarita, Photo by Garden Style San Antionio

Chiltepin (Capsicum annuum) – Thrives in rocky, shaded areas under “nurse plants” like mesquite or hackberry trees to protect them from frost and sun. Texas designated the chiltepin (chile tepin) as the official state native pepper in 1997. Chiltepin ranks a whopping 50,000 to 100,000 units on the Scoville heat scale — hotter than tabasco and cayenne peppers! They are used to add intense, smoky, and citrusy heat to dishes. They are best utilized dried by crushing one to two peppers directly over food.

Dewberry (Rubus trivialis) – Look for it on roadsides, the edges of fields and open areas in the woods. Dewberry is closely related to Blackberry. Their tastes are similar, but Dewberry fruit is smaller. They are sweet with a bit of tart and dark purple when ripe, and can be eaten directly from the vine or prepared into jam.

Wild Grape (Vitis spp.) – Usually found growing into and over shrubs along forest edges, stream sides, and canyon bottoms. The fruit is sweet, juicy and full of seeds. They are ripe when the grapes turn purple-black and can be eaten directly from the vine or prepared into jam. Young leaves can be used in cooking as well.

Photo of a cluster of wild grapes and dewberries.
Figure 2: Wild Grape and Dewberry, Photo by Christine Shimek

Wild Onion (Allium spp.) – Plants are common and can be found on grassy hillsides, in meadows and in undisturbed prairie. The entire plant (leaf, flower, stalk and bulb) is edible. Small amounts can be consumed directly. However, to consume a larger amount it should first be cooked or baked.

Photo of a bunch of wild onions with bulbs, stems, and flowers.
Figure 3: Wild Onion, Photo by Phil Dering

The following list contains other edible plants for you to investigate:

  • Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)
  • Bumelia (Sideroxylon lanuginosum)
  • Cattail (Typha spp.)
  • Cholla (Cylindropuntia spp.)
  • Dayflower (Commelina erecta)
  • Devil’s Claw (Proboscidea spp.)
  • Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis, S. mexicana)
  • Escarpment Cherry (Prunus serotina)
  • Flameflower (Phemeranthus aurantiacus)
  • Hackberry (Celtis ehrenbergiana, C. reticulata, C. laevigata)
  • Hickory (Carya spp.)
  • Madrone (Arbutus xalapensis)
  • Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa)
  • Mulberry (Morus rubra, M. microphylla)
  • Oak (Quercus spp.)
  • Passionflower (Passiflora spp.)
  • Pecan (Carya illinoinensis)
  • Persimmon (Diospyros texana)
  • Prairie Sumac (Rhus integrifolia)
  • Prickly Pear (Opuntia spp.)
  • Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
  • Tomatillo (Physalis spp.)
  • Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus)
  • Walnut (Juglans spp.)
  • Wild Gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima)
  • Wild Oats (Avena fatua, A. sativa)
  • Wild Sunflower (Helianthus spp.)
  • Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
  • Yucca (Yucca spp.)

MEDICINAL PLANTS

The following plants are just a few examples of the many medicinal plants in our area.

Agarita (Berberis trifoliolata) – Agarita is one of many examples of plants that are edible and provide medicinal benefits. Preparations made from the roots are antimicrobial and benefit the digestive system. This is due to berberine and related alkaloids.

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis, S. mexicana) – Prefers moist soils and can be found along creeks and streams and other bottomlands. The berries can be eaten directly from the plant. The flowers and leaves can be used to make a tea that can break a fever or work as a diuretic. The tea can also be used as an antiviral during cold and flu season.

Photo of a fruiting elderberry plant.
Figure 4: Elderberry, Photo by Mark Johnson

Prairie Sumac (Rhus integrifolia) – Also known as Skunkbush. It can be found in rocky, limestone-based soils, sunny prairies, woodland edges, and along roadsides. The red ripe fruits are sticky and lemon-sour tasting. The leaves serve a medicinal purpose — they are astringent and can be used to soothe burns and abrasions.

Photo of a flowering prairie sumac plant.
Figure 5: Prairie Sumac, Photo by Gardenia.net

Prickly Pear (Opuntia spp.) – A ubiquitous plant throughout Texas, it can be found in open areas. The fruit is edible and tasty. The pads are edible as well. However, it also has medicinal uses. Like the aloe vera plant, the insides of the pads can be used to soothe burns, scrapes and insect stings. Eating the fruit and pads will lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels.

Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) –Yaupon holly is found on the coastal plains and can be found along the edge of woods and in and around bottomlands. Making tea out of just the leaves stimulates the nervous system due to its caffeine content. Yaupon Holly has the highest caffeine content of any North American plant. Its caffeine effects are similar to that of a cup of black or green tea. However, too much tea may cause gastrointestinal upset. The berries are poor tasting and very bitter.

Photo of fruiting branches of a yaupon holly.
Figure 6: Yaupon Holly, Photo by Central Texas Gardener

The following list contains other medicinal plants for you to investigate:

  • Chiltepin (Capsicum annuum)
  • Cholla (Cylindropuntia spp.)
  • Dewberry (Rubus trivialis)
  • Escarpment Cherry (Prunus serotina)
  • Madrone (Arbutus xalapensis)
  • Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa)
  • Oak (Quercus spp.)
  • Passionflower (Passiflora spp.)
  • Persimmon (Diospyros texana)
  • Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
  • Tomatillo (Physalis spp.)
  • Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus)
  • Walnut (Juglans spp.)
  • Wild Gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima)
  • Wild Grape (Vitis spp.)
  • Wild Oats (Avena fatua, A. sativa)
  • Wild Onion (Allium spp.)
  • Yucca (Yucca spp.)

Want to learn more about the plants mentioned in this Talking Point? Check out the references below.

REFERENCES