Edible and Medicinal Plants to See in the West Kootenays
WalkingtheWestKootenays- Nov 10, 2024
- 6 min read
One of the things I love the most about hiking with kids is that a simple walk can lead to a journey of discovery and learning. I particularly enjoy walking with kids in the West Kootenays, located in south-eastern British Columbia, because of the large variety of plants found in the region.
Besides the breathtaking views, the West Kootenay has a diversity of trails that offer dozens of varieties of edible and medicinal plants to experience. When you hike these trails, yes, you will experience scenic overlooks and ancient cedars, but you will also encounter so many different plants that will surely enhance your experience in this beloved region.
Although you may be excited to begin collecting the wild plants that are abundant in this area, a word of caution before you begin, wildcrafting, otherwise known as foraging or harvesting plants from their habitat, has its own set of rules by which you should abide.
First, if you are hiking with children teach them to ask first before they touch any plants, knowledge is important at any age but should begin early on. To go along with this rule comes the second, be sure you know your plants, bring a book with pictures if you must. (Scroll to the bottom to see our favourites!)
A few other rules to know are as follows:
Always pick from abundance, whenever possible
Know where to harvest, ask permission, or remain on the side of caution and respect private property, so, no trespassing
Don’t over-harvest, only forage if the plant can self-sustain
Bring appropriate tools and carriers for the plants
Harvest in season
Be respectful about what you take
Harvest away from polluted areas
Take care of the land from which you harvest; see garbage, pick it up
Now that we have addressed the unwritten rules of wildcrafting, let’s take a look at what edible and medicinal plants you can find within the West Kootenays. We’ll display them in alphabetical order.
Black Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata)
Found in an evergreen shrub, there are two varieties within the West Kootenay region, Thin-leaf huckleberry and Evergreen huckleberry. This plant is both edible to humans and to wildlife and is best harvested in the autumn. Pick berries one at a time and store in a plastic container. Best eaten fresh, but if you have an abundance use in baked goods, such as muffins, jams, and pies.
Blue Elderberry (Sambucus cerulea)
Another dark berry, with a waxy bloom, these berries are found in drier, open forests, and are grown on a tree-like bush. The leaves are broadly lance-shaped and contain white, clustered flowers. The fruit should be delicately picked and stored in a plastic container; it can be used in sauces, syrups, wine, and liqueurs. Our favourite is Elderberry syrup to help prevent and shorten seasonal colds and flu. Other parts of the tree can be also harvested; the bark or leaves to induce vomiting or as a laxative, and the flowers to make tea.
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Chicory is a flowering plant that displays a lovely lavender or blue flower. Harvest in the spring or autumn, as it is a perennial plant, the flowers are edible. It is a branching plant that is found in open areas with jagged petals. Its roots, along with drier parts of its stem, can be used to combat high blood pressure, upset stomach, and constipation. Grind it and mix it with your morning coffee or use it as a replacement. But be careful of extended use as it may lead to slow digestion or possible damage to the retinas.
Fiddleheads (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
These young heads of the ostrich or cinnamon fern may be one of the most recognizable edible plants out there, due to their encircled fronds. They are best harvested in early spring and can be cooked as a vegetable for a tasty soup or even sautéed in a pan. Be sure to properly clean them, remove the brown papery husk and wash them well, otherwise you may find you could become sick. They are packed full of vitamins and fiber.
Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii)
This medicinal plant is actually a member of the rose family and is recognizable by its red berries and thorny, flowering shrub. The berries can be used in jams or made into wine, while the remaining plant parts can be used to aid in digestive issues, to help the heart, and lower anxiety. Avoid use as a long-term solution.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
A medicinal flowering plant that aids in coughing, including that which relates to asthma. It is also used as a flavouring ingredient in alcohol. Its flowers are recognized by their bright yellow colour, but it is the leaves you want if you are making it into a tea. This plant can be irritating to the skin, so use, and pick, with caution.
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Also known as stinging nettle, this medicinal herb has been used for centuries to treat arthritis and even back pain. It was even used by the Romans to rub on the body to help keep warm thanks to the burning sensation it leaves on the skin. In order to be consumed, it must be properly processed, whether by cooking, drying, or even freezing. The leaves provide plenty of vitamins and nutrients and may help with a variety of other ailments, such as inflammation. Handle with care, otherwise, you may find your skin breaking out.
Saskatoon Berry (Amelanchier Alnifolia)
An important fruit to the surrounding Aboriginal communities, these berries are not only delicious but can survive the harshest of winters. Found on a shrub, they flower from spring into early summer; the berries should be harvested by hand. High in fiber, antioxidants, and protein, they can be used in a variety of sweet treats.
St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
This medicinal plant has been used for many years as an aid for mild to moderate depression. It is a yellow flowering plant that produces five petals and has leaves with transparent dots. To harvest the plant, pick the flowers and buds when they are in full bloom, between June and July. The plant can be made into an oil for bumps and bruises, a tea, or even a salve.
Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus)
With a similar appearance to the lovely raspberry, this edible plant is related to the rose family and can be found on a shrub. It displays white flowers between May to July and the leaves contain soft, fine hairs. To the taste, they are sweet and will provide your body with many nutrients as well as will give your body an immune boost. Use the leaves and roots to brew a nice cup of tea which may aid with vomiting and diarrhea. Drinking this tea may also help with strengthening the lining of the stomach.
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
Discover this edible plant in May where it stays close to the ground; the reddish flowers are hidden by its distinctive, almost heart-shaped leaves with a hollow centre. The leaves and roots can be added to salads or used to infuse food and leave a delicate citrusy ginger flavour. To harvest, dig up at the root and snip off small pieces; the remaining part of the rhizome can be replanted.
Wild Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Recognized by the bright pink to red-coloured fruit on a shrub, it is used in baked goods, jams, or are just plain delicious on their own. Select each delicate morsel carefully; the blossom can be used as an eye ointment or to aid in stomach issues, and be sure to use the leaves and roots to make some tea.
Wild Rose (Rosa acicularis)
Recognized by its beautiful pink petals and many stamens, wild rose is found in wooded and open land. Harvest this plant when the blooms look their best to impress, spring or early summer, simply pinch off the flowers. The petals can be used to make rose honey or tea, but be sure to use the leaves as well. Medicinally, this plant can be used as an astringent to tighten and tone the skin and reduce inflammation.
This is only a brief introduction into the world of edible and medicinal plants that you can discover in the West Kootenays. To discover more about these plants, you will want to check out our favourite edible and medicinal plant books for this area, they are my family’s go-to references, especially when it comes to wildcrafting, and we can’t recommend them enough.
Need More Nature Books? Check out our favourites --->
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