Wild Food foraging June

 

Lady's Smock,
Cardamine pratensis

The flowers are rose pink to white, the plant is about 40cm tall and it grows on meadows and streamsides. It is a member of the cabbage family which includes mustards and cresses. It does have a peppery flavour and is extremely tasty in salads or just as a snack when out walking. The whole plant can be eaten although you might find the stem a bit tough and chewy. It contains a lot of Vitamin C.

Lady's Smock, Cardamine pratensis

 

Lousewort,
Pedicularis sylvatica

This is especially fun for children on boggy walks. The plant usually grows on poor grazing, acid or marshy ground. It is very common in Scotland. Take the flowers individually from the plant and put them between your lips, suck the air into your mouth and place your tongue on the end of the tube inside your mouth, as the air comes in through the funnel you will taste a delicious nectar, subtle yet strong. It will have you eyes down looking for more, try comparing flavours on different types of ground!

Lousewort, Pedicularis sylvatica