Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Thursday - August 19, 2010

From: New York, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Edible Plants
Title: Edible/medicinal plants in Suffolk County, NY
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Which types of edible/medicinal plants are available in Suffolk County (Long Island NY)? Is there a place I can find a list with information about what they look like, where they can be found and what to watch out for?

ANSWER:

We know of no such list that has already been prepared. When we Googled on "edible plants of New York State," we got several websites that you might want to look at. We recommend you contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office for Suffolk County, as someone may have prepared a list for them, and they certainly are closer than we are in Texas. Also, check the Bibliography below, perhaps your Extension Office has copies of some of these, or you may find them in public libraries.

soul.com Wild Foods

Trails.com Edible Plants of New York State

The New York Botanical Garden The Edible Garden

Mother Earth News Food Foraging

Wild Food Learn About Foraging

 

More Edible Plants Questions

Are American Hazelnuts Self-Fertile?
November 06, 2014 - I planted an American Hazelnut a couple of years ago that I ordered from a catalog. Is this plant self-fertile or do I need to plant another one? I have seen conflicting information on this subject.
view the full question and answer

Are flower petals poisonous?
December 01, 2008 - Is it toxic to eat the petals on a flower? Ashley
view the full question and answer

List of plants native to the Abilene, Texas area
September 15, 2011 - Am looking for direction to a complete list of plants native to the Abilene, Taylor County, Texas area (trees, shrubs, grasses, cacti and other plants that grew here before cultivation, eradication or...
view the full question and answer

What is a groundnut? from River Vale NJ
July 11, 2009 - I just read the book "Mayflower" which talks about the Massachusetts natives and, subsequently, the Pilgrims eating groundnuts; mentions the groundnuts going to seed in early summer. What are ...
view the full question and answer

Is cenizo (Leucophyllum frutescens) edible?
December 21, 2012 - I found a post here about cenizo leaves being used for tea, but I'm wondering if the leaves of the cenizo are edible? I have found many recipes for 'brown butter sage' leaves (sauteed often with on...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.