🍇 Edible Florida Native Plants Series: The Edible Weeds of Florida 🌱

By, Nicole Castilla, Marine Biologist and Florida Master Naturalist, in partnership with Youth Environmental Alliance

Pictured: Wood Sorrel

Disclaimer: Always exercise extreme caution when identifying and consuming wild plants. You must be certain of the plant id, which part of the plant is useful and how to prepare it. Misidentification or improper preparation can be fatal. Consult with a qualified expert and use multiple reputable sources to confirm any identification before ingestion. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional guidance. You assume all risk associated with consuming wild plants and the information provider assumes no liability for illness, injury, or any adverse effects. In case of suspected poisoning, call the national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) immediately.

Hey everyone! Weeds commonly have a reputation for being quite a nuisance-too many, but did you know there are several weeds native to Florida that are edible? Read on to find out some common edible weeds that you can enjoy snacking on!

☘️ Wood Sorrel

Resembling in appearance to a shamrock, wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is a perennial plant native to Florida, where it is found scattered throughout the state.[1] It is commonly found in lawns and landscapes across Florida, and it is edible. Wood sorrel is edible in its entirety and has a naturally sour taste.[2] However, it must be eaten in moderation due to its high oxalic acid content. Consuming too much of it can lead to upset stomachs and can interfere with calcium absorption, so it is best to limit the intake of this plant, especially for those who have preexisting conditions.

🫑 Poor Man’s Pepper

Found across most of North America and Central America, poor man’s pepper (Lepidium virginicum) is a herbaceous weed that is known for its peppery taste. Also known as Virginia Pepperweed, this edible weed is part of the mustard family and its leaves contain essential minerals and vitamins such as Vitamins A and C, which make them nutritious to humans. Although this weed is edible as a whole, its seeds can be used as a replacement for black pepper.[3] Poor man’s pepper seeds can add a spicy kick to any dish including salads. Its roots can also be used to make a substitute for horseradish with the addition of salt and vinegar, thus making this edible weed very versatile.[4]

Picture from University of Florida- Flowers are inconspicuous and form in the leaf axil.Propagation is by seed.

🌿Pellitory-of-the-Wall

As its name implies, this plant commonly grows on cracks and crevices found along walls. This edible herbaceous weed has been used as a natural remedy for cough and urinary tract issues since it acts as a diuretic.[5] Pellitory-of-the-Wall (Parietaria judaica) attracts insects such as the caterpillars of the Red Admiral butterflies, which are drawn to the plant for food.[6] In Florida, this plant is commonly referred to as the Florida pellitory or “clear weed” due to its stem being quite clear. This plant is edible when young, and it is said to have a taste similar to that of cucumbers only when eaten raw and that flavor dissipates once cooked. However, it can cause an allergic reaction in those who are sensitive to it. Pellitory-of-the-wall is also known to be a pollen-releasing allergen in many parts of Europe, so take precautions when going near or eating this plant as it has the potential to induce asthma and respiratory problems.[7]

🌸 Final thoughts 🌿

These are just a few of the many edible weeds you can find throughout Florida. If you want to learn more about edible and native plants in Florida, you have come to the right place! At the Youth Environmental Alliance, we offer helpful advice, tips and classes related to environmental conservation and native gardening.

Youth Environmental Alliance (YEA) — a Florida-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Floridians connect with nature, live sustainably, and discover new opportunities to care for our environment.

Contact us or schedule a class at https://www.youthenvironmentalalliance.com/

Join our mailing list to stay informed about opportunities for you! Click here to learn more: https://www.youthenvironmentalalliance.com/take-action

🔗 Want to take a deeper dive? Check out these resources below:

Weed of the Month: Woodsorrel

Florida Native Plant Society

[1] Wood sorrel can be found throughout Florida. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/entnemdept/2023/10/27/weed-of-the-month-woodsorrel/#:~:text=Woodsorrel%20or%20oxalis%20is%20a,think%20it%20to%20be%20clover.

[2] Every part of the wood sorrel is edible. https://feralforaging.com/wood-sorrel/

[3] Poor man’s pepper can be used as a replacement for black pepper. https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-lepidium-virginicum/

[4] Poor man’s pepper can be used as a substitute for horseradish. https://www.watershednursery.com/nursery/plant-finder/lepidium-virginicum/#:~:text=All%20parts%20of%20this%20plant,vitamin%20A%20and%20vitamin%20C.

[5] Pellitory-of-the-wall can be used as a natural remedy for several conditions. https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/pellitory-of-the-wall/

[6] The caterpillars of the Red Admiral butterflies are attracted to pellitory-of-the-wall for food. https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/pellitory-wall

[7] Pellitory-of-the-wall can induce allergic reactoin for people who are allergic to them. https://www.thermofisher.com/diagnostic-education/dam/allergen-fact-sheet-pdf/english/Wall%20pellitory%20Allergen%20Fact%20Sheets,%20Symptoms%20Treatment%20Allergy%20Insider.pdf