OFFLINE IDENTIFICATION NOTES

Field Guide

Recognition cues, habitat, nutrition and the mistake most likely to hurt you.

Never eat from a photo match alone.This guide is conservative and not exhaustive. Confirm with a trusted regional source or expert.

14 guide entries

EDIBLE WITH ID

Cattail

Typha species

Brown cylinder seed head on a tall wetland stalk.

Field notes +

LOOK: Parallel strap-like leaves; dense colonies at freshwater edges.
NUTRITION: Rhizomes are starch-rich. Young shoots and pollen provide modest energy.
WARNING: Avoid polluted runoff. Before the seed head forms, beginners can confuse other wetland plants.

EDIBLE WITH ID

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

One yellow flower on a hollow, leafless stem.

Field notes +

LOOK: Toothed leaves form a ground-level rosette; broken stems release white sap.
NUTRITION: Greens provide vitamins A, C and K; roots contain carbohydrate but are fibrous.
WARNING: Confirm the hollow stem and basal rosette. Avoid pesticide and roadside runoff.

CAUTION

White clover

Trifolium repens

Three rounded leaflets, often with pale crescents.

Field notes +

LOOK: Low creeping stems and round white-to-pink flower heads.
NUTRITION: Modest protein, fiber and minerals; mature leaves digest better cooked.
WARNING: Eat only a small identified amount. Moldy or fermented clover can be unsafe.

DO NOT TOUCH

Poison ivy

Toxicodendron radicans

Three leaflets; the center leaflet has a longer stalk.

Field notes +

LOOK: Variable glossy or dull leaves; climbing vines may look hairy.
HABITAT: Wood edges, trails, riverbanks and disturbed ground.
WARNING: Oil persists on clothing, tools and pet fur. Never burn it; smoke can injure lungs.

DO NOT EAT

Unknown white berries

Multiple toxic species

Pale clustered berries are an automatic stop without expert ID.

Field notes +

RECORD: Leaves, stem, berry arrangement and habitat—without tasting.
HABITAT: Woodland understory and ornamental escapees.
WARNING: Several white-berried plants are highly toxic. Color rules never prove safety.

EXPERT ID ONLY

Wild mushrooms

Many genera

Cap and gill appearance changes with age and weather.

Field notes +

EXPERT CUES: Spore print, bruising, veil, base, substrate and microscopic traits.
NUTRITION: Some are nutritious; that does not make visual guessing acceptable.
WARNING: Deadly and edible species can look nearly identical. Skip them without expert confirmation.

WILDLIFE

Black bear

Ursus americanus

Color varies from black to cinnamon; ears look tall and pointed.

Field notes +

SIGN: Five-toed tracks, claw marks, scat and overturned logs.
RESPONSE: Speak calmly, look large and back away. Never run or approach for a photo.
ATTACK: If a black bear attacks, fight back aggressively. Use bear spray as directed.

WILDLIFE

Mountain lion

Puma concolor

Large tawny cat with a long heavy tail and round ears.

Field notes +

SIGN: Round tracks usually without claw marks; covered prey caches.
RESPONSE: Face it, stay tall, pick up children and back away. Never crouch or run.
ATTACK: Fight back. Protect the head and neck; do not play dead.

KEEP DISTANCE

Rattlesnake

Crotalus species

Heavy body, triangular head and a rattle that may stay silent.

Field notes +

HABITAT: Warm rocks, brush, logs and trail edges; activity changes by season.
RESPONSE: Stop, locate it and back away several body lengths. Never handle or kill it.
BITE: Limit movement, remove rings, call emergency services. Do not cut, suck, ice or tourniquet.

CHECK SKIN

Tick

Multiple species

Tiny eight-legged parasite attached close to warm, hidden skin.

Field notes +

PREVENT: Use repellent, tuck clothing and check scalp, waist, groin and behind knees.
REMOVE: Grip close to skin with fine tweezers and pull straight up steadily.
WARNING: Save a photo and note the date. Seek care for fever, spreading rash or unusual illness.

Illustrative broadleaf plantain rosette and seed spikes

REGIONAL ID

Broadleaf plantain

Plantago major

Low basal rosette with broad leaves and several strong parallel ribs.

Field notes +

LOOK: Leaves rise from one center; slender seed spikes stand above the rosette.
USE: Young leaves are eaten in some regions after positive identification and cleaning.
WARNING: Confirm regional range and avoid sprayed lawns, roadsides, pet areas, and polluted soil. Illustration only.

Illustrative stinging nettle leaves and hairs

HANDLE WITH CARE

Stinging nettle

Urtica dioica

Opposite serrated leaves with fine stinging hairs on leaves and stems.

Field notes +

LOOK: Paired leaves, square-ish stems, pointed tips, and visible fine hairs.
NUTRITION: Properly identified and thoroughly cooked young leaves provide vitamins, minerals, and some protein.
WARNING: Raw contact can sting. Gloves and expert confirmation matter; do not use an image alone.

HIGHLY TOXIC

English yew

Taxus baccata

Flat dark evergreen needles with bright red cup-like arils.

Field notes +

LOOK: Needles lie mostly in two ranks along flexible green twigs; red arils may expose a dark seed.
HABITAT: Woodlands, cemeteries, gardens, and escaped ornamental plantings.
WARNING: Needles and seeds are dangerously toxic. Do not taste, brew, burn, or feed to animals.

Illustrative wild rose stem, leaves, and red hips

ID REQUIRED

Wild rose

Rosa species

Prickled arching stems, compound serrated leaves, and red-orange hips.

Field notes +

LOOK: Five-petaled flowers earlier in season; hips form after flowering and retain a crown-like tip.
NUTRITION: Properly identified outer hip flesh contains vitamin C and carbohydrate.
WARNING: Remove irritating inner hairs and seeds; avoid sprayed roadsides and confirm the species regionally.