Behind Blue Ridge Country

With the widespread disappearance of the American chestnut across most of the Blue Ridge, the reigning signature tree of the region has to be the white oak.

This nut adds both flavor, vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 and 6-fatty acids to bread, muffin or cookie recipes.

The berries feature a bittersweet flavor when eaten right off the vine.

Red and fan-shaped, Fistulina hepatica can grow up to 10 inches wide, although most specimens are about half that size.