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Wild Edibles

CURRENT Wild Edibles

March’s Wild Edible: Redbud Buds

Redbuds are fairly easy to identify, even before they bloom.

February’s Wild Edible: Wild Asparagus

Sometime this month or in early March in these mountains, the wild asparagus will begin to emerge from the soil in such nondescript places as ditches, roadsides and uncultivated fields.

February’s Wild Edible: Maple Syrup

In the Blue Ridge Mountain region, certainly two of the counties that are most known for producing maple syrup are Highland County, Virginia and Pocahontas County, West Virginia.

January’s Wild Edible: Hairy Bittercress

A close relative of watercress, bittercress is one of the first wild edibles to make their yearly appearance in the Blue Ridge.

December’s Wild Edible: Northern Spicebush

This flora features alternate shiny leaves that are an appealing dark green and look something like an egg would if it has been stretched out.

Current Issue

In our region, redbud trees often begin blooming in late March to early April.

March’s Wild Edible: Redbud Buds

Redbuds are fairly easy to identify, even before they bloom.
Bruce Ingram with asparagus. Asparagus appear in late winter in this region, but the best time to find patches of asparagus is when the green fronds appear much later in the spring.

February’s Wild Edible: Wild Asparagus

Sometime this month or in early March in these mountains, the wild asparagus will begin to emerge from the soil in such nondescript places as ditches, roadsides and uncultivated fields.
Bob Sheets gathering sugar maple syrup

February’s Wild Edible: Maple Syrup

In the Blue Ridge Mountain region, certainly two of the counties that are most known for producing maple syrup are Highland County, Virginia and Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
64cf82ca-8d47-11ee-8d53-12163087a831-Hairy-Bittercress

January’s Wild Edible: Hairy Bittercress

A close relative of watercress, bittercress is one of the first wild edibles to make their yearly appearance in the Blue Ridge.
Northern spicebush growing on the author’s Botetourt County, Virginia land.

December’s Wild Edible: Northern Spicebush

This flora features alternate shiny leaves that are an appealing dark green and look something like an egg would if it has been stretched out.
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Departments

Coyote (Canis latrans) wandering out from the forest into the loop road on a summer late morning.
Country Roads

Critters Crossing! 

States across the Blue Ridge are investing in wildlife crossings to protect animals and improve roadway safety.

September 1, 2026
Eugenia Williams House. Photo courtesy of Bruce Cole
Country Roads

A Mystery on the River

The once-private estate of enigmatic heiress Eugenia Williams is now open to visitors.

September 1, 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS