Ask the Pond Pad: Plant Identification Question from a Forager

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What is this Plant? We are foragers and are having a hard time identifying this plant, Can you Help Us?. This question was asked by Angela at Centralia College- Apothecary Garden Class on 7-18-26

Notice how the viens of the leaves run parrel topped with white flower clusters on long stalks

Answer:  Thank you Angela, I am not usually stumped as a Biologist and a "forager" (we called it wild crafting back then) since  the late 1980’s. I searched online to see what was out there but there was nothing close to this plant in my quick query. But I did finally figure it out.

I recommend everyone in the PNW has this book- it helps you ID plants in the wild as well as in your own backyard. Field guide- Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast pg.113 also describes the uses of native plants by local natives tribes

What helped me figure it out wasn’t a plant app, it was my knowledge of plant families and specific identification tools. The key for me was the pattern on the leaves- parallel venation lead me to knowing it was a monocot and probably in the Lily plant family. So I took out my handy  field guide- Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast - starting looking through it, centering around the lilies. Sure enough, I finally believe I identified it initially as the Corn Lily or Green False Hellebore (Veratrum viride) but with further examination, I think it is actually the California False Hellebore (Veratrum californicum)  which has whiter flowers and is larger that better fits with Angela’s image. These plants are thought of as some of the most poisonous plants in the area by all indigenous people, usually found near the coast in open meadows (which is where the image was taken). Even a small part of the plant being eaten can result in unconsciousness followed by death. It was a very wise call that these foragers decided to leave it alone!

When you are identifying plants understand that the flower is very important in the identification process, all plants are classified by how they reproduce or produce “flowers” and pollen. In this instance the leaf was the first clue but normally the flower  is the primary clue, foliage is usually secondary.

If you would like to learn more about native plants and how to identify them, please contact the link to the Native Plant Society  https://www.wnps.org/get-involved   get involved and learn more about native plants in our state and which ones are protected.  Being knowledgeable can help you decide whether to forage, pass on dangerous plants or leave nature for nature and  so others can enjoy these plants for future generations.

Capturing the unique essence of wild plants in photographic images are  long lasting prizes that preserve and do not disturb.

I teach many classes about botany, foraging, apothecary skills, gardening and herbal medicine- both in person and online. I also do one on one consultations for a fee.

Ask Kerri Your Question at: AskthePondPad@gmail.com  I will answer it and post it on my blog.