While out and about the place, I often come across plants that seem highly attractive. Whether it is a pretty shaped leaf, a sweet bloom or simply a twirly vine, I always have to stop and admire the beauty. A lot of the thoughts are simply about how to include the plant into the sort of wild and woolly landscape (or lack thereof) that I tend but there are also times that the thinking takes a turn to "I wonder if this is edible?" With that notion in mind, a photograph is taken and I return to research the plant. I don't have the nerve to just chow down on some unknown leaf! Or, even if I know the plant, I still want to see about the edibility of it before taking a bite. So, I research. I have found that most universities around the country have a wealth of information that is free for viewing. It is my idea that if a learning institution has already done the studying for me, I should take full advantage of their vast knowledge.
Today's "Can I eat it?" plant is Carolina Geranium. I knew that. I also knew that it was call Cranesbill (sometimes called cranesbeak) due to its bright red seed pod that resembles a crane's bill. I pushed through to the edibility part of the article. Yep! It is edible and all parts are used in some herbal medicines (both topically and internally). Aha! So, this lovely leaf is edible! Should I cook up a pot or make a salad? I was ready to try it since there are numerous plants in the garden beneath the broccoli! I read some more. At the very bottom of the page, there was a bit of advice. "While considered edible, we do not advise you go out searching for Carolina Geranium for your next meal. It is high in tannins and is quite bitter to the taste." Ok, so maybe Mark and Son would not be overly happy with a side dish of bitterness. Me? Well, let's just say that curiosity got the best of me. Take my word for it....the leaves are bitter...very astringent...not tasty. (Yes. Yes, I did. Just chalk it up as a public service announcement. Cranesbill is bitter.)
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