Foraging Florida

From Falcon Guides:

Paleo-Indians lived more than 14,000 years ago in the land we now call Florida, and later came tribes of indigenous people known as the Ais, Calusa, Mayaimi, Tequesta, Timucua, and others. Still later came the Seminole and Miccosukee. These people were hunter-fisher-gatherers who lived off the bounty of what nature had to offer. Today, foraging wild fruits, nuts, grains, and other edible plant parts has become a popular pastime for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the country, but Florida in particular is a forager's paradise due to its wealth of both temperate and tropical native plants.

In this book, local naturalist Roger Hammer highlights edible and medicinal native and naturalized plants found throughout the state, from the far western Panhandle to the island chain of the Florida Keys. This forager's guidebook is organized by plant family so foragers can learn which species are closely related, and it includes a poisonous plant section so novices will know which plants to avoid. Recipes, identification tips, and instructions for how to prepare herbal and medicinal teas are offered throughout.

Inside you'll find:

• Detailed description and photos of each plant, including its uses
• Information on toxic look-alikes and cautions
• Recipes to prepare at home and on the trail
• A glossary of botanical terms

By Roger Hammer, ISBN 978-1-4930-6979-8, copyright 2023.