List of edible plants and mushrooms of Southeast Alaska

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Southeast Alaska has an unusual climate that allows a large number of edible plant and edible mushroom species to grow. The area consists primarily of the Tongass National Forest, which is a temperate rainforest. This rainforest has plenty of precipitation and the temperature remains relatively constant, therefore many plant and fungi species flourish there. On a geological time scale, fairly recently during the Little Ice Age, glaciers were abundant in Southeast Alaska. The ice age's last maximum ended about 10,000 years ago. [1] [ page needed ] Once the glaciers retreated, they left behind nutrient-rich sediments. These nutrients in the soil enriched the ecosystem of the area.

Contents

Tlingit use

Historically the Tlingit people of the Pacific Northwest foraged off of the land. The Tlingit cuisine included everything from whales to deer, and from clams to plants. Often the Tlingit people included in their diet many edible items from the surrounding native vegetation along with what ever seafood and wild game they were able to find. Hunting and fishing expeditions were not always successful, in which case, meals were made using the local berries, fungus, and seaweed. Because winters were long and cold in the Pacific Northwest, the Tlingit people used preserving methods in order to be able to use the gathered vegetation all winter long. [2] [ page needed ] Many of the edible plants that are consumed today in Southeast Alaska are eaten because of the knowledge passed down from many generations of Tlingit.

Berries

Common Name/Scientific NameTlingit Name [3] ImagePreparation [4] Comments
Lowbush cranberry, LingonberryDáxw Tyting.jpg Eaten raw, also commonly used in jams and jellies.In season late in the fall. Rich in antioxidants.
Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus Ch'eex' Thimbleberry (3823059633).jpg Eaten raw, also commonly used in jams and jellies. Shoots can be eaten raw or cookedVery similar to the common raspberry.
Strawberry Saákw Wild Strawberries (3818497296).jpg Eaten raw, also commonly used in jams and jellies.Fruits late in spring. Leaves can be mashed to make tea.
Salmonberry, Rubus spectabilis Was'x'aan Tléigu Salmonberry on Raspberry Island.JPG Eaten raw, also commonly used in jams and jellies. Shoots can be peeled and eaten raw.Available in July/August. Common on hillsides with much rain and sun.
Nagoonberry, Rubus arcticus Neigóon Rubus arcticus berry.jpg Eaten raw, also commonly used to make juice and tea.Found in damp, low, meadows. Berries are very fragile. Not normally found in abundance.
Bunchberry, Cornus canadensis K'eikaxétl'k Bunchberries (3823908564).jpg Can be eaten fresh, also can be preserved by freezing.High in pectin. Berries ripen later at higher elevations.
Huckleberry Tleikatánk Huckleberry.jpg Eaten raw, also commonly used in jams and jellies.Grows on sunny hillsides. Worms frequently present among berries.
Highbush cranberry, Viburnum trilobum Kaxwéix Viburnum trilobum (Whitefish Island) 1.JPG Tart when eaten raw.Fruits in late summer. Found in woods and rocky banks. Pectin content higher earlier in the summer.
Gooseberry, Ribes uva-crispa Shaax Gooseberries (5980340315).jpg Can be eaten raw.Available mid-August. Berry has a distinct odor.
Elderberry, Sambucus Yéil' Red elderberry (5963375334).jpg Flowers and mature deseeded fruit can be eaten raw.Berries are sometimes found up to 20 feet high. Cooking the berries removes an alkaloid that may upset the stomach. Said to have the ability to calm nerves. Consumption of seeds, immature berries, stems, and roots, may cause cyanide poisoning. [5]
Cloudberry, Rubus chamaemorus Néx'w Cloudberry-cropped.jpg Eaten raw, also commonly used in jams and jellies.Fruits in late fall. Leaves can be used to make a medicinal tea.
Twisted Stalk, Wild Cucumber, Watermelon Berry, Streptopus amplexifolius Tleikw Kahínti Streptopus amplexifolius 13.JPG Berries and young stems can be eaten fresh or raw.Berries have a delicate flavor resembling watermelon. Stems taste similar to cucumber. Grows in shady, moist areas. The poisonous False hellebore plant sometimes grows close to the Watermellon berry, and has similar leaves.
Alaskan Blueberry Kanat'a Blueberries-Littleisland.jpg Eaten fresh and commonly used in jams, jellies, and baked goods.Fruits in mid-July to late August. Grows on wet, sunny hillsides.

Fungi

The temperate rainforest of the Tongass National Forest often produces a great amount of mushrooms in the summer and fall months. Fungi can be used for dyeing natural fibers and as a food source. In the ecosystem, Fungi cycle nutrients, aggregate soil, retain water, and are a source of food for many animals. There are many kinds of fungi, including Chanterelles, Boletes, Morels, and Puffballs.

Limits on harvesting

Generally speaking individuals are permitted to harvest mushrooms in the Tongass National Forest without a special license. However, it is expected that harvesters help protect the natural resources from damage. For commercial harvest, a permit is required. Harvesters must check with a local forest ranger to make sure all harvesting is legal. [6] [ page needed ]

Many species of mushrooms and berries can be poisonous, but look similar to the edible species. Harvesting the entire mushroom allows for easier identification as does taking note of the surroundings where the fungus was found. All harvested mushrooms need to be cooked, not eaten raw. [7] [ page needed ]

Common Name/Scientific NameImageComments [8]
Shrimp russula, Russula xerampelina Russula xerampelina.jpg Fishy odor when mature. Most commonly eaten russula.
Orange milk-cap, Lactarius deliciosus group Lactarius deliciosus.jpg Once handled, the fungus will turn green. Gathered for food, but Alaskan populations not considered deserving of the name deliciosus.
The gypsy, Cortinarius caperatus Rozites caperata 20100919w.JPG The gypsy is hard to identify and therefore can be confused with more dangerous species.
Alaskan gold, Phaeolepiota aurea Phaeolepiota aurea 10866-83fabfaacdf92ca2ba5a395f175754a4.jpg Easy to identify. Typically found in disturbed areas and in large areas.
Pacific gold chanterelle, Cantharellus formosus Cantharellus formosus 174975 Belfair.jpg Large and found in small numbers. Has an odor similar to apricots.
Yellow foot, Craterellus tubaeformis Craterellus tubaeformis LC0374.jpg Small, slender, and trumpet shaped. Long fruiting season.
Black chanterelle, Polyozellus multiplex Polyozellus multiplex -Haida Guaii.jpg Very distinct and striking. Typically in tight clusters and under spruce. Rare.
King bolete, Boletus edulis Boletus edulis EtgHollande 041031 091.jpg Very popular edible mushroom. The tubes can also be used as a dye.
Admirable bolete, Boletus mirabilis Aureoboletus mirabilis Olympic National Park.jpg Typically fruits on wood. Is said to have a lemony taste.
Chicken of the woods, Laetiporus sulphureus Laetiporus sulphureus JPG01.jpg Large cluster with shelves exceeding 12 inches in width. Young, fresh, fruitbodies are the most desirable to eat.
Bear's head, Hericium abietis Hericium abietis 109093.jpg Very distinctive fungus. Typically grows on conifer logs and stumps.
Gray fire morel, Morchella tomentosa Morchella tomentosa 40375.jpg Very dark colored when young, but lightens with age. Considered one of the most desirable edible fungi in the area.
Early false morel, Verpa bohemica Verpa bohemica1.jpg One of the first mushrooms to emerge in the late spring or early summer. In some people, the early false morel is known to cause gastric upset.

Related Research Articles

<i>Mitrula paludosa</i> Species of fungus

Mitrula paludosa, the swamp beacon (US) or bog beacon, (UK) is a species of fungus. It is inedible.

<i>Hypholoma lateritium</i> Species of fungus

Hypholoma lateritium, sometimes called brick cap, chestnut mushroom, cinnamon cap, brick top, red woodlover, or kuritake is rarer and less well-known than its relatives, the inedible, and poisonous sulfur tuft and the edible Hypholoma capnoides. Its fruiting bodies are generally larger than either of these. Hypholoma sublateritium is a synonym.

<i>Lactarius deliciosus</i> Species of fungus

Lactarius deliciosus, commonly known as the saffron milk cap and red pine mushroom, is one of the best known members of the large milk-cap genus Lactarius in the order Russulales. It is found in Europe and has been accidentally introduced to other countries under conifers and can be found growing in pine plantations. A fresco in the Roman town of Herculaneum appears to depict Lactarius deliciosus and is one of the earliest pieces of art to illustrate a fungus.

<i>Amanita citrina</i> Species of fungus

Amanita citrina, commonly known as the false death cap or citron amanita, is a basidiomycotic mushroom, one of many in the genus Amanita. It grows in silicate soil in the summer and autumn months. It bears a pale yellow or sometimes white cap, with white stem, ring and volva. Though not deadly, it is inedible and often confused for the lethal death cap.

<i>Agaricus arvensis</i> Species of fungus

Agaricus arvensis, commonly known as the horse mushroom, is a mushroom of the genus Agaricus.

<i>Agaricus campestris</i> Species of fungus

Agaricus campestris is a widely eaten gilled mushroom closely related to the cultivated button mushroom Agaricus bisporus. It is commonly known as the field mushroom or, in North America, meadow mushroom.

<i>Hygrocybe miniata</i> Species of fungus

Hygrocybe miniata, commonly known as the vermilion waxcap, is a small, bright red or red-orange mushroom of the waxcap genus Hygrocybe. It is a cosmopolitan species, that is found worldwide. In Europe, it is found in fields, on sandy heaths, or grassy commons in the autumn. It is found in rainforest and eucalypt forest as well as heathland in Australia.

<i>Lactarius rufus</i> Species of fungus

Lactarius rufus is a common, medium-sized member of the mushroom genus Lactarius, whose many members are commonly known as milkcaps. Known by the common name of the rufous milkcap, or the red hot milk cap in North America. It is dark brick red in color, and grows with pine or birch trees.

<i>Baeospora myosura</i> Species of fungus

Baeospora myosura is a species of fungus that produces mushrooms with long, coarse hairs. It grows on plant material and manure. It is white to cream and the spore color is white, cream, or yellowish. It is commonly found in North America and Europe. The common name of the mushroom is conifercone cap. It was described in 1938 by mycologist Rolf Singer. It is regarded as nonpoisonous.

<i>Russula fragilis</i>

The inedible wild mushroom Russula fragilis, which goes by the common name of the fragile brittlegill, is a member of the genus Russula, whose members are commonly known as brittlegills. It is a small, fragile, long stemmed, and variably coloured brittlegill, found in mixed forests, and woods in Europe, Asia, and North America.

<i>Grifola frondosa</i> Maitake or Hen of the Woods mushroom

Grifola frondosa is a polypore mushroom that grows at the base of trees, particularly old growth oaks or maples. It is typically found in late summer to early autumn. It is native to China, Europe, and North America.

<i>Amanita vaginata</i> Species of fungus

Amanita vaginata, commonly known as the grisette or the grisette amanita, is an edible mushroom in the fungus family Amanitaceae. Unlike many other Amanita mushrooms, A. vaginata lacks a ring on the stem. The cap is gray or brownish, 5 to 10 centimetres in diameter, and has furrows around the edge that duplicate the gill pattern underneath. It has a widespread distribution in North America, and is thought to be part of a species complex that includes other similar-looking Amanitas.

<i>Sarcoscypha austriaca</i> Species of fungus

Sarcoscypha austriaca is a saprobic fungus in the family Sarcoscyphaceae of the order Pezizales of Ascomycota. It is commonly known as the scarlet elfcup, pézize écarlate and scharlachroter kelchbecherling. The species name means "from Austria".

<i>Paxillus vernalis</i> Species of fungus

Paxillus vernalis is a basidiomycete fungus found in montane forests in northern North America. It closely resembles the poisonous Paxillus involutus, and is considered likely to also be poisonous. The fungus was described as new to science by Scottish mycologist Roy Watling in 1969.

<i>Tarzetta catinus</i> Species of fungus

Tarzetta catinus is a species of apothecial fungus belonging to the family Pyronemataceae. This is a largely European species with a few records from Mexico and the United States. It appears from spring to autumn as cream-coloured cups up to 5 cm across, usually in small groups among broad-leaved trees, especially beech. The rather similar Tarzetta cupularis is usually a smaller, deeper, flask-shaped cup, but the two species can only be reliably distinguished microscopically: by the shape of the spores and the paraphyses.

<i>Morchella deliciosa</i> Species of fungus

Morchella deliciosa is a species of edible fungus in the family Morchellaceae. It was first described scientifically by Elias Magnus Fries in 1822. It is a European species, although the name has erroneously been applied to morphologically similar North American morels.

<i>Amanita excelsa</i> Species of fungus

Amanita excelsa, also known as the European false blushing amanita, is a species of agaric fungus in the family Amanitaceae. It is found in Asia, Europe, and North America, where it grows in deciduous forests.

<i>Clavariadelphus pistillaris</i> Species of fungus

Clavariadelphus pistillaris is a rare species of mushroom of the family Gomphaceae native to Europe and North America. It grows during summer and autumn almost exclusively in beech forest on calcareous soil on litter and woodchips.

<i>Inosperma calamistratum</i>

Inosperma calamistratum, until 2019 known as Inocybe calamistrata, is an inedible species of Inocybaceae fungus found in Europe and North America. Orson K. Miller Jr. and Hope Miller list it as poisonous.

<i>Entoloma sericellum</i> Species of fungus

Entoloma sericellum is a species of mushroom-forming fungus belonging to the family Entolomataceae. It appears in conifer and hardwood forests.

References

  1. Bally, A. W., and Allison R. Palmer. The Geology of North America: An Overview. Boulder, CO: Geological Society of America, 1989. Print.
  2. Olson, Wallace M. The Tlingit: An Introduction to Their Culture and History. Auke Bay, AK: Heritage Research, 1997. Print.
  3. Telander, Todd. Edible Wild Plants a Falcon Field Guide. Guilford, Ct: FalconGuides, 2012. Print.
  4. Telander, Todd. Edible Wild Plants a Falcon Field Guide. Guilford, Ct: FalconGuides, 2012. Print.
  5. Schofield, Janice J. Alaska's Wild Plants: a guide to Alaska's wild plants. Portland, Or: Alaska Northwest Books, 2009. p 61. ISBN   978-0-88240-433-2
  6. Miller, Orson K., and Hope Miller. North American Mushrooms: A Field Guide to Edible and Inedible Fungi. Guilford, CT: Falcon Guide, 2006. Print.
  7. Miller, Orson K., and Hope Miller. North American Mushrooms: A Field Guide to Edible and Inedible Fungi. Guilford, CT: Falcon Guide, 2006. Print.
  8. "The National Forests of Alaska." Science 70.1812 (1929): 276-77. Www.fs.usda.gov. Web. 12 Oct. 2014.