Wild edibles are bountiful in many areas, and in survival situations can be a lifesaver. However, you should consult a reliable field guide for your region to know for sure which plants are edible and if there is a specific season in which they need to be eaten.
Berries are plentiful throughout most of the summer season. Generally the order for berries ripening is raspberries, blackberries, blueberries. There are many other edible berries, but many are poisonous, such as the red berries from the American holly tree, pokeberries and white poison ivy berries.
Edible mushrooms often are only good during specific seasons, but even mushroom experts can mistakenly pick the wrong one and get sick. There are some mushrooms that are poisonous even to the touch, such as the avenging angel.
Use the leaves of evergreens such as spruce, hemlock, fir, or cedar to boil in water to make tea. They are packed with nutrients and vitamins that will keep you going. There are a couple of evergreens that are poisonous, such as the American yew, so stick to the ones you know are safe.
Look for freshwater pools in a river. If you see minnows, you may have found some nutrient- and protein-packed food. Form a net with your shirt on a hooped sapling and slowly lift it out of the water, trapping the minnows. If you have enough patience and skill, you can grab a bigger fish with your bare hands.
Dandelions are packed with goodies in terms of vitamins and nutrients. The entire plant is edible, including the flower. Dandelions make great wild edibles because they are so easily identifiable.
