Page 155 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Hobblebush, Viburnum

lantanoides (ADOXACEAE)

HOBBLEBUSH, also known as Moosewood and Witch-
hobble, is a deciduous that reaches 10 ft. (3m) high. It
flourishes in rich, moist soils, occurring in forest under-
Richtid, CC-BY-SA-3.0
story, cool woodlands, and along waterways.
FLOWER AND FRUIT: Fragrant, round-topped clusters
of white or pink flowers bloom in May-June. Flowers
have 5 petals and are 0.8-1.5 inches (2-4cm) across.
Fruits begin bright red and ripen to bluish-black in Sep-
tember-October. Each fruit is 0.2-0.5 inches (0.5-1.2cm)
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long and ovoid. Matt Lavin, CC-BY-SA-2.0-3.0
LEAF: Leaves are simple, opposite, and heart-shaped, its big seed. They can be eaten raw or cooked. Pick
growing 4-8 inches (10-20cm) long and nearly as wide. fruits when they are black, preferably after the first
The upper surface of each leaf is prominently veined, frost.
while hairs grow from the lower surface. Edges are fine- HOBBLEBERRY APPLE BUTTER: Pour 2 quarts
ly double toothed. In fall foliage turns a stunning red. hobblebush berries into a large pot and add 1 cup
water. Let simmer for 30 min. or until the skins burst.
EDIBLE PARTS: fruit
Cool, and pour contents through a sieve to remove
KEY MEDICINAL USES: It is an analgesic and blood pu-
the seeds. Next, combine your berry sauce with ap-
rifier.
plesauce, sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, ½ tsp. cloves, ½ tsp.
HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Fruits taste halfway be- salt, lemon zest, and the juice of 1 lemon. Simmer for
tween raisins and dates when dried - just watch out for 30 min. until the mixture thickens.
Honeysuckle (Mountain Fly)
/Waterberry, Lonicera
villosa (CAPRIFOLIACEAE)

MOUNTAIN FLY HONEYSUCKLE, Northern fly honey-
suckle, or Waterberry is a small deciduous shrub that
thrives in rocky and peaty soils. It is commonly found
around bogs, swaps, and disturbed sites. Growing 1-3
ft. (0.3-0.9m), their erect branches have a red or pur-
plish hue.
FLOWER AND FRUIT: Pale yellow or cream fun-
nel-shaped flowers emerge in late spring. Flowers are Joanne Kline, Online Virtual
Flora of Wisconsin Jill Weber
0.3-0.5 inches (0.8-1.3cm) long and hairy. Blue-black ber-
ries mature in June-August. They are oblong-elliptic and WATERBERRY GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH: In a
0.4 inches (1cm) long with a waxy bloom. saucepan, combine ½ cup honeysuckle waterberries,
LEAF: Leaves are oval-shaped, and hairy on both sides; 1 ½ tbsp. brown sugar, and ½ tbsp. balsamic vinegar.
they may grow 0.7- 2.5 inches (1.7-6cm) long. Leaf edges Let simmer on medium heat for 5 min, while mashing
are smooth and sometimes fringed with fine fibers. the berries. Pour contents through a strainer. Save
liquid syrup for pancakes. Spread the berries on a
EDIBLE PARTS: fruit/flower nectar
slice of bread. Add baby spinach leaves and slices of
HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Berries are ready for
mature cheddar.
harvesting once they mature in June and July. It’s best to
WARNING: Some honeysuckle species are poison-
scout out the flowering shrubs in May, note their loca-
ous. Make sure of your ID.
tion, and return a month later. They can be eaten raw or
made into jams, desserts, and drinks.

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