Forage Culture

Here in zone 6 we’ve got witch hazel blooming! It’s such an interesting tree that blooms in the fall once the leaves have started to drop. If you struggle with tree ID, get some yarn or other simple marking material to tag your witch hazel for reinspection in the Spring.

While it may be tempting to harvest some of tree now to make your herbal remedies, it’s not the best time for the plant (or for your medicine) since nature is in the process of sending its nutrients down to the roots. Wait until spring, harvesting small branches from well established trees, when sap begins to flow again.

Fall foraging - the lack of water in our area is making me lean towards photography rather than hunting, but either way, it’s wonderful to be out in the woods.

Go get your berry fix!