Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Red clover is native to Europe and Asia but has been naturalized throughout the world. It has many uses. Ranchers value it for its high protein content which makes it a great feed for livestock. Farmers utilize it as a green fertilizer because it has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which increases soil fertility. Flower lovers grow it as a beautiful and easy to care for ornamental. It's also edible for humans and makes a colorful addition to a summer salad. It's quite an impressive plant!
Blackberries (subgenus rubus)
Blackberries are a delicious summer treat that can be found abundantly in farmers' markets as well as roadsides and forest edges. They are rich in Vitamin C, K, and A as well as antioxidants.
Quickweed (g. Galinsoga)
Quickweed is well known in the gardening community as being notoriously hard to control. This is due, in part, to the fact that some species can produce up to 7500 tiny, wind-carried seeds per plant! However, it is actually a nutritious and delicious food. In many places throughout the world, it is cultivated as an easy-to-grow pot herb. It does have a potentially toxic look-alike, Tridax procumbens or tridax daisy, so correct identification is a must before consuming this plant!
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
If the looks of the sharp, tiny teeth outlining each leaf of this plant don't deter you, the feel will! The leaves and stem of this plant are covered with tiny hairs filled with irritating chemicals. Brushing up against one can give the sensation of a painful bee sting. However, when harvested with care, these plants are a great source of nutrition (when cooked) and tough fibers that can be made into clothing and paper.
