One of the many amazing things about Wild Basin is the diversity of plant species growing in the preserve. What's even more special is that there are some edible species out there! Here are five plants growing at Wild Basin you could make a part of a Central Texas meal!
1. Agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata)
Agarita berries grow on a holly-like bush. This plant is one of the most used plants in Texas - both for its medicinal capabilities and for food. Native Americans have long used Agarita in many ways - it can treat stomach aches, fever, open wounds, bug stings, and more. As for flavor, the Agarita plant's bright red berries can be used in jellies, pies, and drinks. It's name comes from the Spanish word "agrito," or "little sour." And a fun fact about this plant - the best way to harvest the berries off the spiny plant is to put something underneath the bush (like an umbrella or blanket) and wack it until all the berries fall off!
Courtesy Sally and Andy Wasowski, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
2. Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria)
Second is the Yaupon tree. For centuries, its leaves have been used to make tea by Native Americans. When colonizers came to America, yaupon tea quickly became popular with them as well. It has been used in medicine, tea, rituals, and for ceremonies like coming of age. However, today Yaupon tea has been largely forgotten. It is the only wild tea in Texas to have caffeine, and it has a taste similar to green tea, or matcha. By gathering, roasting, and boiling the leaves, you can enjoy a homegrown tea straight from Texas history!
Courtesy James Garland Holmes, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
3. Escarpment Black Cherry (Prunus serotina var. eximia)
The Escarpment Black Cherry tree is another edible plant growing at Wild Basin. It's so tasty that even the deer enjoy the berries for a snack! This tree's popularity with the large deer population makes it a rare spot. The berries can be eaten raw after they're pitted, or they can be used in jellies, jams, pies, and as flavoring in drinks or syrups. However, the rest of the tree is poisonous, so make sure to restrict your snack to the berries. Surprisingly, the inner bark has been used in medicines like cough syrups, sedatives, or tonics.
4. Texas Red bud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis)
This is one tree that you've definitely seen around! The Texas redbud is popular now for landscaping, but has long been a part of meals in the southern United States and down into Mexico. This tree is in the pea family, and the buds are very acidic. In Mexico, the flowers are fried for a snack. The buds can also be pickled, which are then popular in a salad. Not only this, but the nectar can be used like honey! The buds of this tree have a high vitamin C content, and the bark roots have medicinal properties that can be used to treat colds and flu.
Courtesy Bruce Leander, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
5. Evergreen Sumac (Rhus virens var. choriophylla)
Evergreen Sumac is a shrub that blooms with velvety red fruit in late summer. This fruit helps make the perfect summer refreshments! The berries are very tart, and can be used to make tea, spices, or even "lemonade"! Make it by collecting the berries and letting them soak in warm water overnight. The next morning,you can add some sweetener if you want, or just drink it as it is. The berries can also just be eaten on their own, provided you spit out the large seed. This shrub is in the same family as pistachios, mangoes, and cashews, and poison ivy. Remember to be cautious about this plant if you know you have reactions to any of these plants in the same family.
Courtesy Stephanie Brundage, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Go out and explore to find your next Texas nature-inspired snack!