5 Wild Finds to Forage in Late Fall/Winter

by Laura Goley November 22, 2024

5 Wild Finds to Forage in Late Fall/Winter

Foraging is a rewarding way to connect with your local ecosystem to gather wild foods and medicines. Oftentimes, we hear the message that humans should stay away from nature so we don’t “mess it up.” But I think forming a bond with Earth through foraging responsibly motivates us to love and protect the ecosystems that support our lives. Here are five accessible plants and fungi to look for in late fall: turkey tail mushrooms, pine needles, rosehips, juniper berries, and dandelion roots. We’ll go over how to identify each one, where you might find them, and how they can support your health.

Before you start foraging, there are three rules you MUST follow:

Adopt the posture of The Honorable Harvest (from Robin Wall Kimmerer in Braiding Sweetgrass). This is a framework for reciprocity between humans and the Earth to help ensure that the Earth continues to be bountiful and healthy for all creatures and future generations:

Ask permission of the ones whose lives you seek. Abide by the answer.

Never take the first. Never take the last.

Harvest in a way that minimizes harm.

Take only what you need and leave some for others.

Use everything that you take.

Take only that which is given to you.

Share it, as the Earth has shared with you.

Be grateful.

Reciprocate the gift.

Sustain the ones who sustain you, and the Earth will last forever

2. Be 100% sure of your identification before you harvest anything. There are toxic, and even deadly, look-alike plants and mushrooms so positive identification is vital. Apps like iNaturalist can help a great deal, as can foraging books specific to your region. The best way is to ask an expert or someone who has worked with the plant/mushroom extensively.

3. Be sure you have permission to be there and forage. Check with the private landowner before entering a property or harvest anything. Some public lands allow foraging so be sure to check your local and state regulations.

1. Turkey Tail Mushrooms (Trametes versicolor)

Identification: Look for thin, fan-shaped fungi growing in layers on decaying logs or stumps. Turkey tails come in various colors: shades of brown, gray, and sometimes blue, with a distinctive pattern resembling the feathers on a turkey's tail. Their surface feels velvety, and the underside is smooth with no gills.
Where to Find: These mushrooms love damp, shaded forests and can be found on decaying hardwood. You may also spot them in woodlots or near trails.
Uses: Turkey tail mushrooms are renowned for their immune-supporting properties. They’re typically made into teas or tinctures, as they aren’t edible in their raw form. I love to add them to the pot when I’m making homemade chicken or beef stock with bones and vegetables.

2. Pine Needles (Pinus spp.)

Identification: Pine trees have needles arranged in clusters (usually 2–5 needles per bundle, depending on the species). The needles are long, slender, and have a fresh, resinous scent. Make sure it’s a true pine (e.g., white pine) and not a look-alike like yew, which is toxic.
Where to Find: Pine trees grow in a range of environments, from forests to backyards. Look for white pine, red pine or other common species in your area.
Uses: Pine needles are high in vitamin C and can be steeped as a tea to support the immune system. You can also create an herbal steam pot to help break up congestion and soothe a cough. They have a refreshing, slightly citrusy flavor and are excellent for cold and flu season.

3. Rosehips (Rosa spp.)

Identification: Rosehips are the small, round, red-to-orange fruits that appear on wild rose bushes in late fall. They are smooth, slightly firm, and often remain on the bush even after the leaves have fallen.
Where to Find: Depending on where you live, multiflora rose may be an abundant invasive that is easily foragable. It grows along the edge of just about every wooded area and open field in the eastern and midwestern US.
Uses: Rosehips are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. They’re traditionally used in teas, syrups, and jams to support the immune system and skin health. In the late fall and winter, I add them to just about every tea blend as well as to my elderberry syrup!

4. Juniper Berries (Juniperus communis) a.k.a Eastern Red Cedar

Identification: Juniper berries are small, round, dark purple-blue fruits with a silvery coating, often resembling tiny blueberries. They are actually cones (like pinecones) not berries! Juniper needles are short and sharp, with a distinct aroma.
Where to Find: Look for juniper trees in old pastures or fields transitioning to woodlands or along woodland edges.
Uses: Juniper berries have been used historically to aid digestion and fight infection. They add a unique, piney flavor to meats and are used sparingly in teas or tinctures. You can also infuse them into a neutral spirit to make a tasty, festive cocktail! They should be consumed in moderation, as high doses may be irritating.

5. Dandelion Roots (Taraxacum officinale)

Identification: Dandelions have bright yellow flowers that turn into fluffy seed heads, but by late fall, you’ll be identifying them mainly by their toothed, bright green leaves close to the ground. Dig up the long, dark taproots carefully. A soil knife helps a great deal.
Where to Find: Dandelions are one of the most common weeds and grow practically anywhere – lawns, gardens, meadows, and roadside areas.
Uses: Dandelion roots are celebrated for their liver-supporting and detoxifying qualities. They can be dried and roasted to make a coffee-like tea or decoction, which helps digestion and supports liver health. Check out more uses in my last post!

With a bit of exploration, these five foraged treasures can add vibrant flavors and health benefits to your fall kitchen!

Want to learn more about healing plants? Grab my FREE guide: Plants of Power: Elderberry--4 Ways Elderberry can Kickstart your Journey into Healthy, Flourishing, Earth-Connected Living. You probably have heard of elderberry syrup and might know how powerful it is for immune system support. But you may not know that it is a native plant that supports a plethora of insects and birds while stabilizing soils. Learn how to grow and work with this amazing plant partner. Includes my special recipes for infused elderflower facial oil and delicious elderberry syrup!

5 Wild Finds to Forage in Late Fall/Winter