Phenology of Jackson Hole

Introduction by Derek Craighead:

Most rural peoples enjoy harvesting some wild plant during summer and fall. In the past, it was often a critical part of the yearly food supply but is now mostly an enjoyable outdoor activity when one can find the time. In Teton County WY, this usually means collecting morel mushrooms and huckleberries. There is, however, a plethora of native fruits that can be eaten off the bush or gathered in quantities to make pie, jam or freeze for later use.

I know that I was reluctant to stray far from picking huckleberries for fear that I might gather one of the few poisonous or unpleasant berries. In Teton County there are 60 or more plants the bear fleshy fruits, only a dozen are potentially toxic and most of these only if consumed in quantity.  The following “notes” will periodically feature some of these plants and their fruit.