Expert picks from James Rebanks, Chris Packham, Rosemary Gladstar reveal trusted Wild Plants Books for foraging, herbal medicine, and wild land restoration
What if you could tap into the hidden bounty of wild plants around you—not just to forage but to heal and transform your life? Wild plants have quietly sustained human cultures for millennia, yet today, many have lost touch with this vital knowledge. Now, a growing number of experts are rekindling our connection to nature’s wild pharmacy and pantry.
Take Rosemary Gladstar, a seasoned herbalist who found Wild Remedies to be a gateway into crafting herbal medicines with confidence and care. Meanwhile, James Rebanks, a shepherd and author, points to Wilding as a powerful story of how stepping back can restore wild ecosystems and bring back lost species. Naturalist Chris Packham praises this approach as a hopeful blueprint for repairing broken lands. These voices represent a spectrum—from hands-on herbal preparation to visionary land restoration.
While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks for identifying, using, and conserving wild plants, readers seeking content tailored to their specific environment, experience, and goals might consider creating a personalized Wild Plants book that builds on these insights. This can accelerate your journey to mastering wild plants in a way that fits your unique story.
Rosemary Gladstar, a best-selling author and herbalist, encountered this book as a fresh, insightful guide that elevated her understanding of plant lore and foraging. She shares, "I was intrigued and captivated from the very first paragraphs. Beautifully written, Wild Remedies abounds with plant lore, wisdom, and instruction." Her appreciation for the detailed photographs and seasonal plant identification reflects how this book helped her deepen her relationship with nature. This perspective makes the book compelling for anyone wanting to explore herbal medicine with confidence and care. Similarly, Sajah Popham underscores the book's timely call to reconnect with the earth’s healing intelligence, highlighting its holistic approach.
“I was intrigued and captivated from the very first paragraphs. Beautifully written, Wild Remedies abounds with plant lore, wisdom, and instruction. The authors have created a deeply thoughtful, insightful, and interactive book that enables readers to not only identify and forage wild foods but also to create a deepening relationship with nature and the world of plants. As an added bonus, the book is gorgeously illustrated with several photographs of each plant, making it easier to identify them through the seasons. And the recipes provided with each plant are out-of-this-world good!” (from Amazon)
Rosalee de la Forêt is passionate about helping people discover the world of herbalism and natural health. She is a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild, and as an herbal consultant she helps people find natural solutions to their chronic health problems. She also teaches extensively about herbalism internationally and as the Education Director at LearningHerbs. Rosalee is the author of Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods and Remedies That Heal, as well as numerous articles, e-books, and two online courses: The Taste of Herbs and Herbal Cold Care.
The methods Rosalee de la Forêt developed while working as an herbal consultant shine clearly in this detailed guide to wild plants and herbal medicine. You’ll learn to identify, harvest, and prepare over two dozen commonly found wild plants, turning what many see as weeds into nourishing foods and remedies—like dandelion maple syrup cake or nettle frittata. The book blends botanical knowledge with practical kitchen applications, complete with vivid illustrations that prevent misidentification. If you want to deepen your relationship with nature and gain hands-on skills in crafting herbal oils, teas, and salves, this book offers a grounded, accessible approach. It’s especially suited for those curious about natural health but unsure where to start.
James Rebanks, author and shepherd known for deep insights into farming traditions, highlights the significance of this book for Britain's agricultural and conservation communities. After witnessing the wild transformation at Knepp Estate, he urges every farmer to understand this experiment as a blueprint for letting nature reclaim farmed landscapes. He says, "Every farmer (and perhaps every conservationist) in Britain needs to go and spend a day at Knepp... This book tells this vital story and deserves to be widely read." His perspective, rooted in both farming practice and ecological stewardship, underscores the book's value for those grappling with land management today. Alongside him, naturalist Chris Packham praises it as a hopeful future for conservation, reinforcing why you should consider this story if you care about repairing broken land.
“Every farmer (and perhaps every conservationist) in Britain needs to go and spend a day at Knepp. The Knepp 'wilding' project is a vitally important experiment for working out what we can do to let nature back into our farmed landscapes. . . . This book tells this vital story and deserves to be widely read.” (from Amazon)
Isabella Tree is an award-winning author and travel writer, and the manager of the Knepp Wildland Project, along with her husband, Charlie. She has contributed to National Geographic, Granta, The Sunday Times, and The Observer, and her articles have been chosen for The Best American Travel Writing and Reader’s Digest Today’s Best Nonfiction. Tree is the author of several books, including The Living Goddess and The Bird Man. She lives in England.
Isabella Tree, drawing on her experience managing the Knepp Wildland Project, invites you into a bold experiment where centuries of traditional farming give way to nature’s own rhythms. You learn how allowing 3,500 acres to rewild with free-roaming animals sparked a remarkable ecological revival, bringing back species like turtle doves and nightingales. The narrative blends natural history, ecology, and personal memoir to show what happens when humans step back and let the land heal itself. This book suits anyone curious about land restoration, conservation methods, or the practical challenges of rewilding farmland in a modern context.
This AI-created book on wild plants is tailored to your unique background, skills, and interests. You share your experience level, preferred topics like foraging or herbal uses, and specific goals. Then, the book is crafted to focus on what you want to learn, making complex expert knowledge approachable and relevant. This personalized approach lets you explore wild plants confidently and efficiently, without sifting through unrelated material.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This tailored guide explores the rich diversity of wild plants, focusing on your unique skills and interests to deepen your connection with nature. It reveals how to identify, use, and appreciate wild plants in ways that resonate with your background and learning goals. The content covers everything from fundamental plant identification and ecology to more specialized topics such as foraging ethics and medicinal uses, delivering a learning experience that matches your specific objectives. By synthesizing extensive knowledge into a personalized pathway, this book helps you confidently master wild plants, bridging expert knowledge with your personal journey. The tailored approach ensures you engage deeply with the subject matter that matters most to you.
Dr. Nicole Apelian, Ph.D., combines her expertise as an herbalist, anthropologist, and wilderness skills instructor with personal experience surviving multiple sclerosis and living closely with hunter-gatherer cultures. Her unique perspective informs this book, which shares practical knowledge to help you harness the healing potential of wild plants and herbal remedies. Drawing from decades of research and firsthand application, her work guides you beyond symptom treatment toward holistic wellness.
Dr. Nicole Apelian, Ph.D. is an herbalist, author, wilderness skills instructor, TV & Film survival consultant, on-screen TV personality, anthropologist, and biologist. She spent years living in nature with the San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert, one of the last indigenous peoples who still live as hunter-gatherers. An unexpected diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2000 led Nicole to apply her research skills toward her own personal wellness. She focuses on a healthy living strategy, including deep nature connection and gratitude practices. Through changes in her lifestyle, recognizing profound mind-body linkages, and making and using her own herbal remedies, Nicole went from bedridden to being fully alive and from surviving to thriving. She has helped thousands of people treat themselves naturally by following her holistic wellness protocol, including the use of medicinal mushrooms. In 2015 she was among the first women ever selected for the History Channel’s hit TV show “Alone”. Despite having Multiple Sclerosis, she went on to survive solo for 57 days straight in a remote area of Vancouver Island with little more than her hunting knife and the wild foods and medicines she found there. You can learn more about Nicole Apelian on her website, including what she does daily for MS, and about her online herbal apothecary.
When Dr. Nicole Apelian discovered the healing power of nature firsthand through her battle with multiple sclerosis, she combined her deep scientific knowledge with traditional herbal medicine to write this guide. You'll learn to identify over 180 North American plants, lichens, and mushrooms, complete with vivid color images, and explore more than 550 remedies that address root causes rather than just symptoms. The book walks you through practical uses, such as making a potent extract for pain relief from a common weed (page 145) or finding natural antibiotics growing in your backyard (page 150). If you're new to herbalism and seeking natural methods to support your family's health, this book offers a grounded, accessible introduction.
Hugh Fearnleywhittingstall, a renowned food advocate deeply involved in environmental and sustainable food practices, credits Roger Phillips' work as foundational to his own journey. He recalls borrowing this guide in his twenties and how it shaped his understanding of foraging, calling it a must-have for anyone looking to explore wild food. "Wild Food is a must have for every aspiring forager," he says, underscoring the book's lasting impact on his culinary and environmental philosophy. This endorsement signals to you the book's blend of expert insight and practical inspiration for embracing nature's bounty.
“Very sad to hear of the passing of the wonderfully talented Roger Phillips. His book, Wild Food is a must have for every aspiring forager. If I hadn’t borrowed a copy in my 20s there would have been no COTWS and no River Cottage. I know I’ll use his books to the end of my days.” (from X)
Roger Phillips, a respected botanist and photographer, brings decades of experience to this richly illustrated guide on foraging wild foods. You’ll find hundreds of plants identified with vivid color photos alongside detailed descriptions, learning not just what to forage but how these plants were used historically and how to prepare them today. Chapters cover everything from berries and herbs to seaweed and bark, with over 100 recipes offering practical ways to incorporate wild ingredients into your cooking. If you’re curious about reconnecting with nature through edible plants or expanding your culinary repertoire, this book provides a grounded, accessible path to do so.
Lee Allen Peterson is a renowned author and naturalist, known for his contributions to botany and the Peterson Field Guides series. Son of Roger Tory Peterson, a pioneer in birdwatching and natural history, Lee has devoted his career to educating others about the natural world, especially edible plants. His expertise and passion shape this guide, offering you authoritative insight into identifying and using wild edible species.
Lee Allen Peterson, Roger Tory Peterson Institute(you?)·
About the Author
Lee Allen Peterson is a renowned author and naturalist, known for his contributions to the field of botany and for his work in the Peterson Field Guides series. He is the son of Roger Tory Peterson, a pioneer in the field of birdwatching and natural history. Lee has dedicated his career to educating others about the natural world, particularly edible plants, and has authored several influential guides.
Lee Allen Peterson's decades of experience in botany and natural history culminate in this detailed guide to edible wild plants of Eastern and Central North America. You’ll learn to identify over 370 edible species, distinguish them from 37 poisonous look-alikes, and understand their habitats and seasonal availability. The book’s 400 drawings and 78 color photographs provide precise visual cues, while chapters on preparation methods expand your practical knowledge. This guide suits anyone eager to deepen their foraging skills, from casual outdoor enthusiasts to dedicated naturalists seeking regional expertise.
This AI-created book on wild plants is tailored to your skill level and interests, focusing on what you want to learn about foraging and plant use. By sharing your background and goals, you receive a customized 30-day plan that guides you through identifying and using wild plants effectively. Personalizing this learning journey makes mastering wild plants more accessible and enjoyable, giving you clear steps that fit your pace and environment.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This book explores the world of wild plants through a tailored 30-day accelerated learning journey designed to match your experience and goals. It reveals how to identify, harvest, and use wild plants effectively, focusing on your specific interests and environment. The content examines essential plant identification techniques, ethical foraging practices, and practical uses for wild foods and herbal remedies, ensuring you learn what matters most to you. By synthesizing expert knowledge into a personalized pathway, it enhances your connection to nature's bounty while respecting local ecosystems. This approach transforms complex information into an engaging, accessible learning experience that adapts to your unique background and objectives.
CoreyPine Shane, founder of the Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine with 25 years of experience, wrote this guide from extensive exploration and teaching in the southeastern US. His deep herbalist training and hands-on work with clients inform every page, making it a reliable companion for anyone interested in medicinal wild plants of the region.
CoreyPine Shane is founder of the Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine in Asheville, North Carolina. CoreyPine has been an herbalist for 25 years, trained at the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine, the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine, and the Institute of Chinese Herbology. He has spent the past 20 years seeing clients, teaching classes, and traveling for lectures, exploring the southeast extensively to identify and harvest plants for his herbal extract business, Pine’s Herbals.
CoreyPine Shane brings over two decades of herbalist expertise to this detailed guide focused on the medicinal plants of the southeastern United States. You’ll learn to identify, ethically harvest, and prepare more than 100 wild herbs, with clear photographs and practical tips that make seasonal foraging accessible year-round. The book covers making herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, and salves, providing you with both botanical knowledge and hands-on skills. This volume is well-suited for those who want to deepen their connection to nature through safe and sustainable herbal medicine practices in this specific region.
Debbie Naha-Koretzky is a registered dietitian, Certified Rutgers Master Gardener, and Pennsylvania Master Naturalist whose career focuses on blending clinical nutrition with natural foraging expertise. Her deep involvement leading educational foraging walks and programs across universities and environmental centers inspired this guide, which combines scientific knowledge with practical advice. This background makes her uniquely qualified to teach you how to find, identify, and prepare edible wild plants safely and enjoyably in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Debbie Naha-Koretzky is a registered dietitian, Certified Rutgers Master Gardener, and Pennsylvania Master Naturalist. She has spent her career educating people about food—from the clinical nutrition and natural foraging sides, bringing scientific rigor and natural wisdom together in her work and programs. When she’s not working as a clinical nutritionist, she leads foraging walks and presents wild edible programs including wild food demonstrations. She has led hundreds of groups through various universities, state organizations, environmental centers, native plant societies, state parks and more. Debbie lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Drawing from her extensive background as a registered dietitian and Master Gardener, Debbie Naha-Koretzky guides you through the often-overlooked world of edible wild plants native to Pennsylvania and New Jersey. You’ll find practical instructions on identifying 70 different species, complete with full-color photos and botanical details, alongside 70 recipes that demonstrate how to prepare these wild foods safely and deliciously. The book balances scientific rigor with approachable wisdom, making it especially useful if you’re new to foraging but eager to explore nature’s pantry responsibly. If you want to deepen your connection to local ecosystems while expanding your culinary repertoire, this book offers a grounded, region-specific resource.
Samuel Thayer is an internationally recognized authority on edible wild plants who has taught workshops across the United States for nearly 30 years. His award-winning foraging books have sold over 300,000 copies, reflecting his deep expertise and passion for sharing knowledge. This field guide reflects his unique ability to make complex plant identification accessible and practical, inviting you to discover the rich bounty of wild plants in Eastern and Central North America with confidence and care.
Samuel Thayer is an internationally recognized authority on edible wild plants who has been teaching classes and workshops around the United States for almost three decades. His previous award-winning foraging books have sold more than 300,000 copies. Since 2000, when he won the Hazel Wood National Wild Foods Cooking Contest, Sam has been teaching regularly on edible wild plants, giving workshops across the United States. In 2002, he was inducted into the National Wild Foods Hall of Fame at North Bend State Park in West Virginia. His first book, The Forager's Harvest, has won a Midwest Book Award, IPPY Book Award, and was a finalist for the USA Book News Best Books 2007 award. It has been a steady Amazon category best-seller and has sold more than 100,000 copies. His second book, Nature's Garden, has received similar acclaim and sold over 75,000 copies. Incredible Wild Edibles was released on November 1, 2017. He currently lives in the woods of northwestern Wisconsin with his family. Besides wild food foraging, Sam is an all-around naturalist with particular interest in various aspects of nature. To learn more about Sam, visit his website: www.foragersharvest.com
When Samuel Thayer discovered the extraordinary variety of edible wild plants across Eastern and Central North America, he crafted this guide to demystify identification and use for everyone from novices to seasoned foragers. You’ll find detailed descriptions, sharp photos, and range maps for over 700 species, alongside practical notes on habitat, edible parts, and harvesting seasons. The book’s approachable language breaks down complex botanical details into everyday terms, making it easier to confidently recognize plants before foraging. Whether you want to expand your culinary repertoire or deepen your connection with nature, this guide offers a thorough resource tailored for anyone eager to explore wild edibles safely and knowledgeably.
These eight books collectively underscore three clear themes: deep respect for wild plants as allies in health and ecosystem balance; practical, hands-on knowledge for safe foraging and medicine-making; and a call to rethink how humans inhabit and steward the land. If you’re eager to start your wild plants journey, Wild Remedies offers approachable recipes and herbal craft. For those ready to explore rewilding and conservation, Wilding provides an inspiring case study.
If you want to rapidly build regional foraging skills, combining Wild Food with A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern and Central North America gives both breadth and precision. For a focused dive into medicinal herbs of the southeast, Southeast Medicinal Plants is indispensable. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Wild Plants book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation.
Whichever path you choose, these books can help you accelerate your learning journey, deepen your connection with nature, and uncover the rich potential wild plants hold—whether for healing, food, or restoring the land.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with Wild Remedies if you're interested in making herbal medicines and healing foods. It offers clear, practical guidance that's accessible even if you're new to wild plants.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Wild Plants?
Not at all. Several books, like Foraging Pennsylvania and New Jersey and Wild Food, are designed for beginners and include helpful photos and easy-to-follow tips.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with introductory guides like Wild Food or The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies, then move to specialized texts like Southeast Medicinal Plants or Wilding as your interest deepens.
Do these books assume I already have experience in Wild Plants?
Most start from basics, but some, like Sam Thayer's Field Guide, are more detailed and suit those ready for in-depth identification and foraging skills.
Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?
Wild Remedies and Wild Food stand out for immediate, practical recipes and foraging tips you can apply quickly in your everyday life.
Can I get a Wild Plants book tailored specifically to my needs?
Yes! While these expert books offer solid foundations, you can create a personalized Wild Plants book tailored to your experience level, local flora, and learning goals for a more focused experience.
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