A non-technical account of some Western plants and their uses by the Indians and others for food and medicine.

Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West is a full-colour photographic guide to the identification, edibility, and medicinal uses of over 250 plant species, growing from Alaska to southern California, east across the Rocky Mountains and the Northern Plains to the Great Lakes. Herbalist and naturalist Gregory Tilford provides a thorough introduction to the world of herbal medicine for everyone interested in plants, personal well-being, and a healthy environment.

This outstanding field guide features 1,362 plants. Highlights of each account include edible plants, native uses of plants, habitat and ecology, similar species and origin of the plant's name. The book also includes a wildflower photo chart, over 900 color photographs, and more than 700 line drawings.

Both American Indians and the pioneers knew and used many different plant species-for food, fibers, medicine, tools, and other purposes. This unique book is a guide to identifying more than 220 such plants. But it goes much further-it also tells the reader how to prepare, cook, and otherwise use them. Some of the dishes for which recipes are given have won culinary prizes. All have been tested not only by the author but also by her students and by journalists-who have been uniformity surprised and impressed. The plants are organized by habitat communities. Description, photos, drawings, and distribution information are given. Where poisonous look-alikes exist, they too are illustrated. Much fascinating information about Indian uses of native and introduced species is included. The author emphasizes conservation considerations; the aim of the book is to educate the reader about intriguing uses of the plants, and to tell how to gather and use the most palatable and abundant species without damaging the environment.

An authoritative and easy-to-use reference to the medicinal and edible properties of wild plants from throughout the upper Midwest. An essential guide for anyone interested in natural healing.

Presents a season-by-season guide to the identification, harvest, and preparation of more than two hundred common edible plants to be found in the wild.