This is a list of wild foods that can be foraged in the UK during February.

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Disclaimer: There are wild plants and fungi in the UK that are poisonous. Do not eat any wild edible that has not been positively identified. All edible mushrooms must be cooked. Do not use this site as your only source of information. Check the law before picking any wild plant. Nothing on this site is meant to encourage you to break any laws.

Stinging nettle
Urtica dioica

Stinging nettles have historically been used as food, medicine and used to make fibre. Its high in protein and iron and its taste is similar to spinach. ‘Urtica’ is derived from the Latin word for sting, whilst ‘Dioica’ is derived from Greek, meaning ‘of two homes’.

Where to find it:

• Hedge banks
• Field edges
• Woodland
• Wasteland

Appearance:

• Heart shaped leaves
• Covered in stinging hairs

To eat:

During and after its flowering stage, nettles can form crystalline particles called cystoliths. These cystoliths can taste bitter, and can also irritate the urinary tract. For this reason it’s best to harvest nettles when young, particularly during late February to early June. Nettles can be wilted over a fire and consumed like marshmallows. They can be added to soups or its leaves can be dried and strained to make tea.

Chickweed
Stellaria media

This common weed is a pest for many gardeners, but its nutritious qualities are often overlooked. ‘Stellaria’ is derived from the Latin word for star, in reference to its star shaped flowers. ‘Media’ also hails from Latin and is the root of the English word ‘Medium’. Its taste is similar to lettuce, and is most likely to be at its freshest late or early in the year. Chickweed is rich in iron, and is also present in many folk remedies and medicines.

Where to find it:

• Gardens
• Fields
• Wastelands
• Some deciduous woodlands

Appearance:

• Small five pointed star beneath white petals
• Small white flower with short, deeply divided petals
• Light green soft leaves
• Fine hairs grow down the stem and leaves

To eat:

Chickweed leaves and stems can be eaten raw after you’ve washed them thoroughly. Most commonly added to salads, they can also be added to soups or sandwiches.

Velvet Shank
Flammulina velutipes

Unlike many other mushrooms, Velvet shank is one of the few mushrooms that survive through the winter, making it hard to miss-identify. ‘Flammulina velutipes’ translates roughly to ‘little flame with velvet legs’. Velvet shank is said to have anti-cancer properties.

Where to find it:

• Standing dead trees, particularly Beech, Ash, Oak and Elm
• Rotting wood

Appearance:

• Bright orange caps
• Up to 10cm across
• Velvety stem

To eat:

Remove the skin from the cap as it is difficult to digest. Stems are generally considered too tough to eat. Always cook the mushroom. Can be used in soups and stews.