Wildcrafting

Please note: I have a much more extensive wildcrafting handout here 

Wildcrafting is defined as gathering plants that are not specifically cultivated, such as garden or landscape plants or crops. It includes harvesting from natural ecosystems such as fields, marshes, and forests, as well as human disturbed terrain such as vacant lots and abandoned fields. Historically, it has been an integral part of herbal medicine. However, times and ecosystems have changed over the centuries, and we now need to be thoughtful and judicious in gathering plants from their native habitats.  

This can be a contentious topic due to plant loss from habitat destruction and overharvesting. This change in the plantscape can have deleterious ramifications for local environmental systems, including animals, fungi, and soil. I worry that writing about it will encourage unethical gathering, but not writing about it means there is no information offered on how to gather plants in a responsible manner. And as a wildcrafter, I feel an obligation to discuss this eon’s old craft and its current challenges.

I have been traveling around the US and gathering plants for over 40 years. There are many reasons I appreciate being a part of the wildcrafting tradition. As a botanist, it can be exuberating to meet new plants in their native habitat. And there is satisfaction in gathering one’s own medicines for personal and community use. Wildcrafting can be an enjoyable or challenging adventure. It can involve gathering plants in striking scenery with the sun gleaming down as you take in the beauty of your surroundings. Or, just as likely, spending days in hot, muggy, rainy, cold, insect-y locales searching for a desired plant only to not find gatherable amounts and having only an old jar of peanut butter for food.

As a botanist, I can be sure that I am collecting the correct species, and especially not an endangered one. I often go back to spots I have previously visited or gathered from to monitor how well the plants have recovered. Wildcrafting allows one to see their environmental impact first-hand. This means filling in any holes, pruning woody plants properly, and perhaps picking up any garbage in the area. Wildcrafting can also make herbal medicine more affordable. However, wildcrafting takes time, including travel time, as well as gathering and processing the plants.

For those new to wildcrafting, I suggest gathering weeds and other commonplace plants. Make sure to gather from unpolluted areas, as plants can accumulate toxins throughout their tissues. Learn which plants are common in any given region. Many useful medicinal plants grow as weeds in organic gardens that can often be gathered with the grower’s permission.

There are multiple difficulties with wildcrafting plants. The first is just finding the plant you seek in gatherable amounts without disturbing the ecosystem. There is the physical labor of digging, cutting, and washing plants. Then there is processing them, which might entail cutting them up into small pieces or drying them. This process can take many hours, depending on the plant and the quantity gathered.
Wildcrafting is often paired with medicine making as it is common to prepare herbal medicines soon after gathering the plants.

There are two primary reasons people wildcraft. One is to make medicines for personal or clinical use. This seems less taxing on the environment. The second is gathering plants to sell. Wildcrafting for profit has several challenges. These include being able to gather enough of a plant without harming the environment, as well as finding people willing to pay a reasonable sum for a hard day’s work. It can also be challenging to keep plants from becoming moldy before drying them or shipping them fresh.

 

I suggest purchasing quality tools for gathering plants. Higher quality tools usually cost more, but the most expensive ones are not always worth the extra price. Research before buying, especially the most commonly used tools such as pruners, hori, and digging fork. Also carry equipment to sharpen and fix broken tools.

Make sure to bring enough water and food. Wildcrafting can take a toll on one’s body.

 

While gathering plants, it is important to know which plant parts you seek, when are the best times to collect them, and finding favorable locations.
Fortunately, many plants can be cultivated, depending on the quantity one needs. And there are some reliable herb sellers. Research before purchasing to make sure the sellers are conscientious in the way they procure plants.
While I have slowed my wildcrafting over the years, it still brings me satisfaction. For me, wildcrafting enlivens the art of herbalism, being the forager for some of my own medicines to help with family, friends, and community.

Please note: I have a much more extensive wildcrafting handout here