What to Forage in May in the PNW: Spring Greens, Blossoms & Forest Fungi

May is a beautiful transition month in the Pacific Northwest. Forests are vibrant, blossoms are bursting, and the first berries begin to appear. If you’re craving connection with nature, this month’s foraging options offer everything from delicious spring greens and edible flowers to medicinal herbs and late-season morels.

Wild Edibles & Greens

The lush spring soil provides a bounty of nutrient-dense greens.

• Stinging Nettle – A powerhouse plant that’s still going strong in May. Wear gloves, blanch it, and use it in soup, tea, or pesto.
• Miner’s Lettuce & Chickweed – Delicate and bright, ideal in raw dishes.
• Lamb’s Quarters – Wild spinach-like greens that thrive in disturbed soil.
• Dandelions – Harvest leaves early before they turn bitter; the flowers are edible too!
• Wild Mustard – Look for bright yellow flowers; both leaves and blossoms are edible.

Berries & Blossoms

The first signs of fruiting season are here!

• Salmonberries – These juicy pink-orange berries often ripen by mid-May.
• Wild Strawberry Blossoms – A delicate hint of what's to come.
• Clover Blossoms – Add to teas or fresh salads.
• Hawthorn Flowers – A springtime ally for heart and emotional balance.
• Violets – Lovely in desserts, infused vinegar, or candied.

Mushrooms & Fungi

• Morels – One last chance to catch them in higher altitudes.
• Dryad’s Saddle – Often found on dead wood, especially elms. Best when small and tender.
• Oysters & Turkey Tail – These fungi are excellent culinary and medicinal finds.

Medicinals & Herbal Teas

• Cleavers – Add to cool infusions or tinctures for lymphatic support.
• Plantain & Yarrow – Use for teas, tinctures, and skin salves.
• Wild Rose Petals – Wonderful for relaxing teas or DIY body care.

Crafting with Nature

• Maple Seeds – Fun for kids or dried as decor.
• Mint & Lemon Balm – Fresh for drinks or dry for winter teas.
• Pressed Flowers – Great for journaling or card making.
• Birch Bark (fallen only) – Use for handmade paper or rustic crafts.

Ethical Foraging Reminders

• Always ID your finds properly.
• Never harvest protected or endangered species.
• Be gentle and respectful with the land.
• Take only what you need.

Conclusion

May offers a rich diversity of wild foods and herbal allies. Whether you're steeping a tea of wild rose and cleavers or adding chickweed to your lunch, every foraged find brings a deeper connection to the land. Happy foraging, and check the blog every month for new seasonal guides!