Edible Tree Leaves: Resources and Cautions

Reliable References

• Wikipedia: List of plants with edible leaves
• Georgia Poison Control: Poisonous plants list

General Rules

• Positively identify species (use botanical name).
• Know which part is edible and at what stage.
• Avoid plants near roads, pesticide use, or polluted water.
• Start with tiny amounts to test tolerance.
• Never eat leaves of unknown trees.

Common Edible Leaves (North America)

Young leaves of Tilia americana (basswood), Morus spp. (mulberry), Cercis canadensis (redbud), Viola spp. (violet), and Rumex spp. (dock) are traditional potherbs. Always cross-reference multiple sources.