The best method of identifying edible wild plants is by consulting someone where you live who knows which plants are edible and which ones are not.

Plants eaten by rodents, squirrels, raccoons, and rabbits are usually safe for humans. However, birds frequently eat foods that are poisonous to humans. Therefore, proceed with caution when experimenting with any wild plant.

Don't experiment with any wild plant unless there is enough of it to provide a steady reliable food source.

Do NOT eat any wild plant unless you can positively identify it and you know it is safe. Plants sometimes look the same as a different plant but they are not the same. Some are safe but most plants are NOT safe to eat. Some wild plants are poisonous. Do NOT eat any wild plant unless you can positively identify it and you know it is safe.

Even if a wild plant can be eaten by other people in your group, you may have an adverse reaction to it. The following five-step procedure could help you avoid this problem. The following procedure is appropriately used in an unexpected survival situation when starvation is the alternative.

If you have an adverse reaction to any wild plant you should seek professional medical attention immediately.

1. Rub a little of the plant on the inside of your upper left arm. This is a sensitive area but one that should not incapacitate you. Wait 8 hours to see if your skin breaks out in a rash.
   
2. Rub a little of the plant on the outside of your lips. Wait 8 hours to see if your lips break out.
   
3. Put a very small quantity of the plant in your mouth, chew it up really good, and then spit it all out. Wait one day to see if you get sick.
   
4. Try swallowing a little bit of it the next day. Wait one day to see if you get sick.
   
5. Never eat too much of a known or unknown wild plant in a short period of time.