About
Edible and Poisonous Plants is a $0.99 iOS reference app developed by Polemics Applications LLC, designed to help outdoor enthusiasts safely identify edible and poisonous plants in the wild. Rooted in the open-source U.S. Army Survival Manual, the app underwent a complete rewrite in 2025 and offers a well-rounded feature set for both beginners and experienced foragers. The app includes a detailed plant dictionary covering 126 species, each with high-quality images, scientific names, identifying characteristics, and safety guidance. Twelve in-depth articles cover key concepts in plant identification, foraging safety, and wild edible preparation. Users can reinforce their knowledge through 126 interactive flash cards and a comprehensive quiz bank. A built-in cheat sheet provides quick-reference information that can be exported via text or email for offline use—ideal for remote field conditions. The Plant Journal feature lets users document personal findings and observations, making it useful for tracking local flora. Hot links connect to external resources for continued learning. The app is well-suited for hikers, survivalists, foragers, educators, and nature enthusiasts who want a portable, offline-capable plant identification guide. Its combination of scientific accuracy, structured learning tools, and practical field utilities makes it a solid companion for anyone exploring the outdoors. The app collects no user data, ensuring complete privacy.
Key Features
- Plant Dictionary: Detailed entries for 126 plants including high-quality images, scientific names, identifying characteristics, and safety information.
- Flash Cards & Quiz: 126 interactive flash cards and a comprehensive quiz bank to test and reinforce plant identification skills.
- Offline Cheat Sheet: A quick-reference guide with essential plant information that can be exported via text or email for use without internet access.
- Plant Journal: A built-in note-taking tool for documenting personal plant findings and observations in the field.
- Key Concepts Articles: 12 in-depth articles covering fundamental principles of plant identification, foraging safety, and wild edible preparation.
Use Cases
- Hikers and backpackers identifying wild plants for foraging during outdoor trips
- Survivalists and preppers learning to distinguish edible from toxic plants in emergency situations
- Students and educators using the app for nature study, botany courses, or outdoor education programs
- Casual nature enthusiasts building knowledge of local flora safely and systematically
- Foragers documenting plant findings and tracking local edible species using the built-in plant journal
Pros
- Offline-ready: Cheat sheet export and local content make the app fully usable without an internet connection in remote areas.
- Structured learning tools: Flash cards and quizzes make it easy to build and retain plant identification skills over time.
- No data collection: The developer collects zero user data, ensuring complete privacy for all users.
Cons
- Limited plant coverage: With only 126 plants, the database may not cover all species a user encounters depending on their region.
- iOS only: The app is limited to iPhone and iPad; macOS support is listed as unverified and there is no Android version.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many plants does the app cover?
The app includes detailed information on 126 edible and poisonous plants, each with images, scientific names, identifying characteristics, and safety notes.
Can I use this app offline?
Yes. The app's core content is stored locally, and the cheat sheet can be exported via text or email for offline reference in the field.
What is the source of the plant information?
The app draws from the open-source U.S. Army Survival Manual, providing scientifically grounded plant identification and safety guidance.
Is the app suitable for beginners?
Yes. The app includes 12 introductory articles on plant identification principles, plus flash cards and quizzes to build skills progressively.
Does the app collect personal data?
No. The developer, Polemics Applications LLC, has indicated that no data is collected from users of this app.
