About
Foraging with the Wildman is the definitive mobile foraging reference app, written, illustrated, and photographed by America's foremost foraging expert, 'Wildman' Steve Brill, alongside collaborators Becky Lerner and Christopher Nyerges. The app guides users of all experience levels through identifying, ethically harvesting, and using more than 250 of the best wild edible and medicinal plants found across North America—with a focus on eastern species, California, and the Pacific Northwest. Each plant entry includes up to eight detailed photographs, original paintings and drawings, scientific and common names, parts used, food uses, seasonal availability, habitat, range, and a curated checklist of critical identification features. Crucially, the app covers over 60 poisonous and non-poisonous look-alikes, providing safety information that goes beyond most printed field guides. Plants are searchable alphabetically, by season, and by habitat, making field identification fast and practical. The app integrates seamlessly with other identification tools like iNaturalist, serving as a verification layer after a tentative ID is made. Hundreds of original vegan recipes—from simple Garlicky Chickweed with Penne to elaborate Wild American Persimmon Ice Cream—are included, alongside medicinal use details ranging from traditional home remedies to modern pharmacological research. The app is available in a free Lite version and a full paid version on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Key Features
- 250+ Wild Plant Profiles: Detailed entries for over 250 edible and medicinal plants of North America, including scientific names, parts used, seasons, habitat, and range.
- Look-alike Safety Warnings: Covers 60+ poisonous and non-poisonous look-alikes with clear guidance to help foragers avoid dangerous misidentifications.
- Multi-Criteria Search & Browse: Find plants alphabetically, by season, or by habitat for quick, practical field use.
- Hundreds of Vegan Recipes: Original scrumptious vegan recipes ranging from simple preparations to elaborate dishes, all using foraged ingredients.
- Medicinal Plant Information: Traditional home remedies and cutting-edge pharmacological research on the medicinal uses of wild plants.
Use Cases
- Beginner foragers learning to safely identify common edible plants in their local area before heading into the field.
- Experienced foragers using the app to verify a tentative plant identification made by another tool like iNaturalist.
- Outdoor enthusiasts and hikers wanting a portable, comprehensive wild plant reference during nature walks and camping trips.
- Home cooks and vegans looking for unique, foraged ingredients and original plant-based recipes.
- Educators and scouts teaching plant identification, ecological harvesting, and wild food preparation to students and youth groups.
Pros
- Extremely Comprehensive: Covers 250+ plants with photos, drawings, recipes, medicinal uses, and look-alike warnings—more depth than most printed field guides.
- Free Lite Version Available: Users can try the app at no cost before committing to the full paid version.
- Expert Authorship: Created by Steve Brill, widely recognized as America's top foraging authority, ensuring trusted and reliable information.
Cons
- No AI-Powered Identification: The app is a reference guide rather than an automatic plant identifier; users must rely on iNaturalist or similar tools for initial ID.
- Eastern U.S. Focus: While it covers CA and the Pacific Northwest, the primary focus is eastern North American species, limiting utility in other regions.
- Older App Design: Originally launched in 2011, the app's interface may feel dated compared to modern foraging apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free version of the Wildman Steve Brill foraging app?
Yes, a free Lite version is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. The full version with all 250+ plant profiles and recipes requires a one-time purchase.
What platforms is the app available on?
The app is available on iOS (iPhone and iPad) via the App Store and on Android devices via Google Play.
Can I use the app to automatically identify plants from photos?
No—the app is a reference guide, not an AI image identifier. The developer recommends using it alongside identification apps like iNaturalist to confirm a tentative identification.
What regions of North America does the app cover?
The app primarily covers eastern North American species, with significant coverage of California and Pacific Northwest plants, plus many species with close relatives found nationwide.
Does the app include recipes?
Yes, the app includes hundreds of original vegan recipes created by Steve Brill, ranging from simple preparations to elaborate dishes using foraged wild plants.
