Sole To Soil - E1

Episode 1 - Spring, 2025

By Sage Krzak

Everywhere I go, I look at the natural wonders that surround me. Whether I walk in my yard, go on a hike, kayak a river, climb a mountain, or even stroll through a city, there is nature that captivates my attention. I can’t turn it off. My soul is drawn to it.

Sole To Soil is a collection of my experiences in various places and the natural world that I encounter. There are the forests, deserts, and oceans, but even in the concrete jungles, we can find nature all around us. I endeavor to explain what I already know, to learn about what I do not already know, and to be humble in knowing that I know nothing.

I’ve been doing this for most of my life. However, this is the first time that I have written about it. Our first adventure takes us into a wetland of the Georgia Piedmont, where I focus on plant life. Most of these plants grow here naturally, either native or introduced, some are invasive, some are cultivated, and some, well, I haven’t figured that out yet. Every year and every season that I walk this path, I find something new. It may be a new plant, fungus, or animal. It may be that a beaver dam was abandoned and consequently drained a swamp, completely altering the ecosystem. I find many of my plant companions, many have names, but I also lose some of my friends and new ones take their place. Thus is the circle. This journey begins in late March and early April.

The whole world was covered in a thick layer of yellow pollen. In Georgia, we get a lot of pollen, and are in what is known as a “Pollen Belt”. The ecosystem is just ripe to release a ton of seasonal yellow dust, as well as mold spores. I’ve been here a while, but new residents and visitors may notice this a lot more. I see a lot of face masks, and this was happening well before COVID.

Anyway, I headed out through my yard and into a wetland forest of the Georgia Piedmont (Basically, foot of the mountains). This is the flatter land south of the North Georgia Mountains. I didn’t find anything unexpected, but this time, I did catalogue and research many plants I previously had no name for, yet I know by sight, and many that I have been acquainted with for a long time. This article focuses mostly on those that I have already known, but I’ll write another article soon. These plants are all my neighbors, family, and friends, and I’d like you to meet them.

Allium spp. (Garlic, Onions, Leeks, Ramps)

Allium spp. Probably crow garlic , Allium vineale.

Allium, Allium spp., includes garlic, onions, leeks, ramps, chives, etc. The common term for the ones I will describe here are simply “wild onion” or “wild garlic”. If you’ve ever been in a kitchen or market, you should know that an onion has layers, but it is basically a complete bulb, while garlic is composed of multiple “cloves” that form the bulb, and the cloves are not really layered, though they have a papery wrapper. There are all sorts of in-betweens like shallots and elephant garlic too.

I’ve read a lot of different sayings about the leaves. For the most part, wild garlic will have flat leaves and wild onion will have hollow, round leaves. This is definitely true when I plant garlic or onion that I bought in a store and grow it. The main thing to remember, and this is a common saying by survivalists and foragers, “if it looks like an onion or garlic and smells like one, then it probably is”. If it lacks the smell, “don’t eat it”. There are toxic and fatal look-alikes, including the death camas and star-of-Bethlehem. If you get the look and the smell right, you’re very likely fine to use it, but always seek advice from a professional before eating any foraged food. 

A great thing about the allium genus is that they can be found almost anywhere. They often do well in the cold months around my house and I see them in the dry, hot summer months too. Some like it wet and some like it more dry. Different harvest seasons will yield more or less pleasant results though, especially with the aerial parts. I love to harvest the scapes (flowering stalks) and pickle them. This is because some of the wild varieties have very small bulbs and harvesting them is really a pain. I leave those bulbs for the most part and get my scape pickles every year.

Alliums are extremely versatile in food prep and have wonderful medicinal benefits, including the aid of cardiovascular and immune function, as well as detoxification. Do a little research and you will find so many scientific studies supporting this.

Chickweed, Stellaria media

Chickweed. Stellaria media.

Chickweed, Stellaria media, starts growing in the early spring, generally dies back in the summer, and sometimes re-emerges in the fall. It is an excellent forage plant for food and medicine. It can be eaten raw or cooked, and it can be applied to skin irritations like scrapes, rashes, and mild burns. 

Chickweed can be confused with other plants, such as scarlet pimpernel, though the flowers are a very different color, and various spurge species. These others can be toxic. Two things that help identify chickweed are, 1, it has a single row of hairs on the stem and this row alternates sides after reaching leaf nodes, and 2, if you gently break the outer part of the stem and then pull it apart, the inner portion will remain like an elastic band and is white instead of green. The second test is delicate so you might need to try a few times.

Chickweed was introduced from the old world but now grows all over the place and tolerates a lot of various conditions, making it easy to find. It is a very pleasant addition to salads. It has been used to treat skin irritations and gastrointestinal distress for a long time. It features a role in rituals about renewal and fertility, particularly in spring. And it is all over the place, so it’s a great plant to become friends with.

The Three Ivies

English Ivy. Hedera helix.

I’ve got at least 3 “ivies” growing around this area. English ivy and ground ivy are both introduced from the old world. Poison ivy is native to North America. All of them are vining plants, for the most part, but only English ivy is a “true” ivy. I wouldn’t linger on that. The term is used for several vining plants. Technically, though, plants in the genus Hedera are true ivy. That’s English ivy.

English ivy, Hedera helix, was brought over to the Americas as an ornamental plant, and really, it does look great. However, it takes over everything it can as both a ground cover and a tree climber. It also harms the trees because it smothers them, shades them, bears a lot of weight, harbors pests and diseases, and retains a lot of moisture, which is part of the pest, disease, and weight problem. It looks cool, but it is a very invasive plant that you should not allow to overgrow, and especially not to grow on tree trunks.

That all being said, it has a long history in association with weddings, funerals (yes, ironic), festivities, fidelity, and eternal life. It has also been used medicinally as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory. Modern research supports some of the medicinal claims, particularly for respiratory support. Be aware though, that the same compounds that are thought to be responsible for its medicinal benefits can also be toxic if overused or used incorrectly. Generally, this will lead to gastric distress, nausea, and/or vomiting. 

Ground Ivy. Glechoma hederacea.

Ground ivy, Glechoma hederacea (Recognize the “hedera” part?), also known as creeping Charlie, is not a “true” ivy, but we’re not really focusing on that. It grows in a vining or carpeting pattern along the ground and makes a great ground cover. It is not native to the Americas and has become invasive, like English ivy. It is not destructive to trees, because it doesn’t climb them, but it can easily outcompete a lot of native plants that occupy a similarly preferred ecosystem. 

I’ve never minded this plant, even though it is invasive. It makes a very nice ground cover, and it has some interesting ethnobotanical features. It has been traditionally associated with protection, healing, and warding off evil spirits. Medicinally, it has been used for respiratory, digestive, and urinary complaints. It is in the mint family, and many mints (Labiatae spp.) are commonly used for similar health reasons. Ground ivy is not used much in food, though it can be. Because of its growth pattern, it can be used to help control soil erosion in the right places.

Poison Ivy. Toxicodedron radicans.

Now, we come to poison ivy, Toxicodendron radicans. Poison ivy and poison oak are very similar. Basically, almost anything I say about poison ivy can be applied to poison oak, except that they have different leaf appearances and they favor opposite sides of North America. They are native here, but they have been introduced (Don’t even ask me why) to some other places. Look, I respect poison ivy, but I would never intentionally plant it anywhere but in a contained lab setting for study. Even then, I’d probably prefer to study it in its natural setting and never plant it elsewhere. My skin itches to even think about it.

Respect must be given though, as it is a major food source for several animal species and it is sometimes known as the Guardian Of The Forest. Actually, I haven’t been able to find any real evidence for that name. I just use it sometimes to show respect to a plant that I am constantly battling to rid from my yard. I personally refer to it as The Devil’s Weed, but that’s mean, and the deer like to eat it, and I like the deer. We have a love/hate, mostly hate, relationship. This is because contact with this plant will cause a minor to debilitating rash, with redness, blisters, severe itching, and burning. There is a small percentage of the population that seems to be immune to this reaction.

Vine, herb, bush, all of the above? Poison ivy grows in several notable fashions. In my experience, it tends to mimic whatever it is growing around, or grow in a way that is most conducive to its success.. If it is near a tree, it will vine upwards. The leaves often stick out so far and in such concentration that it looks like the leaves of the tree itself. It can grow along the ground, intermingling with similar-looking plants like English ivy and Virginia creeper. It can grow in little patches, giving it a herbaceous pattern. And, it can grow into something resembling a bush. Beware of The Guardian Of The Forest.

Poison ivy mnemonic devices:

“Leaves of three, leave it be”.

“Hairy rope, don’t be a dope”. 

“Berries white, danger in sight”.

Muscadine, Vitis rotundifolia

Muscadine, Vitis rotundifolia.

Muscadine, Vitis rotundifolia, is also known as wild grape, and that is basically what it is. It has a thicker skin and larger seeds, but a very similar look, taste, and use. The fruits are used for food and making wine. 

Muscadine grows in large, thick vines that reach up to the forest canopy. It will also cascade down the trees where the forest opens into a clearing. This is the easiest place to find the fruit, because they will be located in the canopy if they aren’t near a forest border or trail. 

The muscadine vine looks very much like poison ivy. Beware. Have I mentioned that before?. 

I sectioned this plant away from the 3 ivies because it does not have “ivy” in the name at all. However, they can be confused unless you get a good look at the leaves or fruit. It also looks very much like a plant called moonseed. Moonseed is toxic. The easiest way to tell them apart is that the muscadine seed is mostly round, while the moonseed is shaped more like a crescent moon. If you find it in a clean area, eat it. Muscadine is a wonderful trail food when you can find it.

Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia.

Virginia creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, is another one of those vines that can be confusing. A lot of people mistake this for poison ivy. In fact, it can be irritating to the skin for some people, or if you have a lot of contact with it. I’ve personally never had a problem with it, and I pull it out by hand when needed. I have known others who were affected, and this generally results in a short-term irritation involving burning, stinging, and possibly a feeling that there are little tiny pieces of glass in the skin. The affect is really not that common, but know that if it happens, it’s likely the oxalate crystals inside that cause this and they are nothing like the urushiol in poison ivy. Wash it and it should fade away soon.

That being said, it is a very popular ornamental plant that does not damage the structures it climbs. Moisture collection could be an issue, but it doesn’t dig in roots and destroy the structure in that way. It looks fantastic in the fall as it turns to red. 

It is sometimes known as American ivy, but I did not include it in the Ivies section because this name is not popular in my experience. Mostly, I find that people mistake this for poison ivy because they grow right next to each other and most people don’t really look at the differences. Virginia creeper tends to have 5 leaves and poison ivy has 3. You can find Virginia creeper with just 3 leaves, particularly when young, so just be careful. If it has 5 leaves, it’s not poison ivy.

Henbit, Lamium amplexicaule

Henbit, Lamium amplexicaule.

Henbit, Lamium amplexicaule, grows all around my house and neighborhood. In fact, I can find it nearly everywhere I travel. It’s in the mint family, but it does not have a mint smell. It is completely edible, but it is bland. It’s a very attractive plant but it will only show its purple flowers if you don’t mow it down. It can be mistaken for ground ivy, creeping Charlie, and vice versa. Once you see them both, you’ll never mistake them again, but they are similar at first glance.

You can use it raw in salad or saute it. It has some medicinal properties similar to other mints, but I have yet to find a strong case for using it over other mints in medicine. I value it mostly for its beauty and as a forage food.

Indian Strawberry, Potentilla indica

Indian Strawberry, Potentilla indica.

Indian strawberry, Potentilla indica, also known as mock strawberry, is not native to North America, but it is naturalized in many places. It is easy to find. The fruits look like tiny strawberries but lack the sweetness. In any case, you can eat them and they have similar nutritional and health benefits, probably not as strong though. Both the leaves and the fruit can be consumed. Like a lot of wild fruit, excessive consumption may lead to gastric upset. Remember to keep up a varied diet. 

I have known people who mistook poison ivy for Indian strawberry and paid for it. That poison ivy will try its best to blend in. I may sound like a broken record, but I’m trying to protect any new and adventurous foragers and gardeners.

Toadshade, Trillium sessile

Toadshade, Trillium sessile.

Toadshade, Trillium sessile, is, to me, a harbinger of spring. It is one of the first plants that I notice as the seasons change, and I love it. It looks prehistoric and so cool as it pops up among the ground that has been mostly barren for months. 

The genus name, trillium,, refers to its 3 leaves, tri, threefold. It has a mixed green, reddish or purple flower that grows between the leaves. I’ve read that the odor is unpleasant, probably to attract pollinators like flies, but have never really noted this myself. I might need to check it out in more detail.

Toadshade may have some ethnobotanical uses, including food and medicine. However, there are 2 reasons why you should select a different plant. Toadshade may be, or is, mildly toxic. There are other plants that can serve as food and medicine in its place. I have eaten it, but only for experimentation, to learn the flavor for myself. It’s mild-ish, but a bit mucilaginous and soapy. I would not include this in my salad. Anyway, the second reason is that it only grows 3 leaves. If you eat them, the plant may not come back next year. Choose something else that is more sustainable and safer to ingest. Enjoy its beauty and its happy song that spring is coming.

Holly, Ilex spp.

Holly, Ilex spp.

Holly, genus Ilex, comprises many shrubs and trees that are most noted for their glossy, deep-evergreen leaves, pokey spines on the leaves, and bright red berries that last through winter. They are very popular as ornamental plants and are often featured in winter artwork. I am not a fan of the spines though, as I’ve had to prune these plants on many an occasion. Wear gloves, thick ones.

Holly is very attractive. I know of few plants that will look as great throughout the winter, and they are striking in the snow. Note that you don’t want to ingest them though. Some can be used for food/beverage and medicine, but not all of them, and certainly only in strict measurements. If you’re not sure, don’t eat it. Have I said that before?

Holly is very symbolic. Here in North America, it is often associated with Christmas. I’m guessing that’s because of the evergreen leaves and bright red berries that persist through winter. It’s pretty cool. It has also been used as medicine, particularly for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. But you need to be careful. Check with somebody who knows a lot about plants before crossing that line. 

Additionally, the holly genus is pretty broad. I can’t end this section without noting yerba mate. Yerba mate, Ilex paraguariensis, is a South American holly with a rich history and culture. It has a fairly high caffeine content as well. It is great for sustaining energy, circulatory function, and respiratory function, when consumed properly. It is also used in rituals and consumed to foster hospitality and a sense of community. Yaupon holly, Ilex vomitoria, is a North American holly that also has a high caffeine content and is used ritualistically.

Chinese Privet, Ligustrum sinense

Chinese Privet, Ligustrum sinense.

Chinese privet, Ligustrum sinense, is not native to North America. It was brought over as an ornamental and is often used for borders between properties or property sections. It has escaped cultivation and is rather invasive in many places. It’s certainly trying to take over my property. It does make a decent border plant if you keep it trimmed, but let it grow too high and you’ll never get the shrub look back. You’ll also lose the fence-like, border-blocking appearance and end up with a canopy above and a wide-open area with a few trunks in between you and your neighbor.

I have not found strong enough evidence yet to consume the plant, but there are traditional uses and modern scientific studies that support this. They also suggest moderation. I found a few references to using the fruit in jams and jellies, but was warned about the bitterness. All in all, I love this plant because it creates a vibrant habitat for my wild friends, especially the birds. I will need to learn more before I choose to consume it myself, but there seems to be a lot of potential benefit, if used the right way.

Red Buckeye, Aesculus pavia

Red Buckeye, Aesculus pavia. This image does no justice to the flowers. I took the photo too late.

Red buckeye, Aesculus pavia, is one of my favorite plants to see growing and blooming. There are 3 main reasons. First, it starts to flower and grow early in the year, so I consider it a harbinger of spring. Second, the flowers are gorgeous and provide nectar for a ton of pollinators. It also has a cousin with yellow flowers, instead of red. Third, its fruit (seeds really) contains a high concentration of saponins, which we’ll get to soon.

The seeds are toxic, but the leaves and bark have been traditionally used for medicine. The seed toxicity is primarily due to saponins, such as aescin. These saponins become very apparent if you smash up the seeds or roots and shake them in a bottle of water. The water will become very soapy, and can actually be used as a soap. However, ingestion is toxic, so it is for external use only. Wash your buckeye-cleaned utensils or whatever with fresh water before using them to get all the saponins off, just like any other soap really. It has a bit of a smell too, so I wouldn’t use it excessively as a body wash, or on open wounds.

Another cool thing about the saponins is they can be used for fishing. I’m not sure how legal it is, so check your local regulations before ever attempting it. The saponins stupify or stun fish. Native Americans would sometimes dam a stream down-river and then used the saponins from crushed seeds and roots to pour into the stream up-river. The resulting saponins in the stream would stupify or stun the fish in between, which would then float down-river and get stuck in the dam. At this point, the fish were gathered for food. 

I’ve never done this, but my inclination would be to put the fish into a bucket of fresh water for a little while to expel some of the saponins, but this may not be necessary, as I don’t believe this short exposure would in any way get into the flesh. Do your own research. I’m not responsible for how you use this information.

Violet - Viola spp.

Violet - Viola spp.

Violet, Viola spp., are small plants, generally 2 to 6 inches in height (Research says 6-12 inches, but these are not the ones I deal with), and they have heart-shaped leaves with really cool purple or white flowers, though there are other colors as well. They grow naturally in my yard and offer up a brilliant color show in the spring, and really, on and off all throughout the warmer months. I find them growing all over the place, and in surrounding states.

The whole plant is ornamental, but it is an impossible plant to get rid of if you decide you don’t want it around, like in my garden beds. It is also completely edible, minus the fat roots, which are an emetic, they make you vomit. Let that go for now. The leaves and flowers are an awesome eat, similar to spinach. The flowers add a unique vibrancy to any salad. They are nutritious as well. 

Pansies are in the viola family. While most viola are safe to consume, minus the root, there are a few that are toxic, so make sure you know what it is before touching or eating it. In my yard, I’ve picked violet leaves and flowers many times and used them on sandwiches and in salads. I love them. But be careful, as always, with foraging.

Conclusion

This is a very short list of the plants that grow in my yard and surrounding forest without human intervention and cultivation. Some are native, some are introduced, and some may have even escaped cultivation, which does not make them naturalized, per say, but it does mean that they have found a way to thrive in their little area without my help.

We will continue on this voyage another time, because there is just so much I can’t cover in 1 article. Believe me, I wanted to, but I realize that we’ve about come to the end of a 1-session read. Until next time, when our soles meet the soil again.