EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS OF CALIFORNIA: A Bioregional Exploration

California is home to a diverse array of edible & medicinal plants long valued for their nutritional/therapeutic effects. During this workshop we will explore many of the more common (and lesser known) native/naturalized plants found growing throughout the state, with a focus on historical as well as modern use. Topics to be covered include: field identification, plant family morphological and phytochemical characteristics, introduction to the major CA bioregions and plant communities, legal and ethical harvesting guidelines, processing/preparation methods, edible/medicinal/utilitarian uses, regional ethnobotany, plant toxicology/safety issues, rare/threatened/endangered status, California natural history, and more! Class will include an interactive lecture, a large selection of live/dried plant samples, sampling of a number of different edible/medicinal plant preparations, as well as a plant walk through the California natives section of the UC Botanical Garden. Our study will emphasize a dynamic sensory awareness of the plants via close observation, touching, tasting, and smelling. This comprehensive botanical intensive should prove to be insightful and rewarding for anyone interested in knowing more about the unique (and useful) flora of our state. 

All program fees include admission to the Garden (a $10 value per adult). Cancellation Policy: Notification 2 weeks prior to program receives full refund; less than 2 weeks receives a one-time credit toward another Garden program to be used within 90 days; cancellation less than 48 hours receives no credit. In the event that the Garden has to cancel a program you will be offered a full refund.