Good Heinrich has large, particularly shaped leaves and is therefore easy to distinguish from other wild plants. However, not by everyone. To ensure that no toxins end up in the collection basket and threaten our health, we have to take a close look. We tell you the key features.

The leaves of the Spotted Arum (shown here) look confusingly similar to Good Henry

Good Heinrich as a wild plant

Good Heinrich grows as a wild plant in this country, albeit largely unrecognized by many people. In view of the oversupply on the supermarket shelves, we have alienated ourselves from the original nature and forgotten proven wild plants. Luckily, interest in them is steadily increasing again, whether because of their taste or their inherent healing powers.

Long collection time

The first Good Heinrich leaves can be collected as early as March, and the collection period continues until the first frost. During this long gathering period, many other wild herbs come and go. Some of them are also edible for humans, while others are highly poisonous. Therefore, the question arises as to how the good Heinrich can be recognized without a doubt among all the other plants.

Risk of confusion with poisonous plants

The spotted arum is a very poisonous wild plant whose leaves are almost identical to the leaves of Good Heinrich in terms of colour, shape and size at first glance. But the leaves of the poisonous plant are smoother and shinier. Look closely at the pictures of the two plants and you will see subtle differences. The best way to tell the two plants apart is during flowering, as the flowers are very different.

  • Good Heinrich flowers greenish
  • forms small clusters of flowers arranged in panicles
  • Spotted arum has large single flowers
  • the flower consists of a bract and a piston

tips

Invest in a good wild plant book to take with you on your foray into nature. With the help of pictures or drawings, plants can be identified on the spot and placed in the basket with a clear conscience.

Prefer to grow yourself?

If you want to be absolutely sure that no toxins end up in your cooking pot, you can also grow Good Heinrich in your garden at home. The seed for this is available everywhere in specialist shops. And the good thing is: in a sunny and nutrient-rich location, the perennial and hardy plant provides us with its delicious leaves, shoots and flowers soon after sowing. And that for up to five years!

Category:

Herbs