Foraging

Aralia spinosa, also known as the devil's walking stick, is the toxic sister to elderberry. It grows in the eastern part of the United States but it has been seen in the Midwest as well.

Dead!

Sambucus, also known as elderberry, is a perfectly edible berry that typically grows in moist, well-drained soils, often found along edges of woods, streams, ditches, and roadsides. It can be found in both North and South America and both the berries and flowers can be harvested and eaten. 

Not dead

Cattails grow in swamps, marshes, bogs, wetlands, and in moist ditches on the side of the road. They are found throughout North and South America, along with Europe, Africa and Asia. Cattail is native to all U.S. states except Hawaii. Season: Leaf shoots are edible in early spring.

Not dead

Irises grow in diverse locations across the United States, from coastal regions to inland areas and wetlands. They are particularly common in areas like forests, meadows, wetlands, wet meadows, and swamps. These beautiful flowers and their shoots are not edible, and are toxic to humans. 

Dead!

Poison hemlock (Conium), is extremely toxic. It grows everywhere in the U.S. except Hawaii and will grow anywhere in any conditions, again, it is very very deadly.

Very very dead

This is a wild carrot, perfectly harmless and actually quite good if prepared correctly, It also grows anywhere and everywhere in North America (except Hawaii) and is growing so fast in some areas that it became a problem for many states. 

Happy and alive

Amanita caesarea, commonly known as Caesar's mushroom, is an edible mushroom in the family of Amanita mushrooms, it is native to Southern Europe and North Africa. Although this mushroom is not typically found in the U.S., it is a lookalike to a very deadly mushroom that does grow in the U.S....

Alive 

Amanita phalloides, death cap, is the evil cousin of Amanita caesarea, and the most poisonous of all known mushrooms. It is estimated that as little as half a mushroom contains enough toxin to kill an adult human. It is also the deadliest mushroom worldwide, responsible for 90% of mushroom-related fatalities every year. This mushroom grows all over North America and likes to grow under broad leafed trees that provide shade.

Very very like really dead

Zigadenus venenosus, toxicoscordion venenosum, or "Death camas" are, you guessed it, poisonous! All parts of this plant are extremely toxic and they grow all over North America. 

Very sick

Allium canadense, wild onion, or meadow garlic, is edible. This plant grows in prairies, meadows, pastures, savannas, and open woodlands all over North America and is safe to eat only if harvested correctly. 

Alive but smelly

These are wild blueberries! Very edible and delicious, these little berries naturally grow in East and central parts of North America. They prefer to grow in full sun to partial shade, and in acidic moist to dry soils.

Happy and not dead

Parthenocissus quinquefolia also known as Virginia creeper, is the toxic counterpart to blueberries. This plant likes to grow in Eastern and central North America, in any conditions. You may also note these berries look a lot like elderberry and devil's walking stick.

Sick

Rose hips are the fleshy, seed-bearing fruits of rose plants. They are a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients, and can be used in various culinary applications, like making tea, jelly, or syrup. Needless to say they are edible, and for the most part like to live in California. 

Fun fact: 40% of the roses growing in America are growing in Bakersfield California, they seem like they have a good time.

Happy and thriving (not dead)

These berries will only punish you for gluttony, as they are only poisonous in large amounts. I really just wanted to share the thing about Bakersfield. 

These berries only grow along the west coast in America, and enjoy full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Alive unless you ate multiple handfuls, (why would you ever do that) then you are dead

Hopefully this one was easy, bay leaves are edible and are commonly used to flavor food. They grow best in warm, sunny conditions with well drained soil. these trees grow all over north America but are most concentrated in the west coast. 

Alive

The leaves of this plant look very similar to that of the bay tree, however, they are poisonous. These gorgeous flowers live in Eastern North America and are particularly fond of Virginia and North Carolina. 

Sick