Here we have Blackberry, shoots and leaves.
Now, most people will be well aware that wild blackberries are indeed edible. However many people are unaware that the young leaves and shoots found in spring and early summer are also edible.
You want the young leaves before they develop thorns. They can be made into tea or cooked and wilted down and served as a side with many different meals.
The shoots have a very unique taste and can be eaten raw or cooked and added to soups.
The leaves and also the root bark contain considerable amounts of tannins. Both can be used to make infusions or decoctions and have been used to treat diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, cystitis, sore throats, mouth ulcers and gum inflammations, and as a general mouthwash.
For the bush-crafters out there, remove the thorns from the stems with a knife and you will be left with a good alternative to rope for binding and lashing.
Scientific name: Rubus fructicosa agg
Happy foraging!!