Thanks to its varied habitats and combination of native and introduced species, this world-famous park is a great place for edible and medicinal wild plants and mushrooms in late fall. Herbs, greens, fruits, nuts, and mushrooms will all be in season simultaneously. Tart crab apples will be everywhere, and they're ripe only now, when they appear rotten. Another lemony-flavored fruit is the linden viburnum, a shrub with clusters of red berries that taste like a combination of lemon and raspberry. Another great fruit that is only good at the end of the season, and when it also looks rotten, is the American persimmon. Another "fruit" is the pod of the Kentucky coffee tree whose seeds make great-tasting caffeine-free coffee. You will also find burdock, one of the tastiest and most healthful root vegetables. While most nut trees are already out of season, ginkgo trees will be at their peak as well as the black walnuts. Given enough rain beforehand, you'll find gourmet oyster mushrooms, brick tops, pear-shaped puffballs, and Japanese enoki mushrooms. The tour will last for about 4 hours. Please wear a mask and observe social distancing.
New York City, NY; NYC