May is the ideal month to explore the full potential of wild herbs. During this time, many plants naturally thrive close to home—whether in your lawn, along roadsides, or within your garden. This article highlights 10 local wild herbs that are easy to identify and use in a variety of ways. From brewing tea to enhancing savory dishes or preparing simple home remedies, these herbs are worth getting acquainted with. Take the opportunity to harvest them now while they are at their peak.
The most important wild herbs of May
Greedy it is a true all-rounder among wild herbs. Its tender leaves are rich in vitamin C and minerals and are ideal for salads, Smoothies or as a side dish to various dishes. In May the leaves are particularly tender and aromatic.
Plantain plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
The leaves of plantain plantain They have a slightly spicy note and are particularly suitable for making tea or adding to soups and stews. In May they are particularly tender and contain many precious ingredients such as mucilage and tannins.
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Collect now! This purple salt is obtained from chive flowers, but only for a short timeGuide to collecting wild herbs
«With wild herbs and medicinal plants all year round“(available here) is the ideal book to introduce you to local medicinal and spontaneous herbs. In each season we have selected the most important local herbs that can be identified relatively clearly and which are available in such large quantities that they can be found in nature. Many guidebooks contain an extremely large number of plants, but most of them cannot be found on a normal herbal hike. We have tried to create a guide that will really help you and, in addition to the important features, also shows how to use it in the witch’s kitchen and medicine cabinet.
Nettle in May
Despite their burning reputation Nettles true energy centers of nature. The young shoots and leaves of May are particularly rich in nutrients and are ideal for preparing soups, pestos or as a vegetable side dish. Their spicy aroma gives dishes a special touch.
Nettle recipes
You can find many recipes for everything related to nettles in our nettle book “Nettle – queen of wild plants“(available here). In this book we present our favorite plant and its ecosystem. Along with lots of information and stories, you will find unique macro photos
Sauerampfer (Rumex acetosa)
Sorrel it is known for its fresh and acidic taste and is ideal for preparing soups, sauces or as an accompaniment to fish dishes. In May the leaves are particularly tender and contain a lot of vitamin C and iron.
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Why you shouldn’t mow them: Their hidden healing power is amazingDaisy (Bellis perennis)
The delicate petals of margherita pizza they are not only a beautiful decoration for salads and desserts, but also a real delicacy. They have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Use garlic mustard in May
The leaves of Garlic mustard They have an intense garlic aroma and are ideal as a spice for salads, sauces or gravies. In May they are especially tender and contain many healthy ingredients such as essential oils and vitamins.
Goose finger weed (Potentilla anserina)
The leaves of the goose cinquefoil have a delicate, slightly bitter flavor and are ideal for preparing salads or as an addition to various dishes. In May they are particularly tender and contain many healthy ingredients such as tannins and flavonoids.
Want to learn even more about wild herbs in May?
Then don’t miss our current news Wild Herbs Magazine (available here)! I’ll wait for you here exciting recipe ideas, seasonal tips and wild plant portraitswhich will accompany you throughout the spring season. Available as a single issue, as a complete package and also as a subscription for all issues for 2025.
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You can harvest these wild herbs as early as March and you won’t have to buy any vegetables!The Gunderman (Glechoma hederacea)
GundermannAlso known as gundel vine, it is a versatile wild herb with a slightly minty flavor. Its delicate leaves are ideal for making tea, salads or as a aromatic addition to soups. In May the leaves are particularly fresh and rich in essential oils.
Waldmeister (Scented Gallium)
Waldmeister it is best known for its characteristic scent, which is reminiscent of freshly mown grass. Its leaves are often used to flavor drinks such as May punch or lemonade. In the month of May the leaves are particularly aromatic and are also suitable for the preparation of desserts and desserts.
Baldrian (Valeriana officinalis)
valerian It is not only known as a calming medicinal herb, but also as a delicious wild herb for cooking. Its young leaves have a delicate, slightly spicy flavor and are particularly suitable for preparing salads, soups or as an aromatic addition to various dishes. In May the leaves are particularly tender and contain many precious ingredients such as essential oils and bitter substances.
Conclusion
May is a fantastic time to explore the diverse array of wild herbs around us. At this time, these plants are tender, juicy, fragrant, and nutritious, making them especially suitable for cooking and everyday consumption. What many perceive as weeds in lawns, roadsides, or garden corners are often resilient, nutrient-rich herbs that have benefited human health for generations.
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The healthy boost of energy for cold daysExploring native wild herbs allows us to appreciate the changing seasons and nature’s bounty more deeply. In spring, tender leaves and buds are generally milder and easier to cook, whether for tea, salads, pesto, or other delicious dishes. Many of these herbs are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial phytochemicals that, when used properly, can promote overall health.
However, responsible harvesting is just as important as herb identification. Harvesting herbs at their optimal time ensures the best flavor and full benefits. However, all of this should be done sustainably—harvesting only what is needed and leaving enough for plant regeneration and wildlife habitat. Accurate identification is crucial, as some edible plants can be very similar to poisonous ones. Beginners should consult a reliable field guide or experienced forester before consuming wild herbs.
Beyond their practical value, foraging for wild herbs fosters a reconnection with nature. It transforms a simple garden or neighborhood stroll into an opportunity for learning and appreciation. We no longer ignore these plants but begin to see them as resources—versatile, readily available, and often entirely free.
Ultimately, May invites us to rediscover the naturally growing plants around us. By consciously foraging and creatively using wild herbs, we can enrich our diets, support home remedies, and deepen our connection with nature. This brief window not only gives us the opportunity to collect plants but also fosters a greater understanding, respect, and awareness of the natural world around us.
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