Foraging California

“This amazing book catalogs in clear, direct language the full range of wild edible plants found in California. Organized by ecological region and latest scientific family, it teaches not only a plant’s place on the land but also its essential botanical attributes. More than that, Christopher Nyerges’s lifetime of ‘dirt time’ experience makes him an expert on the edible and nutritional properties of this wonderful flora, so easily overlooked but at our disposal everywhere. I have followed Christopher on endless plant walks and never failed to learn something new and important. Now, at last, it’s all in one brilliant guide!”
—Paul Campbell, author of Survival Skills of Native California

From acorns, cactus, and yucca to mesquite, manzanita, and lamb’s quarter, this fully updated third of Foraging California guides readers to the edible wild foods and healthful herbs of the Golden State. Organized by plant families, this book is an authoritative guide for nature lovers, outdoors enthusiasts, and gastronomes.
INSIDE YOU’LL FIND Foraging California provides all of the information you need about wild foods in the region:

• Species ranging from herbs to trees
• Forager notes and expert advice on identifying, preparing, freezing, drying,
• storing, and cooking wild edibles
• Tools, techniques, and foraging etiquette
• Recipes to prepare at home and on the trail

Christopher Nyerges has been actively involved with self-reliance and survival for over 40 years. He works with the non-profit, WTI, in survival research and education. He co-founded the School of Self-reliance, and since 1974 has taught thousands of students about wild food, survival, and self-reliance. He is the author of ten books, including How to Survive Anywhere, and Extreme Simplicity. He was the editor of Wilderness Way magazine for seven years. Thousands of his articles have appeared in newspapers and magazines. Besides continuing to actively teach, he does a weekly self-reliance radio show. He lives with his wife in Southern California.

• Publisher: ‎Falcon Guides; 2nd edition (February 10, 2026)
• Language: ‎English
• Paperback: ‎296 pages
• ISBN-10: ‎ 1493084208
• ISBN-13: ‎ 9781493084203
• Item Weight: ‎1.16 ounces
• Dimensions:  6.29 x 0.57 x 8.83 inches