The first year plant's roots can be dug up and peeled. Further the leaf stalks of the first year plant and the flower stalks of the second year plant can be peeled and de-pithed. The pith can be eaten raw or steamed like celery. On the property there are significant areas of forest edge. This is excellent for many reasons.
Forest edge is the natural habitat for a wide range of animals.
It serves as a windbreak between different fields of prairie. And it is where one can find many species of delicious wild edible plants, especially wild fruit. The stems are red or green with thorns. The flowers are 5-petaled and white. Following the flowers are black or red fruit.