Some readers may be like myself that enjoy studying wild edibles as a alternate food source for any future hard times ahead and for use in survival situations. The following information can by used for unidentified wild edibles - just in case. Obviously, I hope to never be in a position of being desperate enough to try an unidentified plant. But, I do use the following methods when I am trying a newly identified plant. To begin with, do not use an unidentified plant unless nutrition needs have become a matter of life and death.
Some older plants can become toxic such as the poke plant.
Smell - Crush a small portion. If it smells like bitter almonds or peaches, do not try. Skin Irritation - Rub the plant or its juice on a small tinder skin area. Do not use if a rash or swelling is experienced. In the case of poison ivy or oak, the rash takes several days.