grape-hyacinth, Muscari botryoides

Many of us are familiar with grape-hyacinth in our gardens. And then gradually into our lawns, then beyond. There's one patch in a wild corner of Hayes State Park that's been there for many decades. But did we know these grapes are edible? I didn't until now. In Mediterranean areas where these are native, the buds and flowers are eaten, used for flavor, and even pickled. The bulbs are less often used, and may need a couple of changes of water for cooking to remove enough soapy chemicals. But then you can even reduce that water and use it to starch your clothes? These grape-hyacinths have been found wild in AL, AR, CA, CT, DE, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, BC, NF, NS, and ON. Lenawee Co MI, 4/16/21. Hyacinth family, Hyacinthaceae.