With abundant rain and moisture, this has been a good year for plantlife in Iowa.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Interpretive Naturalist and Educator Anne Riordan says that at Springbrook State Park, the rain has made sure there’s plenty of water for both animals and plants, causing both to flourish. She mentions that the adequate water supply has helped keep the plants healthy, allowing more shady areas and a stronger food source for the animals.

Riordan tells Raccoon Valley Radio about a few species of plants that humans can eat as well that have been growing well.

“Blackberries are right in the height of their season right now, so you can get a little snack. The gooseberries are just finishing up. In a little earlier part of the season, they are green and very tart, but right now most of the gooseberries are purple and tastes sort of like a blueberry. This has also been a pretty good year for mushrooms of all shapes and sizes.”

Riordan mentions that when people are looking for wild grown plants to snack on, it is imperative to make sure you have a positive identification of what that plant is, to make sure it isn’t toxic. She adds that if there is any doubt, it is always best to not try eating whatever the plant is.