Waterways Lakes

From tiny ponds to vast reservoirs, lakes come in all different shapes and sizes. Lakes with still, clear waters may be good for the swimmer; however, they don’t have much to offer to the forager. For edible plants, look to darker, more turbulent bodies of water fed by creeks and streams.

Lakes that are located near farmland or other cultivated areas often receive runoff nutrients via streams and creeks. Described as eutrophic, or nutrient-rich, these lakes host abundant wildlife and offer plentiful foraging opportunities. On the other hand, oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) lakes have still waters and very little wildlife. It's good to know the difference between the two, because few edible plants grow around oligotrophic lakes, rendering them less useful to the forager.

Eutrophic lakes

The landscape around a eutrophic lake is often lush, thanks to good soil, and contains a network of creeks, streams, and drains that connect the lake to the land. The water is dark and flecked with water lilies and other plants growing on or beneath the surface. If there is an overabundance of nutrients, algae blooms will cloud the water. On and near the shoreline, cattails and rushes grow in reed beds. Herbs such as water mint and watercress take root at the water's edge, while ground elder, Japanese knotweed, and meadowsweet establish themselves a bit further up the bank. When foraging in and along a eutrophic lake, watch out for field drainage ditches that appear to channel contaminated water into the lake. If you find them, forego picking anywhere nearby.

Oligotrophic lakes

Oligotrophic lakes are especially common on heaths and within forests in the western part of Denmark. Because they are not fed by creeks and streams, the water in these lakes is still and transparent. Very few plants grow in and around oligotrophic lakes.

You'll get the most out of eutrophic lakeside foraging during the spring and summer, when tender herbs emerge. If winter is mild, some plants may be available year-round.

Spring

In March, the first tender ground elder and meadowsweet appears along the lakeshore where the ground is damp. The following month, there's a good chance of finding Japanese knotweed on the upper bank and water mint at the shoreline. Cattail season starts in April and will continue through the beginning of summer. Watercress sprouts in May; eventually, it will shroud the entire shoreline in green.

Summer

In June, hardier plants start to take over the lakeshore. Ground elder and Japanese knotweed can aggressively conquer large areas, and meadowsweet will also stretch out in vast swaths of fragrant, off-white flowers. Cattails take their leave this time of year. On the other hand, algae may coat the surface of many eutrophic lakes. Should an aggressive bloom occur, don’t pick plants growing in the water.

Late summer, fall, and winter

Many plants will linger in and around lakes during late summer and early fall, but those that have received lots of sunlight over the course of the season often have an intensely bitter flavor: you'll have to taste-test your way around. In October, water mint and meadowsweet call it quits for the year, but watercress will endure until the first frost. If the winter is mild, watercress may even survive through the season, warming the chilly months with its sharp and peppery notes.