Siberian Elm: If you can't beat em eat em

Elm going to seed

Most people hate Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila), common incorrectly referred in our area as Chinese elm. This creates a great foraging opportunity for both yourself and your rabbits. In the Spring before the leaves emerge they green up with millions of flat seeds called samaras. These seeds get scattered everywhere the wind will blow them and start coming up as weeds in your garden. During the Summer the deep roots and sun combine to gather nutrients and energy into the tree in preparation for a burst of reproductive power first thing in the Spring. These seeds are edible for both human and wildlife at any stage in their development but are only available for a couple weeks before they get dispersed.

Elm seed AKA samaras

Rabbits love the green seeds before the edges dry out and turn papery. Once dry the seeds are converted into minature flying saucers. I harvest the young branches and cut or break them small enough to fit in their cage. You can also just strip the seed, handfulls at a time into a bag and put them in a bowl or J-feeder.

Gave some to our three chickens. They ate a few fresh green elm seeds but preferred them cooked.

12 week female eating immature elm seeds straight from the branch

Jordan and I tried some fresh while harvesting. The taste is slightly sweet and mild in flavor. They would go great in a salad. Ana cooked some up in some ramen noodles for breakfast. The boys ate it all with no complaints.  The samaras seem to take on the flavor of whatever you cook them with. Next we'll have to try them in soup or curry.

Samaras give this ramen some real nutrition