A truly delicious wild green, similar in taste to spinach or lambsquarter, was pointed out by a neighbor who has eaten it in season for as long as he can remember. It is called Shawnee. It is cooked in the same manner as spinach or lambsquarter, and the main difference in taste is more of a texture, as it is "grainier" than the other two, yet still delicious steamed with a little butter or olive oil.

May and June are the months it is commonly seen in Missouri's Ozarks, so one would imagine it might appear in April in Arkansas. Around here it seems to prefer some shade and likes to be near a stream or within a short distance of one.

Having searched all the herb and plant books here, I can state I do not know the genus or species of this wonderful wild and free food. If anyone reading this knows, it would be greatly appreciated. Three photos accompany this text, and careful scrutiny is welcomed.