Native species
7Species naturally occurring in Switzerland — best adapted to local climate and soil.
Edible for food + foraging
50Plants with edible parts documented in Switzerland. Always identify positively before harvest.
Medicinal traditional + clinical
32Species with documented medicinal applications. See individual plant profiles for evidence + safety.
Introduced naturalized + cultivated
43Non-native species established in Switzerland. Some are valuable; some are invasive. Check each plant's notes.
Could grow here climate-matched · zone selection
24+Plants that are not yet recorded with a Switzerland distribution but match the local hardiness zones. Useful for foragers expanding the catalog and gardeners planning what to plant.
Frequently asked
How many plants are documented in Switzerland?
135 speciess — 42 native and 93 introduced. Of these, 134 are edible and 74 have medicinal uses.
What edible plants grow wild in Switzerland?
Common edible species include Amaranthus campestris, Arrow Head, Bath Asparagus, Bird's Foot Trefoil, Black Mustard. See the Edible section above for the full list.
What medicinal plants grow in Switzerland?
74 medicinal plants catalogued for Switzerland, including Black Mustard, Blackberry, Bulbous Buttercup, Catmint, Chinese Artichoke.
How is "native" vs "introduced" determined?
Status comes from TDWG botanical regions via Trefle. Native = naturally occurring there; introduced = brought in by humans, sometimes invasive. Both can be useful, but native species are typically the best fit for local conditions.
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