Native wild grapes grow in the Lake Tahoe area and are edible.
The Lake Tahoe region is in the western corner of Nevada and the elevation is approximately 6,200 feet at the lake. A number of native plants and animals grow and live in the area that are still harvested and eaten. Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States and supports both native and introduced species of fish. Some of the vegetation in the region can be eaten or used for medicinal purposes.
Fish
The native fish in Lake Tahoe include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and some species of salmon. Many anglers enjoy fishing in Lake Tahoe, not only for the catch, but also for the scenery. A fishing license is required from either Nevada or California, depending on where on the lake or its tributaries people fish.
Animals
Wildlife native to the Lake Tahoe region include bear, deer, elk, antelope, wild pigs, turkey, quail, pheasant and waterfowl. Both the states of California and Nevada have hunting seasons, although how many licenses or tags the state issue depends on the health of the herd or flock. The states have lotteries to fairly distribute licenses.
Plants
The region supports some native species of plants that can be eaten, including pine nuts harvested from pinion pines. Juniper plants grow in the area and the berries make good seasonings for pork, beef or chicken. The leaf buds of the quaking aspen can be eaten and are excellent sources of vitamin C. Kinnikinnick is a bushy plant that produces tart edible berries which have a diuretic effect.
The bark of the native black willow helps relieve pain when brewed as a tea. Buffaloberry bushes produce berries that can be cooked into jellies and jams. Wild roses grow into huge plants around Lake Tahoe and the fruit, the rose hips, can be used to make tea or jellies.
The sulfur flower has a large edible root that can be cooked and eaten. Western wild grapes produce fruit similar to commercially grown grapes that people eat. The leaves can be used as a wrap for food and benefit the gastrointestinal tract.
