Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - December 01, 2008
From: Fort Worth, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Edible Plants
Title: Are flower petals poisonous?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Is it toxic to eat the petals on a flower? AshleyANSWER:
Well, yes and no. Some flowers and flower petals are poisonous. For example, all parts, including the petals of the flower, of all Delphinium species (such as, Delphinium carolinianum (Carolina larkspur)) are highly toxic and may be fatal if eaten. Then, there are other flowers that are regularly eaten and are considered quite tasty and non-toxic. For example, the flower petals of Cercis canadensis (eastern redbud) are delicious in salads. The flowers of violets (such as, Viola missouriensis (Missouri violet)) are good in salads and can also be candied and made into jellies or jams. There are many more edible flowers and many more toxic flowers, so the best rule to follow is: "Never eat, or even taste, any part of any plant unless you are absolutely sure you know what the plant is and that it is safe to eat." You can read more about edible native plants in Delena Tull's Edible and Useful Plants of Texas and the Southwest and you can learn more about poisonous plants in C. R. Hart's Toxic Plants of Texas.
More Edible Plants Questions
Dog eats Celtis laevigata, sugar hackberry
May 21, 2012 - This is an odd question but I am a biologist and have for years notice an odd behavior in my Golden Retriever. When he gets stomach distress or something makes him nervous like an incoming thunderstor...
view the full question and answer
Are wild sweet peas edible?
August 05, 2010 - Are wild sweet peas edible?
Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Identification of shrub/small tree with small purple fruit
July 31, 2013 - Hi! I have a tree/bush that has come up on its own in the backyard. This year it set what looks like small purple plums. Is there any chance that they might be poisonous?
view the full question and answer
Medicinal qualities of Monarda clinopodioides
June 19, 2007 - Monarda clinopodioides Gray
basil beebalm
Could you tell me if the above-mentioned plant is edible or has any medicinal use?
view the full question and answer
Edible Plants of Florida
April 06, 2015 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants
My name is Gabriel Bedoya; Im anthropologist, with large experience in research of traditional culinary, symbolic systems and native kitchens. Due to my experience in those s...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |