Edible Flowers Guide | Thompson & Morgan (2024)

Achillea millefoliumThe leaves of the yarrow can be used cooked or raw. They have a bitter flavour but are good in mixed salads and best used when young. They may also be used as a preservative or flavouring for beer. The flowers and leaves can be made into an aromatic tea.AgastacheAgastache anisata, Agastache foeniculumBoth flowers and leaves have a delicate, fragrant taste. They are ideal for adding to cakes for a hint of anise flavour, or add the leaves and flowers to whipping cream for a creamy, liquorice flavour.If you are pregnant, be sure to research possible contraindications to using this herb.Albizia julibrissinA tea can be made from the leaves and flowers, they can also be steamed and eaten as vegetables, the blooms can be crystallised too.Caution - DO NOT EAT THE SEEDS, they are poisonous.AlyssumLobularia maritimaThe leaves and flowers of sweet alyssum have a pungent flavour, similar to kale. Try adding them to salads, cold soups or even omelettes.AmaranthusThe leaves are very nutritious, similar to spinach and the seeds can be treated as grain, amaranthus flour is common. The leaves also make nice salad greensAntirhinnumThese pretty flowers can be used as garnishes or dressings but can have a bland or sometimes bitter taste.Apple/ Crab AppleMalus domestica, Malus x robusta, Malus x zumiApple blossoms have a slightly floral taste and the petals are lovely in salads. Infuse petals in whipped cream or ice cream to go over an apple tart. Blossoms look attractive when floated in a fruit punch.BasilOcimum basilicum, Ocimum minimum, Ocimum x citriodorumFlowers can be used as a substitute for leaves in any dish requiring basil. The flowers should be used more sparingly due to their very intense flavour. Delicious added to salads, soups or pasta.BegoniaBegonia x tuberhybridaThe brightly coloured flowers have a delicious light, lemon taste and a crisp texture. Use snipped petals as a garnish in salads and sandwiches or dip whole petals in flavoured yogurt and serve as an appetizer.Only tuberous begonia petals are edible. The petals contain oxalic acid and therefore should only be eaten in moderation and should not be consumed by individuals suffering from gout, kidney stones or rheumatism.BidensThe bloosoms are commonly used in salads but also hold their flavour once cooked and can be added to a variety of dishesBiennial ClarySalvia sclareaFlowers have a very aromatic flavour and being pastel shades, make a lovely contrast when added to salads.BorageBorago officinalisMix flowers into vegetable and fruit salads, or use to garnish soups or to decorate desserts. An excellent choice for freezing in ice cubes and floating on iced tea. Petals have a cucumber taste and the stamens add a hint of sweetness.Pregnant and lactating women should avoid borage flowers, as more than eight to ten flowers can cause milk to flow. They can also have a diuretic effect, so should not be eaten in great quantity.Busy LizzieImpatiens wallerianaThe flowers come in many colours and look attractive used as a garnish in salads or floated in cold drinks.Butterfly Peacl*toria ternateaIn Burma, the flowers of the blue variety are dipped in batter and fried. They also make good garnishes for salads. A syrupy sherbet drink can also be made from the blue flowers and a tea or tisane which is a rich blue colour.Cape JasmineGardenia jasminoidesThese extremely fragrant blooms can be used to make pickles, preserves and jams, or shredded and added as flavouring to cakes.Dianthus/ Carnation/ PinksDianthus amurensis, Dianthus barbatus, Dianthus caryophyllus, Dianthus chinensis, Dianthus deltoides, Dianthus plumarius, Dianthus superbusMost dianthus have a pleasant spicy, floral, clove-like taste, especially the more fragrant varieties, and are ideal for decorating or adding to cakes. They'll also make a colourful garnish to soups, salads and the punch bowl. The petals of Sweet Williams will add zest to ice cream, sorbets, salads, fruit salad, dessert sauces, seafood and stir-fries. It is advisable to remove the white heel at the base of the petal as this has a bitter taste.Californian PoppyEschscholtziaFresh or dried leaves can be used to make a herbal tea which is known to be soothing and relaxing.CalycanthusProduces an edible and delicious spice. Snip off twigs and allow them to dry out in the sun or a low oven, then crush the bark and use like cinnamonCamelliaThe flowers can be used as garnishes but are also dried and then cooked in asian cuisine.CampanulaThe leaves and flowers can be used in salads, the flowers especially to add unusual blue hintsCandytuftIberisBoth the leaves and flowers of candytuft can be eaten raw and have a taste similar to that of a sweet broccoli.CannaCanna lily rhizomes can be eaten raw and have a taste similar to water chestnut, although sometimes bitter. They can also be boiled and baked, the same as a potato and have a similar texture and taste.CatmintNepeta catariaThe small flowers have an aromatic, strong mint/spice flavour so should be used sparingly when cooking. Ideal for adding a bit of bite to pasta or rice dishes and all types of vegetables. Also makes a tasty complement to meat dishes like lamb.Nepeta is not recommended to eat during pregnancyCercis CanadensisThe flowers have a significantly higher viatamin content than most common fruits and vegetables, including oranges. The fresh buds have a not unpleasant sour bite and can also be pickled for later use with spring greens for example.Chicory, RaddichioCichorium intybusThe fresh flowers have a mild lettuce flavour and make a decorative addition to salads, whilst flower buds can be pickled. Picked blooms look attractive frozen in ice cubes and added to drinks.Contact with all parts of this plant can irritate the skin or aggravate skin allergiesChives/ Chinese ChivesAllium schoenoprasum, Allium tuberosum,Chive flowers have a mild onion flavour and are surprisingly crunchy. They are widely used tossed in salads, pasta, omelettes and scrambled eggs. Or you can add a few to white fish dishes or to cheese sauce to give that extra bite. As tempting it may be to pop the whole flower into your mouth, refrain from doing so as the pungency in that quantity can be overwhelming. For garnish and cooking break the flower into individual florets .Citrus TreesCitrus aurantium, Citrus limon, Citrus x latifoliaCitrus flowers are overwhelming in scent and flavour and go really well with many different foods from stir-fries to puddings. They are also ideal for crystallising and decorating cakes or desserts.Clary SageSalvia sclareaA very aromatic flavour that is ideal for adding to salads for a cheerful coloured contrast.Clary Sage is not recommended to eat during pregnancyCorianderCoriandrum sativumThe flowers are as adaptable as the leaves in a variety of different dishes. Scatter over cauliflower, add to the end of a stir-fry or add to cream cheese. Scatter a few flowers over an orange fruit salad, as the flavour of the flowers willCornflowerCentaurea cyanusThese attractive flowers have no fragrance but do have a sweet-to-spicy clove-like flavour. They are ideal for mixing with other flowers to make attractive confetti for sprinkling over salads, omelettes, and pasta dishes. Or they can be used on their own as a colourful garnish.Cosmos sulphureusThe blooms will add zest to your meal by adding bright splashes of colour, while the young leaves can be added to salads or eaten straight. Please note, only cosmos sulphureus are edible.CourgetteCucurbita pepoAll squash flowers have a slightly sweet 'nectar' taste. These can be stuffed with cheeses and other fillings, battered and deep fried or sautéed and added to pasta. Thinly sliced blossoms can be added to soups, omelettes, scrambled egg or used to add colour to salads.CrocosmiaA yellow dye is obtained from the flowers and then used as a saffron substitute for colouring foods.Cyclamen persicumThe leaves of this plant are used in mediterranian and eastern cuisine, often filled with rice and meat in a similar way the Greek dolmades.Please note, only the leaves of cyclamen persicum can be eaten, the roots of all cyclamen are harmful if eaten.DahliaAll dahlia flowers and tubers are edible. The flavours and textures can vary greatly depending on the soil and conditions in which they were grown. Flavours range from water chestnut through to a spicy apple or even carrot.DaisyBellis perennisPull flowers apart for a mass of small quill petals ideal for creating a colourful garnish on desserts or soups, in salads or with savoury dishes. Also make useful decorations for cakes, biscuits, mousses and pâtés.If you have hay fever, asthma or severe allergies, you should avoid eating flowers of the daisy family because they could trigger an allergic reaction.DaylilyHemerocallisDay lily petals are great in salads, hot and cold soups, cooked and served as a vegetable or chopped and added to stir-fries. Try sautéing the buds or flowers, which can then be stuffed with almost any filling.Only hemerocallis, the 'Day Lily' can be eaten. Do not eat other types of lilies (Lillium) as they are poisonous.DillAnethum graveolensAdd flowers to fish dishes, omelettes or sprinkle over cooked vegetables. Add whole flowers to pickled gherkins, cucumbers or beetroots for a milder flavour than dill seed.ElderberrySambucus nigraThe flowerheads are commonly used in infusions, making a very common drink and can be made into a syrup or cordial. They can also be dipped into a light batter and then fried to make elderflower fritters. Both flowers and berries can be made into elderberry wine.Evening Primrose, Ozark SundropsOenothera macrocarpa, Oenothera odorata, Oenothera versicolor, Oenothera speciosa, Oenothera missouriensisThe flowers have a similar taste to lettuce, so will make a fine addition to any green salad whilst also adding some colour.Feijoa sellowianaThe flower petals have a flavour often described as being similar to that of candyfloss. The petals are ideal added to a fruit salad, smoothie, milkshake or an iced drink. The fruits can also be used in chutneys and tropical fruit salads.FennelFoeniculum vulgareThe mild anise/liquorice flavour combines well with fish, meat and vegetable dishes. Delicious added to cucumber or potato soup. Make fennel flower oil and use to baste pork chops on a barbecue.Filipendula ulmariaThe sweetly scented flowers can be eaten in salads or added to homemade wine.Forget-me-notMyosotisEat the flowers as a trail snack or use them to decorate cupcakes, toss them in a salad or use as a garnishForsythiaThe blossoms are edible raw, though they can be slightly bitter. The will add colour to salads and are a cheery garnish.FuchsiaThe stunning colours and graceful shape of fuchsias make them ideal as a green or fruit salad garnish. They look very decorative if crystallised or inserted into jelly. The berries are also edible and useful for making jams. Before eating the flower remove all green and brown bits and gently remove the stamen pistils as this will certainly enhance the petal flavour.FreesiaInfused in a tisane with lemon juice and zest. The peppery scent and bold colour are a perfect pick-me up.Garland ChrysanthemumChrysanthemum coronariumPetals are best quickly and lightly fried in vegetable oil before adding to soups, salads and stir-fries. Use the strongly spicy flavoured flowers sparingly in salads or when making Japanese Chrysanthemum soup.Only chrysanthemum coronarium should be eaten; it is not advisable to eat other types of chrysanthemum.GladiolusFlowers taste similar to lettuce, and make a lovely receptacle for sweet or savoury spreads or mousses. You could also toss individual petals in salads for colour. It is best to must remove the anthers, take the middle of the blossom out before eating/ using.GypsophilaBaby's Breath (Gypsophila sp.) has white or pink flowers that have a mild, slightly sweet flavour, perfect for dessert garnishes.HeucheraThe leaves can be tossed in with other greens for a mixed salad, typically to bitter to eat on their own they will add a tangy kick to an otherwise bland salad.HibiscusInfuse the flowers to make a popular, mildly citrus-flavoured tea. Add strips of vibrant coloured petals to fruit salads. It is best to use the petals from the flower heads. If you use them whole, beware of the pollen.HollyhockAlcea roseaThe flowers can be crystallised and used to decorate cakes, mousses and roulades or try mixing them with salad leaves for a stunning dish. Flowers can also be used to make a subtly flavoured syrup to add to various puddings. Before eating , remove the centre stamen and any green bits.HoneysuckleLoniceraThe parboiled leaves are used as a vegetable and the flowers can be sucked for their sweet nectar, used as a vegetable or made into a syrup and pudding. A tea can also be made from the leaves, buds and flowers.HostaThe best part to use is the 'hoston', the rolled up leaf as it emerges in the spring. Cooking sepends on the size of the hostons, small ones can be fried for a few minutes, going well in stir fries. Thicker ones are better boiled and used as a vegetable.HouttuyniaThe leaves have an orange like smell and make a marvellous flavouring in alads.HyssopHyssopus officinalisIdeal for adding to soups or salads, or can be infused to make a refreshing tea. Hyssop also makes a perfect complement to fish and meat dishes.Japanese BasilPerilla frutescensThe whole flower can be eaten, adding a spicy flavour to stir-fries, chicken or fish dishes.JasmineJasminum officinaleThe flowers are intensely fragrant and are traditionally used for scenting tea, but can also be added to shellfish dishes.Only jasmine officinale is edible. The false Jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is a completely different genus and is considered too poisonous for human consumption.LavenderLavandula multifida, Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula angustifoliaThere are many ways to use lavender flowers, both in sweet or savoury dishes. Make a delicious lavender sugar and add to biscuits, sorbets, jams or jellies. Add flowers to vegetable stock and create a tasty sauce for duck, chicken or lamb dishes.Lavender oil may be poisonous. No more than two undiluted drops should be taken internally.Lemon BalmMelissa officinalisThe flowers are small, so are ideal for adding to salad dressings or soups. They can also be added to stuffing for poultry dishes too.LilacSyringa vulgarisMix fresh fragrant flowers with a little cream cheese and serve on crackers or stir flowers into yogurt to add a hint of lemon. Also useful as a garnish for cakes, scones or sweets.MagnoliaThe young flowers, once separated can be pickled and then used either on their own as a treat or in salads.MahoniaThe ripe fruits are too acidic to eat raw but can be stewed with sugar or other fruits and made into jelly or pies. They are used to help the milder flavour of some fruits or to make a lemonade like drink. Young leaves are simmered in water and eaten as a snack.MarigoldTagetes patula, Tagetes tenuifolia, Tagetes patula x erectaThe flowers and leaves have a citrus taste, making them ideal for adding to salads, sandwiches, seafood dishes or hot desserts.Marigolds may be harmful in large amounts. They should only be eaten occasionally and in moderation.MarrowCucurbita pepoAll squash flowers have a slightly sweet nectar taste . These can be stuffed with cheeses and other fillings , battered and deep fried or sauteed and added to pasta . Thinly sliced blossoms can be added to soups, omelets, scrambled egg or add colour to salads.MesembryanthemumLeaves can be eaten raw, mainly being used as a spinach substitute.MimulusThe leaves of the monkeyflower cn be eaten raw or cooked. The have a slightly bitter flavour and are mostly added to salads. The leaves can also be used as a lettuce substitute.MintMentha x piperita, Mentha pulegium, Mentha suaveolens, Mentha x gracilis, Mentha spicataThese tiny flowers pack a real punch and add that something extra to green salads, fruit salads, fresh strawberries, chocolate mousse or chocolate cake. Can also be used to decorate and flavour lamb dishes.Pennyroyal MintMentha x piperita, Mentha pulegium, Mentha suaveolens, Mentha x gracilis, Mentha spicataThese tiny flowers pack a real punch and add that something extra to green salads, fruit salads, fresh strawberries, chocolate mousse or chocolate cake. Can also be used to decorate and flavour lamb dishes.Pennyroyal Mint is not recommended to eat during pregnancyMonarda/ BergamotMonarda citriodora subsp. Astromontana, Monarda didymaAs well as being colourful, the petals have a sweet, spicy flavour and will enhance salads, jellies and stuffings, rice and pasta dishes. Fresh or dried leaves can be used to make delicious bergamot tea. Before using the flowers, only give them a minimal rinse with water so as not to diminish the fragrance.Mooli RadishRaphanus sativusThe radish flowers flavour is a milder version of the spicy root, making it ideal to add colour to the top of a salad or sprinkle over cooked vegetables to add a little spice.MuscariThe flowers can be sprinkled over desserts to add a delicate scented flavour.NasturtiumTropaeolum majus, Tropaeolum minusThe fresh leaves and flowers have a peppery flavour similar to watercress. The flowers will add a spicy touch to salads and the green seeds can be chopped and used with parsley as a garnish or made into capers. Try them combined with cream cheese or butter in canapés, or in a cheese and tomato sandwich. Flowers can also be used to garnish steaks or casseroles.NigellaThe seeds have a strong aroma and spicy taste, they can be used as a condiment or spice to flavour cakes, breads and curries.Onion (Welsh/ Spring)Allium fistulosumOnion flowers offer an onion flavour, without the bite of an onion bulb. These are ideal for tossing in a salad or for mixing in with vegetables.OreganoOriganum vulgareWonderful added to tomato dishes, pizza and when making your own bread. Flowers can also be added to butter for flavour.Ornamental KaleBrassica oleracea (Acephala Group)The leaves can be picked while still young and will make a tasty and colourful addition to salads.OsteospermumThe bright coloured flowers can be used as a garnish or in ice cubes to add an extra dimension to summer drinks.PansyViola x wittrockianaFlowers have a lettuce-like flavour and make a decorative addition to a green salad or to garnish a pâté or dessert. They can be crystallised and used to decorate cakes, cookies or creamy desserts.Passion FlowerThe fruits of passiflora are edible, albeit somewhat unremarkable in taste. They can be used in preserves and desserts. P. edulis, grown under glass will produce the best fruit for eating.PeaPisum sativumFlowers are slightly sweet and, surprisingly enough, taste like young peas. Delicious added to salads. Use candied flowers to decorate fish dishes or cakes. The shoots and vine tendrils are also edible and have the same delicate, pea-like flavour.Only vegetable pea flowers can be eaten, not sweet pea flowers which are toxic.PeonyThe petals can be added to salads, or cooked slightly and sweetened for a treat. Peony water once also once considered a delicay and the blooms can be floated in punches.Perennial PhloxPhlox paniculataThese flowers have a slightly spicy taste. Great added to fruit salads and a colourful addition to any floral salad. As the flowers are small and colourful they are superb when crystallised and added as decoration to cakes or desserts.It is only this perennial phlox, not the annual, or the low-growing (creeping) phlox that is edible.Polianthes tuberosaThe flowers can be eaten cooked and are often added to soups or used to flavour soy sauces in oriental cuisine.Polyanthus, Cowslip, Primrose, PrimulaPrimula vulgaris, Primula veris, Primula hybridaPopular as a garnish on salads. Remove the stalks so they sit open-faced on top of lettuce, cress etc. Crystallise or use in pancakes or cakes. Sprinkle fresh polyanthus blossoms in salads, adding a touch of colour and a sweet taste. Flowers can be crystallised and used as decorations, making them ideal for special cakes and desserts, for example on Mothering Sunday or at Easter.PoppyPapaver somniferum, Papaver paeoniflorumAll poppies are poisonous, however the seeds that are produced from these species of poppy can be eaten.All poppies are poisonous. However the seeds produced from Papaver somniferum and Papaver paeoniflorum can be eaten. The seeds of other species are not edible.Pot MarigoldCalendula officinalisCalendulas have a slightly peppery taste and will add a light, tangy flavour to breads and soups, as well as adding a touch of colour. They will make a bright and tasty addition to a tossed salad. You can use fresh or dried petals as an economical substitute for saffron for adding colour to rice or butter. The fresh young leaves can also be used sparingly in salads.PrunellaThe young leaves and stems can be eaten raw in salads, the plant in whole can be boiled and eaten as a potherb.PulmonariaThe leaves can be eaten raw or cooked andded to salads, or used as a potherb. The plant is an ingredient of the drink Vermouth.PumpkinCucurbita maxima, Cucurbita pepoAll squash flowers have a slightly sweet nectar taste . These can be stuffed with cheeses and other fillings , battered and deep fried or sauteed and added to pasta . Thinly sliced blossoms can be added to soups, omelets, scrambled egg or add colour to salads.Living Greens/ Microgreens/ Purple RadishRaphanus sativusThe flavour of radish flowers is a milder version of the spicy root, making it ideal to add colour to the top of a salad or sprinkle over cooked vegetables to add a little spice.RobiniaThe flowers have a pleasantly fragrant aroma and can be used in jams or desserts such as pancakes. They can also be infused into a drink.RocketEruca vesicaria, Diplotaxis muralis, Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativaThe flowers and the leaves have a spicy, peppery flavour, and are delicious added to a salad, rice or sprinkled over cooked French beans. Add whole flowers to taramasalata and serve with brown toast.RoseRosaAs a general rule if a rose smells good, it will taste good. Petals have a delicate flavour which will improve cool drinks and fruit dishes, or why not try rose petal jam? Rosehips and petals can both be used in jellies. If the flowers are crystallised, they will make attractive cake decorations. It is best to remove the white heel from the base of the petals before eating.RosemaryRosmarinus officinalisRosemary flowers and leaves can be used with poultry or pork - try adding a few flowers to biscuit dough to add flavour.Runner BeanPhaseolus coccineusFlowers can be eaten raw in salads, adding a mild bean flavour with a hint of nectar, or add to cooked runner bean dishes for decoration.Only scarlet-flowered runner beans are recommended for eating.SageSalvia officinalisThe flowers taste similar to the leaves and make a vibrant contribution to salads and pâtés, mustards and vinaigrettes.SalsifyTragopogon porrifoliusUsually grown for its nutty flavoured roots, but the young leaves are tasty in salads adding a mild nutty flavour. The flower buds should be picked just before they open with about three inches of stem attached. They can be lightly simmered and then eaten when cold in salads or as a garnish.SantolinaThe fragrant leaves can be used as a condiment to flavour soups and broths.Scented pelargoniumsGeranium clorinda, Geranium fragrans, Geranium graveolens, Geranium quercifolia, Geranium tomentosumThe leaves have a powerful citrus fragrance and will add flavour to cakes and meringue roulades. The flowers have a faint citrus flavour similar to the leaves and are ideal crystallised and scattered on desserts.SquashCucurbita moschata, Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maximaAll squash flowers have a slightly sweet nectar taste . These can be stuffed with cheeses and other fillings , battered and deep fried or sauteed and added to pasta . Thinly sliced blossoms can be added to soups, omelets, scrambled egg or add colour to salads.StocksFlowers are usually added to saladsraw or a garnish to desserts, they can also be candied. Their flavour is perfumed.StrawberryFragaria x ananassa, Fragaria vescaThe flowers retain their strawberry fragrance as well as a milder strawberry flavour. Float petals in drinks, add to salads or candy them and add to desserts for decoration.SunflowerHelianthus annuusThe buds, petals and seeds are all edible. Add the petals to a green salad for a colour contrast and a mild nutty taste. The green buds can be blanched, then tossed in garlic butter; they are similar in flavour to a Jerusalem artichoke. The kernels inside the seeds can be eaten raw or toasted as a snack.Sweet CicelyMyrrhis odorataThe sweet anise-flavoured flowers are lovely added to apple, plum or rhubarb tarts.Sweet MaceTagetes lucidaUse the flowers of this attractive plant in salads and its leaves in soups and stews much like French tarragon.Sweet MarjoramOriganum majoranaCombines well with all chicken dishes and many fish recipes. Can also be made into a flavoursome hot tea.Sweet RocketHesperis matronalisThis combines well with all chicken dishes and many fish recipes. Can also be made into a flavoursome hot tea.TulipTulipaTulip petals have a sweet, pea-like flavour and a tender crisp texture. Try stuffing whole flowers with a shrimp or chicken salad. Add strips of petals to salads or sandwiches for that added touch of colour. Carefully remove pollen and stigmas from the base of the flower before stuffing.Some people have had strong allergic reactions to tulips. If touching them causes a rash, numbness etc. - Don't eat them! Don't EVER eat the bulbs. If you have any doubts, don't eat the flower.WallflowerErysimumThe tender young shoots can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable.ViolaViola cornuta, Viola hybrida, Viola tricolor, Viola x williamsiana, Viola odorataFlowers have a lettuce-like flavour and make a decorative addition to a green salad or to garnish a pâté or dessert. They can be crystallised and used on cakes, cookies or creamy desserts.Water LilyNympheaThe young leaves and unopened flower buds can be boiled and served as a vegetable. The seeds, high in starch and protein can be popped, parched or ground into flour.WisteriaThe flowers are the only edible part of the plant and can be made into an aromatic wine.All other parts of wisteria are poisonousYuccaThe white yucca flower petals have a crunchy, mildly sweet taste with a hint of artichoke flavour. Delicious added to salads or used as a garnish.