Edible Plants & Trees

Flowers

Nasturtiums can be beautiful in a garden as a border. The flower features a peppery taste and work well in place of capers. Pansies are another good border flower. Their mint flavor fit into recipes from soups to desserts. Some marigold varieties are edible. For example, Calendula has a peppery, sharp taste. Its appearance is much like saffron with uses in herb butters or pastas. The flavor of Day Lillies replicates a sweet vegetable such as the melon. Decoration for cakes is just one of the flower's uses.

A United States Department of Agriculture Bulletin placed dandelions among the best green vegetables for overall nutrition value. They are a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, B vitamins, thiamine, riboflavin and protein. Include dandelions in salads or brew them as a tea. Stinging nettles can be found in lawns, gardens or somewhat wooded areas. Their leaves, stems and roots are all edible. Younger plants are better, and they have higher levels of vitamin K when fresh.

Fruits are not the only edible items on some trees. For instance, apple trees produce both fruits and blossoms. Apples can be put to use for juices or as a healthy snack. Blossoms taste sweet, and have a flowery aroma. When eating blossoms or seeds, keep in mind that both have cyanide forerunners and should be eaten in moderation. Citrus trees produce fruits such as oranges. The blossoms from citrus trees fit well in certain pastries and beverages. Banana blossoms are also edible either cooked or raw from the non-bitter type of banana trees.

Lingonberries, originally from Northern Europe, spreads across an area as it grows, creating groundcover. The berries closely resemble the flavor as well as the appearance of cranberries. Recipes for juice, wine, jelly or jam may include the berry as an ingredient. Both wintergreen leaves and berries are used in teas and salads. Parsley and mint are also groundcover plants, and are herbs with a wide variety of cooking applications.