As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can provide you with some insights on whether or not you can eat ornamental berries. While it is true that fruit from ornamentals like crabapples and chokecherries is not poisonous and can be consumed, there are a few factors to consider before deciding to eat them.
Firstly, it’s important to note that the taste of the fruit from many ornamentals is generally not very pleasant. In fact, it is often described as sour or bitter. This is mainly because these plants are primarily grown for their ornamental value rather than for their fruit. So, while the berries may not be poisonous, they may not be enjoyable to eat.
In some cases, the fruit of ornamental plants may actually be quite tasty. However, these instances are relatively rare, and it can be challenging to determine which ornamentals produce edible fruit without proper knowledge or research. Therefore, if you are considering eating the berries from an ornamental plant, it is essential to identify the specific plant species and research its edibility before consuming them.
Another aspect to consider is the potential for pesticides or other chemicals on ornamental plants. Many ornamental plants are treated with pesticides or other chemicals to maintain their appearance and health. These chemicals may not be safe for human consumption, so it’s crucial to avoid eating fruit from ornamental plants that have been treated with such substances. Always make sure to wash the berries thoroughly before consuming them, even if they are from a non-treated plant.
Personal experiences have shown that even when the fruit of ornamentals is edible, the quantity and quality of the fruit are often not worth the effort. Ornamental plants are typically bred and cultivated for their visual appeal, rather than for their fruit production. Consequently, the fruit yield may be minimal, and the berries may be small or lacking in flavor.
While it is technically possible to eat fruit from certain ornamental plants, such as crabapples and chokecherries, the experience may not be very enjoyable. The fruit is often sour or bitter, and the effort required to find edible ornamental berries may not be worth it. It’s essential to research the specific plant species and ensure they have not been treated with chemicals before consuming the fruit. Ultimately, it’s generally better to focus on growing and enjoying plants specifically cultivated for their edible fruit.
