Are Blueberry Flowers Poisonous?

Blueberry Flowers

• Blueberry plants grow wild throughout many parts of the U.S., but are also cultivated in areas with moist, acidic soil. Wild blueberry plants usually produce small, flavorful berries. Cultivated berries are larger, with a less intense blueberry flavor. The flowers appear in middle to late spring, depending on the variety and cultivar. They are creamy white or tinged with pink and resemble tiny bells. Bees pollinate blueberry flowers, which are not toxic.

Look-Alikes

• Several toxic plants resemble blueberries. The berries are the most poisonous part, but the flowers may be toxic, as well. Belladonna, or deadly nightshade, grows wild in mild parts of the U.S. The plant has dull red, drooping flowers and purple berries. Eating just a few berries may cause a fatal reaction. Pokeberries are sparse, upright shrubs with red stems and long leaves. The glossy purple or blue fruit is toxic. Elderberries have tart red or purple berries, best consumed in jellies and cooked products. Raw berries may cause illness in some people.

Cautions

• In general, do not eat flower blossoms of any kind unless you know they are edible. Nasturtium, rose, pansy, chive and lavender blossoms are commonly used as edible garnishes. Avoid those that may have been treated with herbicides. Leave blueberry flowers to produce fruit instead.

Wild Berries

• When picking wild berries, take along a field guide to positively identify plants. Evaluate the plant based on stems and foliage as well as the berries. Do not eat any flowers, even those known to be nontoxic. Stay in designated areas and make plenty of noise to alert bears to your presence.