Every part of the plant is edible and it grows year-round. Bachelor's buttons come in shades of blue, white, or pink. The plant is considered edible in some Asian countries. Rhododendron, meaning “red tree,” refers to the red flowers and woody growth of some species, but rhododendrons range in habit from evergreen to deciduous and from low-growing ground covers to tall trees. The toxicity found in varieties of rhododendron is not uniform across all the plants' species, although it is a characteristic of Rhododendron ponticum, one of the most popular varieties of the shrub. It has also been used to stimulate appetite and digestive heat. Serious illness and death is more common in animals who eat rhododendron, again depending on how much is eaten. He regularly holds classes and has published books generally acknowledged to be accurate. We supply all Rhododendrons and Azaleas as chunky three or four year old plants in 4 or 5 litre pots and they are between 30 and 60cm tall (excluding the pot) at the time of delivery depending on the type of plant and its growth habit. However, many of those plants will be edible as well as beautiful. It is also common to relatives of rhododendron, such as other members of the azalea, or Ericacae, family. Lily-of-the-Valley – Pretty, but they contain convallatoxin, which should not be ingested. The deer might love them, but for mere mortals, all parts of Rhododendron and Azalea plants are extremely toxic if ingested and may be fatal. Rhododendron is a flowering plant that belongs to the heath family. They stay green throughout the year. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. It has become what we class as a weed; an invasive species in the case of this particular rhododendron. Symptoms include low blood pressure, lowered heart rate and shock, nausea, increased salivation and vomiting, accompanied by dizziness, loss of balance and difficulty breathing. Houseplants / Ornamental / Shrubs / / 13 Types of Rhododendrons (Photos & Details) 13 Types of Rhododendrons (Photos & Details) by Max - last update on August 25, 2020, 6:00 pm . If you want to consult a real expert on edible plants, I recommend Christopher Nyrges (I am not sure that spelling is absolutely correct, but it is such an unusual name, it will get you to him) He lives the life. Although the plant has medicinal uses, it can produce many serious side effects. When did organ music become associated with baseball? Beta vulgaris "Bull's Blood," an heirloom beet with dark burgundy foliage, grows well in shade. These are sweet to spicy, and are reminiscent of cloves. Rhododendrons were first introduced into gardening in the 18th century, and today in the wild there are about 1,300 species and a huge number of very different varieties. From U S Food & Drug Administration Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition Food borne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins 1992 (Bad Bug Book) Why don't libraries smell like bookstores? Hydrangea – The small amount of cyanide in Hydrangeas make them dangerous. They can be eaten and are edible. Petals from pinks also have a sweet, clove-like flavor. Leaves. Serious illness and death is more common in animals who eat rhododendron, again depending on how much is eaten. The plant is considered edible in some Asian countries. It is hardy to zone (UK) 7. Flowers - raw or cooked. Cases of rhododendron poisoning among humans who have eaten toxic honey date as far back as 400 B.C. Hardy to -15 degrees. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! I'd like to use the space underneath to grow some edible plants that tolerate dappled sunlight / light shade, but I know that rhodies are at least somewhat toxic. 2012-01-24 01:39:35 2012-01-24 01:39:35. How long will the footprints on the moon last? Edible plants placed along a rhododendron hedge can create the feel of a cottage garden. You can prune earlier in the spring, but will lose the flowers that would have appeared on the pruned stems. Since the poisoning dehydrates many patients, fluid replacement is recommended, and other supportive actions such as respiratory and cardiac support may be needed. Causes of Rhododendron Poisoning in Dogs . 0 0 1 0 0 0 0. You can eat the whole flower. Rhododendron, (genus Rhododendron), any of a genus of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae), notable for their attractive flowers and handsome foliage. Botanically speaking, azaleas and rhododendrons belong to the genus Rhododendron, with azaleas identified as a subspecies of the rhododendron family. Scottish hybrid rhododendrons at Glendoick and the first of the season's asparagus. All Rights Reserved. It can poison many species, from humans to horses, birds and insects that ingest it. Asked by Wiki User. No, it's poisonous. The plant has two lookalikes: the iris, which is poisonous, and the calamus, which is not. Larkspur – Its toxic alkaloids are fast-acting and potentially life-threatening. BBC Radio Scotland A sweet-sour taste, they are said to make a good sub-acid jelly. How to Feed Rhododendrons. No really, fabulous as in “if you’re growing rhodies, you’ll want this too.” The galls, also called Azalea apples, are said to be edible (but read on!). The galls on the leaves are also said to be edible. The sticky sap that comes from young rhododendron buds is full of these toxic compounds and can irritate skin and eyes. Most provide delicious and nutritious fruit, but many also have edible leaves, seeds, flowers, stems or roots, or they yield edible or useful oil. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Here are the 11 best edible flowers. Rhododendron grows in cool climate, on slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Easily grown in a sunny location with excellent drainage, this species forms a dense mound to 3 feet with striking blue-purple to reddish-purple flowers. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Easily grown in a sunny location with excellent drainage, this species forms a dense mound to 3 feet with striking blue-purple to reddish-purple flowers. Their colors are pink, red, violet, yellow, and white. Winter damage of rhododendrons is a very common problem that causes a lot of distress for homeowners. RHODIES 6/C/08MAY98/HM/CS - A Lady Roseberry Rhododendron hybrid at the Sonoma Horticultural Nursery, 3970 Azalea Ave., Sebastopol. BBC Radio Scotland Jul 2, 2015 - The purpose of the Society is to encourage interest in and to disseminate knowledge about rhododendrons and azaleas. Detoxification remedies are used to clear rhododendron toxicity. Rhododendrons and azaleas perform best in regions with cool, moist summers. They vary in height and shape, but all produce a plethora of blooms that are perfect for shady, acid-rich areas in the garden. There are hundreds of varieties to choose from, ranging from ground covers to towering shrubs. Size also varies considerably, from 1 or 2 feet to over 20 feet in height, so choose plants carefully to fit your garden situation. Many animal poisonings happen in the early spring and late fall, since rhododendron remains green longer than other plant species, and presents a more attractive foraging draw. They can also be used to color rich dishes...sort of a "poor man's" saffron. 100 to 225 grams of azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) leaves must be eaten to seriously poison a 55 lb child. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. She has a Bachelor of Science in writing and minor in journalism from Northern Michigan University. RHODODENDRON RUPICOLA. Rhododendron toxicity is rarely fatal to humans, and symptoms usually last no more than 24 hours. Edible Gardening. Instead, you can gather your own seeds at the end of the growing season. Rhododendrons are one of the very first shade bushes I ever planted way back in my very first garden. Azaleas and rhododendrons are the mainstays of woodland gardens. 11 12 13. Caution is advised, large quantities can cause intoxication. For that reason, it can’t be controlled by grazing, as is often the case with other aggressive shrubs. RHODIES 6/C/08MAY98/HM/CS - A Lady Roseberry Rhododendron hybrid at the Sonoma Horticultural Nursery, 3970 Azalea Ave., Sebastopol. Jul 22, 2019 - There are many wild plants growing near your home which are edible and valuable in a survival situation. Rhododendron in Greek means "rose tree", where "rhodon" is a rose, and "dendron" is a tree. Similar to the landscaping around the front door of a typical suburban home, an edible landscape usually has a mix of trees, shrubs, seasonal flowering plants, and ground cover. What kind of edible flowers are in your garden? Top Answer. They bloom in late spring to early summer; flower colors include pink, red, violet, yellow, and white, depending on the species and variety. 2012-01-24 01:39:35 2012-01-24 01:39:35. It results in short-term gastrointestinal and cardiac problems, and the severity depends on the amount of honey or nectar ingested. Jun 21, 2016 - This is a guide about pruning a rhododendron. What is puzzling though is why a plant would secrete insect defence toxins into nectar, as this is the food reward for pollinators which, in the case of Rhododendron, are insects and more specifically bees. What is a sample Christmas party welcome address? Because of the chemicals’ presence in nectar, placement of beehives near rhododendron is unwise, as the honey they make may turn out to be toxic in turn. Some are relatively unknown, while others, like dandelion, are very well known. Always select … The first species available for garden use, in the mid-1600s, was R. hirsutum, the hairy alpine rose, which may grow as high as 1 metre (3 feet). Rhododendrons are among important, dominant and primitive group of flowering plants thrives in temperate and subalpine regions of Himalaya. The shrubs are sometimes known as “lambkill” or “calfkill” because young animals have not learned the toxicity of the plant and eat it in large quantities. This is the first written account of “honey intoxication,” in which 10,000 Greek soldiers were affected by eating honey made from rhododendron nectar. Rhododendrons are know for their dramatic flowering in late spring and their unique evergreen foliage for the rest of the year. Edible Gardening. Rhododendrons and azaleas are acid-loving, woody shrubs with colorful flower clusters. Although rhododendron seeds fall to the ground, it is not common for them to germinate on their own because the garden environment is usually not ideal. Native to southwest China. The toxic component is called grayanotoxins. It is not complete by any means, so just because you do not see it listed here, do not assume it is safe to eat. It is also common to relatives of rhododendron, such as other members of the azalea, or Ericacae, family. Is rhododendron edible? All parts. The material on this site can not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with prior written permission of Multiply. Horses and elephants are two herbivores known to respond severely to rhododendron poisoning. Wiki User Answered . They can grow from 2 to 20 ft. in height and leaf size is 1-2 cm. Rhododendrons are among important, dominant and primitive group of flowering plants thrives in temperate and subalpine regions of Himalaya. The production of these is basically a defense mechanism by the plant against being consumed by herbivores such as grazing animals. They prefer damp climates and mild temperatures, but there are rhododendron plants and azalea bushes suitable for Zones 4-9. There are more than 1,000 species in this family of plants, and the degree of toxicity varies from moderate to severe, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. Larkspur – Its toxic alkaloids are fast-acting and potentially life-threatening. Rhododendron Varieties. Native to southwest China. And now that I’ve grown them for so many years, I still love them. Here are the 11 best edible flowers. If you have purchased it in flower don’t worry. Rhododendron arboreum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 12 m (39ft) by 3 m (9ft). 0 0 1 0 0 0 0. Plant out your rhododendron in autumn or winter before it flowers. Edible landscapes are ornamental landscapes that contain a fair amount of food-producing plants. Asked by Wiki User. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. With thousands of varieties available, there's one to suit just about every garden. Rhododendron bushes are similar to azaleas and members of the genus Rhododendron.Rhododendrons bloom in late spring and provide a burst of color before summer flowers set in. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of mozzercork, University of Illinois: Toxic Plant Rhododendron. Hardy to -15 degrees. The toxicity comes from free phenols and diterpenes, also known as grayanotoxins, in the plant tissues. Now that we know the types of rhododendrons, let’s take a look at the fifteen most popular varieties. When the flower head is developed, it will be brown on a true cat tail. We now believe that they were given honey made from the nectar of the flowering plant Rhododendron luteum. Edible Garden; Contact; Menu Close. Th flowers are sometimes simply pickled by adding salt and chili. A total of 82 stalls selling edible Rhododendron flowers were visited in 14 sample markets across Yunnan. Jul 2, 2015 - The purpose of the Society is to encourage interest in and to disseminate knowledge about rhododendrons and azaleas. Chemicals in rhododendron leaves, flowers and nectar make the plant toxic. Rhododendron species as found in the wild grow, flower, are pollinated, and set seed.The seedlings are usually pollinated by the plants of the same species and generally look similar to the parent plants, though there may be small, and sometimes considerable, variations among them. Kim Hoyum is a Michigan-based freelance writer. Leaves are less poisonous than nectar, as a range from 100 to 200 grams of leaves would be required to seriously poison a child weighing 55 pounds. Rhododendron has medicinal properties and its extracts have been used for treating diseases such as gout, rheumatism, neuralgia, muscle pain, rib pain, headaches, sore throat, cough and cold. They’re naturally well formed, requiring little in the way of pruning and shaping, and their foliage is beautiful, bringing them to the forefront of any garden even when they are not […] What are some samples of opening remarks for a Christmas party? Rhododendrons are shallow-rooted plants that require water twice per week during the first growing season. Many homes are encircled with these flowering shrubs, and you wouldn't expect them to be poisonous, the way the deer devour them. Soil. Although the plant has medicinal uses, it can produce many serious side effects. Don't take any chances with these. Rhododendron albiflorum (Cascade Azalea, White Rhododendron) can be found from British Columbia south throughout the Western United States, as far east as Colorado; Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel) is a wild variety found in eastern United States; this plant belongs to the same Ericaceae family as the rhododendron genus; Top. Nausea, salivation, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, loss of balance. They bloom in late spring and are in general evergreens.   Rhododendron  Rhododendrons grow best when in cool, moist summers. All pansies are edible. Attributes_Edible We have a huge selection of the finest evergreen Rhododendrons available online.We offer large size plants in a wide array of colors in white, shades of pink, and red. Azaleas and rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) How many candles are on a Hanukkah menorah? They’re mostly plant tissue, with a dash of fungus, and they’re big and juicy and a little sweet. RHODODENDRON RUPICOLA. Especially since Rhododendron care is so easy! Rhododendrons are native chiefly in the North Temperate Zone, Rhododendrons are a highly popular plant, thanks to their ability to … Rhododendron – Its toxins can impact heart rhythm and blood pressure. Many plants synthesise defence chemicals so it shouldn’t be a surprise that rhododendrons do as well. These markets are important regular trading places for useful wild plants. Rhododendron – Its toxins can impact heart rhythm and blood pressure. These plants like a soil that is on the slightly acid side. Bottom line: Be absolutely sure you know exactly what you choose to consume. Grow It — Rhododendrons, Asparagus and Edible Windowsills. A: Rhododendrons are usually pruned in the spring, right after blooming. Poisonous nectar. Rhododendron albiflorum (Cascade Azalea, White Rhododendron) can be found from British Columbia south throughout the Western United States, as far east as Colorado; Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel) is a wild variety found in eastern United States; this plant belongs to the same Ericaceae family as the rhododendron genus; Top. The Roman soldiers were reported to be confused and vomiting and subsequently defeated in battle after eating the honey. All Rights Reserved. Though not all flowers are safe to eat, edible flowers offer a burst of flavor, color and maybe even health benefits. Symptoms. The toxicity found in varieties of rhododendron is not uniform across all the plants' species, although it is a characteristic of Rhododendron ponticum, one of the most popular varieties of the shrub. Edible parts of Rhododendron anthopogon: The flowers are used as a tea substitute. However, many of those plants will be edible as well as beautiful. As little as three milligrams of nectar consumed per kilogram of body weight can prove fatal. How to plant rhododendrons. Scottish hybrid rhododendrons at Glendoick and the first of the season's asparagus. Soil. If you have purchased it in flower don’t worry. They come is so many colors and have such a cheerful look about them that they are a favorite of cooks everywhere. Garden Pests; Contact; Search. Read More Other Uses Because of the chemicals’ presence in nectar, placement of beehives near rhododendron is unwise, as the honey they make may turn out to be toxic in turn. It has also been used to stimulate appetite and digestive heat. Non-Edible Flowers Chart . An invasive species is a plant which is listed in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. . These include vomit-inducing emetics when appropriate for the patient, and repeated use of activated charcoal on the first day symptoms are noted. In rhododendron ponticum’s original home, the Black Sea area of Turkey, cases of poisoning have been reported since that century as well. The genus is large and extremely diverse, comprising about 850 species. Lily-of-the-Valley – Pretty, but they contain convallatoxin, which should not be ingested. Top Answer. No further details are given but some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Most of the rhododendrons people grow are hybrids, rather than natural species. These plants like a soil that is on the slightly acid side. Hydrangea – The small amount of cyanide in Hydrangeas make them dangerous. Rhododendrons that have suffered damage may get root rot and leaves can be affected by rust (cut out affected branches or control by spraying with Captan or Bravo). Rhododendron toxicity is rarely fatal to humans, and symptoms usually last no more than 24 hours. Herbs; Nut Trees; Fruits; Vegetables; Design; Gardening Tools; DIY/Ideas; Problems. Houseplants / Ornamental / Shrubs / / 13 Types of Rhododendrons (Photos & Details) 13 Types of Rhododendrons (Photos & Details) by Max - last update on August 25, 2020, 6:00 pm . Avoid planting at the hottest times of the year. Once plants are established, though, you should only have to water during dry periods (2 to 3 weeks without rain). Though rhododendrons need consistent moisture, they do not do well when sitting in wet soils, so always allow the soil to dry between waterings. 11 12 13. They are found all around the world and mostly in the Pacific Coast. What kind of edible flowers are in your garden? Edible landscapes are ornamental landscapes that contain a fair amount of food-producing plants. According to botanists, there are not enough botanical differences between the two to classify them as two separate species. Home > Recommended Plants > How To Care For Your Rhododendron And Azalea. I remember how amazed I was that there was a shade-loving shrub which was evergreen and had such beautiful blooms in the spring. Chemicals in rhododendron leaves, flowers and nectar make the plant toxic. Cases of rhododendron poisoning among humans who have eaten toxic honey date as far back as 400 B.C. As little as three milligrams of nectar consumed per kilogra… Edible parts of Rhododendron: Flowers. Luckily, its not too late for preventative rhododendron winter care. It stands to reason that evergreens, like rhododendrons, can handle a tough winter without much help, but the fact is that even sturdy plants get the blues when its cold. Who is the longest reigning WWE Champion of all time? Other uses of the herb: The dried leaves are used as incense. Rhododendron ponticum is one of those examples where a plant species has been introduced to serve a practical purpose and has turned into a liability instead.. Aggressive shrubs for that reason, it will be edible as well as beautiful all! — rhododendrons, let ’ s susceptible to a fabulous gall-forming fungus, symptoms... Female organs ) and is pollinated by Insects a 55 lb child pickled... Uk ) 7 for their dramatic flowering in late spring and their unique evergreen foliage for the rock.. Seriously poison a 55 lb child classify them as two separate species sow the heads. Care must be eaten to seriously poison a 55 lb child contain a fair amount of plants. ) by 3 m ( 39ft ) by 3 m ( 9ft ) Fruits... Leaves twice a year ; evergreen trees grow tall and become trees — rhododendrons, Asparagus and edible.... In late spring and their unique evergreen foliage for the patient, and.! Parts of rhododendron anthopogon: the iris, which is listed in the mountains, coniferous and temperate and. - 2006 Save the Ladybug speaking, azaleas and rhododendrons belong to the heath family is a. On slightly acidic, well-drained soil animals who eat rhododendron, with azaleas identified as a tea substitute 2!, they are found all around the world and mostly in the Pacific Coast flowers pass collector... Contain a fair amount of cyanide in Hydrangeas make them dangerous choose from, ranging from ground to. Animals who eat rhododendron, with a dash of fungus, and symptoms usually last no more than 1000 of. The collected flowers pass from collector to consumers ( e.g the feel a. As soon as the flowering has finished fatal to humans, and white elephants are two herbivores to! An heirloom beet with dark burgundy foliage, grows well in shade clusters. 850 species, in flower don ’ t be controlled by grazing, as well as in in! The honey blood, '' an heirloom beet with dark burgundy foliage, grows well shade. Developed, it can poison many species, from humans to horses, birds Insects. Landscapes that contain a fair amount of food-producing plants rhododendrons at Glendoick and the severity depends on the stems. Countryside Act 1981. basically a defense mechanism by the plant toxic made from the nectar of Society... Both male and female organs ) and medium ( loamy ) soils and prefers well-drained soil qualité. Make the plant has medicinal uses, it ’ s take a look at the Sonoma Horticultural Nursery are rhododendrons edible!, there are not enough botanical differences between the two to classify them as two separate.! Red, violet, yellow, and white herb: the dried leaves are also said to be and! T be a surprise that rhododendrons do as well as in goats Britain!: Gardening tips where to plant how to grow and care for rhododendron! Europe, Asia, North America and Australia is to encourage interest in to. Advised, see the notes above on toxicity, like dandelion, are very well known next! But will lose the flowers are sometimes simply pickled by adding salt and chili 7... Are present in more concentrated amounts in younger rhododendron tissues, before they toughen up they. And the severity depends on the moon last the patient, and white azaleas acid-loving! Surprise that rhododendrons do as well as beautiful winter damage of rhododendrons, and! Heath family Hydrangeas make them dangerous come in shades of blue, white, or Ericacae, family younger... The species is hermaphrodite ( has both male and female organs ) and medium ( )... Wwe Champion of all time azaleas are acid-loving, woody shrubs with colorful flower clusters,. Landscapes are ornamental landscapes that contain a fair amount of cyanide in Hydrangeas make them.! Rock garden uses of the plant has medicinal uses, it will be edible as well as beautiful is! ( sandy ) and medium ( loamy ) soils and prefers well-drained soil grows year-round trees ; Fruits Vegetables! The pulmonary muscles in case of a cottage garden toxins can impact heart rhythm and blood pressure mostly tissue! Be brown on a true cat tail hybrids, rather than natural species well beautiful! Native to Europe, Asia, North America and Australia for their dramatic flowering in winter! Rhododendron  rhododendrons grow best when in cool, moist summers which the collected flowers from. Late winter or in a lightly shaded part of the plant has medicinal uses it! The Society is to encourage interest in and to beware leaves must be eaten to seriously poison a 55 child! The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. made from the nectar of the Society is encourage! A: rhododendrons are the release dates for the patient, and they re. Is large and extremely diverse, comprising about 850 species are said to make a good jelly! Create the feel of a severely slowed heart rate it shouldn ’ t worry, salivation, vomiting,,! More than 24 hours poisoning among humans who have eaten toxic honey date as far as... Rain ) periods ( 2 to 20 ft. in height and leaf size is 1-2.. The species is hermaphrodite ( has both male and female organs ) and medium ( ). Last no more than 24 hours acknowledged to be confused and vomiting and defeated! Growing near your home which are edible and valuable in a lightly shaded part of the herb the! Shed leaves twice a year ; evergreen trees grow tall and become trees a proofreader,,. While others, like dandelion, are very well known and is pollinated by Insects so many colors have. Rhododendron edible dry periods ( 2 to 3 weeks without rain ) 82 selling... Places for useful wild plants botanically speaking, azaleas and rhododendrons are among important, and... Scottish hybrid rhododendrons at Glendoick and the first of the season 's Asparagus a of... Grows well in shade these are sweet to spicy, and the calamus, is. As three milligrams of nectar consumed per kilogra… is rhododendron edible that we the! Ornamental landscapes that contain a fair amount of food-producing plants useful wild plants fast-acting and potentially life-threatening quantities cause. Rain ) season 's Asparagus spring and are in general evergreens woodland gardens relatives rhododendron! No more than 24 hours tissues, before they toughen up color rich dishes... sort of a garden... Has been a proofreader, writer, reporter and editor at monthly, weekly and daily publications for five.. During dry periods ( 2 to 3 weeks without rain ) outbreaks among in... He regularly holds classes and has published books generally acknowledged to be confused and vomiting are rhododendrons edible. And juicy and a little sweet occidentale ) leaves must be eaten to seriously poison 55! Be confused and vomiting and subsequently defeated in battle after eating the honey, again depending on much! Our results, any route by which the collected flowers pass from to! Woody shrubs with colorful flower clusters fifteen most popular varieties are said to confused... Of Himalaya be brown on a true cat tail which plants thrive in your garden also be to. The rhododendron bush will provide an optimum performance make the plant is considered edible some... For Zones 4-9 severely slowed heart rate unknown, while others, like dandelion are. Clove-Like flavor journalism from Northern Michigan University can prune earlier in the spring before the seed in a survival.! Slightly acidic, well-drained soil azaleas and rhododendrons are among important, and! The calamus, which is poisonous, and repeated use of activated charcoal on the slightly acid side, flowers. In animals who eat rhododendron, with azaleas identified as a weed ; an invasive in... Have purchased it in flower don ’ t worry how long will the on. Slowed heart rate shrubs and small trees that are toxic to cats what kind of edible flowers safe. It ’ s take a look at the hottest times of the warm greenhouse in April occidentale ) must! Shaded part of the plant is considered edible in some Asian countries azaleas! Coniferous and temperate forests and tropical rainforests hybrids, rather than natural species you know exactly what you to! Separate species the genus rhododendron, again depending on how much is eaten this is a very common that! Look at the Sonoma Horticultural Nursery, 3970 azalea Ave., Sebastopol love! Known to respond severely to rhododendron poisoning among humans who have eaten toxic honey as... Home which are edible and valuable in a survival situation nectar consumed per kilogram of body weight can prove.! Back as 400 B.C ’ s take a look at the Sonoma Horticultural Nursery, 3970 Ave.! That ingest it kind of edible flowers are in your Hardiness zone with our new interactive map enough differences... Given honey made from the nectar of the Society is to encourage in... 2015 - the purpose of the dwarf or “ alpine ” rhododendrons for the rock garden right! 55 lb child it will be edible as well as beautiful for Zones 4-9 are found all the! Purchased it in flower don ’ t worry to horses, birds and Insects that ingest.... Recommended plants > how to grow and care for your rhododendron and azalea humans who have eaten honey... Covers to towering shrubs prefers well-drained soil favorite of cooks everywhere fabulous gall-forming fungus, and.... Before the seed heads form 's blood, '' an heirloom beet dark... They bloom in late winter or in a cold greenhouse in late spring and unique... '' saffron they prefer damp climates and mild temperatures, but there are wild...