Since ancient times (and probably even longer), the rose has not only been a symbol of botanical beauty, but also a sought-after medicinal and culinary plant. There are now estimated to be between 100 and 250 (depending on how you count) different species and countless varieties - and new varieties are being added every day. This naturally raises the question for many a rose lover: Are all roses really edible or are there some that are poisonous?
Are roses poisonous or edible?
Real roses of the genus Rosa are edible and not poisonous. Peonies, farmer's roses or hollyhocks as well as Christmas or snow roses look similar, but belong to different genera and are usually poisonous. Avoid consuming purchased potted roses or bouquets of roses as they are often treated with pesticides.
Only real roses are suitable for consumption
First of all: There are many beautiful flowers that bear the name “rose”. However, not all cases are actually real roses! The only real and therefore edible roses include wild and cultivated roses of the Rosa genus; all the others are usually just called that, even though they are not roses in the true sense. Peonies (Paeonia), farmer's roses or hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) and Christmas or snow roses (Helleborus niger) have rose-like flowers, but belong to completely different plant genera and are usually even poisonous.
Tip
Purchased potted roses or bouquets of roses are also not suitable for consumption, as these plants have been extensively treated with toxic pesticides.
