Content
- Is the bluebell tree poisonous?
- Are the leaves of the bluebell tree also inedible?
- The essentials in brief:
- Tips
The fruits of the bluebell tree are not edible
Is the bluebell tree poisonous?
When it blooms, the bluebell tree is a real feast for the eyes. Later, the pink to blue flowers develop egg-shaped capsule fruits, which turn from green to brown during maturation and remain on the tree during the winter.
The fruits of Paulownia tomentosa, as the bluebell tree is also called, resemble nuts, but are not suitable for consumption. They are considered inedible to slightly toxic, even for dogs and other animals.
But since the fruits are not very attractive, they usually need not worry. That children or animals nibble at it is unlikely, especially since the fruits fall from the tree only in spring, when they are already completely dry. The seeds are also considered slightly toxic. They are, however, quite inconspicuous and not very tempting.
Are the leaves of the bluebell tree also inedible?
Unlike the fruits of Paulownia tomentosa, the leaves of this tree are quite edible. In their Asian homeland, the consumption is quite common, they are considered tasty. The taste of the rather large heart-shaped leaves is similar to that of fresh spinach. You can also use the foliage as animal feed.
Unlike many other deciduous trees, the bluebell tree does not have any autumn colors. The leaves remain dark green until they fall off. Only after flowering in spring does the tree sprout new leaves.
The essentials in brief:
Tips
The leaves of the bluebell tree are among the largest leaves that you can find on trees, they are even edible for humans and animals.