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Are Forget Me Nots Edible for Humans? Are Forget-Me-Not Flowers Poisonous to Pets?

Are Forget Me Nots Edible for Humans? Are Forget-Me-Not Flowers Poisonous to Pets?

We have received several inquiries about forget-me-not flowers, also known as Scorpion grasses flower, or by its scientific name Myosotis sylvatica, Myosotis arvensis, Myosotis stricta, Myosotis latifolia, etc.) Some of our gardeners, readers of The Garden Style, and pet lovers ask us about the safety of forget-me-not flowers for cats and dogs. Let’s review 3 important questions very related. Are Forget Me Nots Edible? Can You Eat Forget Me Nots? Are Forget Me Not Flowers Poisonous? Are Forget Me Nots Edible for Humans? On the other hand, our expert gardeners will give you the tips for Care for Forget-Me-Not Flowers, explain How to Grow Forget Me Nots and propagate forget me not from seeds. Discover the meaning of this flower and the benefits of eating Forget Me Nots.

Have you ever wondered, “Can You Eat Forget Me Nots?” After all, it is invading your garden and you have thousands of flowers available. Continue reading to find out if forget-me-nots may be eaten. Are Forget Me Nots Edible? Can You Eat Forget Me Nots? Are Forget Me Not Flowers Poisonous?

Also, what about our pets, what is the toxicity of Forget-Me-Nots for pets. Often a plant species can be extremely toxic to one pet and not to another. The same thing happens with humans when thinking about toxicity or food allergies, for example, which may be deadly for one person but not for another. So, let’s review these important questions related to Forget Me Nots edible or not. Are Forget-Me-Nots Poisonous to Cats? Are Forget Me Nots Poisonous to Dogs?

In the following paragraphs, I will explain the chemicals present in the forget-me-not plant, and in particular, the chemical compounds that give the bluish color to the forget me nots flowers.

are forget me nots edible Are Forget Me Nots Edible for Humans? Are Forget-Me-Not Flowers Poisonous to Pets?
Forget-me-not flowers, also known as forget-me-nots, Scorpion grasses, Myosotis sylvatica
Can You Eat Forget Me Nots? Are Forget Me Not Flowers Poisonous? Are Forget Me Nots Edible for Humans? Are Forget-Me-Not Flowers Poisonous to Pets?

Are Forget Me Nots Poisonous?

Can I Eat Forget Me Nots?

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Can You Eat Forget Me Nots?” Sometimes Forget-me-not plants invade gardens and you have thousands of flowers available. Continue reading to learn if forget-me-nots are edible for humans.

Because there are so many forget-me-not flowers overtaking my gardens, it is easy to pick them out or start to think in giving them a use.  So, when forget-me-nots and particularly the specie Myosotis sylvatica, the most common representative is invading your garden is a good time to think in other uses such as dried forget me not, sale fresh as a forget me not florist, or maybe in a salad (???). But, Are Forget Me Nots Edible? Can You Eat Forget Me Nots? Are Forget Me Not Flowers Poisonous?  

Are Forget Me Nots Edible?       

It turns out that I should consider collecting and eating forget-me-not flowers, as the answer to the question “are forget-me-nots edible?” is yes. Myosotis sylvatica, forget-me-nots flowers are edible.

Are Forget Me Nots Edible for Humans? Many edible blue flowers are used for salads to create a lovely contrast of colors

It is very likely that in large ingestion for several days a cumulative effect of pyrrolizidine alkaloids is obtained that could generate some harm although there are no scientific studies that cover this aspect.

If you are looking for more edible flowers, I would recommend these two articles How To Know If a Wild Plant Is Edible and Are Orchids Edible? Are Orchids Poisonous?

Benefits of Edible Forget Me Not Flowers

Benefits of eating Forget Me Not Flowers. Forget Me Not Flowers offer a lovely color to salads or even baked items, and they make great candied blooms if no pesticides have been applied.

The Chinese forget-me-not (Cynoglossum amabile) and the broadleaf forget-me-not (Myosotis latifolia), on the other hand, are regarded somewhat harmful to grazing animals eating these varieties of forget-me-nots. The Chinese forget-me-not, often known as the hound’s tongue because of its fuzzy leaves, is a clone of the forget-me-not.

Note: Disclaimer – The information in this article is provided only for educational and gardening reasons. Please get guidance from a physician or a medical herbalist before consuming or eating ANY herb or plant for medicinal or other purposes. Keep in mind that it is very simple to confuse species and also the plant maybe not be toxic, however, the fertilizers used may be inside the plant tissues and create a toxic effect.

are forget me nots poisonous to cats are forget me not flowers poisonous to dogs are forget me nots edible can you eat forget me nots
Are Forget Me Nots Edible for Humans? Are Forget-Me-Not Flowers Poisonous to Pets? Are Forget Me Nots Poisonous to Dogs?

Are Forget-Me-Nots Poisonous to Cats?

Are Forget Me Nots Poisonous to Dogs?

Very often, particularly when springtime is starting, our gardeners’ readers ask if forget me not flowers are toxic for pets. In general, the questions we have received are: Are Forget-Me-Nots Poisonous to Cats?, Are Forget Me Nots Poisonous to Dogs?, Are Forget Me Not Flowers Poisonous to Dogs?

You may have seen many times how dogs and cats also enjoy rubbing their faces and bodies against certain plants and flowers, sometimes they even seem attracted to their scent and even bite and chew on plant parts such as leaves and flowers. In this article, you will find all the information to understand the Toxicity of Forget-me-nots and its poisonous effects in cats and dogs. Are Forget-Me-Nots Poisonous to Cats? Are Forget Me Nots Poisonous to Dogs?

In the following paragraphs, I will explain the chemicals present in the forget me not plant, and in particular the chemical compounds that give the bluish color to the forget me not flowers.

Blue flowering plants are characterized by a higher content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids that give them their bluish color.

The amount of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in forget-me-nots flowers, in particular, the species Myosotis sylvatica, seems to be very low, which justifies that no toxic effect is observed in aminals, children, and adults who ingest these flowers.

Are Forget Me Not Flowers Poisonous to Dogs?

Scorpion grasses or Forget-Me-Not flowers are non-toxic for pets according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®).

Benefits of Forget-Me-Not Flowers in Your Garden

One of the benefits of planting and growing Forget me not flowers on your garden is the pollinator effect. Forget-Me-Not Flowers attract pollinators to your garden and that improves the maximum yield of other plants, particularly when you are growing food in your garden. Forget me Nots bloom during mid-spring.

Are Forget Me Nots Poisonous?

Looking for a Forget Me Not Florist?

Looking for a Forget Me Not Florist? Some of the options you can have to get forget me not flowers to your loved one is to give dry forget me not bouquets, small easy planting kits, elegant jewelry with forget me not dried flowers inside, refractory crystals, etc. There are plenty of options that go beyond just a forget me not florist and can personalize your gift even more.

forget me not florist

Forget-me-nots has a well-known meaning in society, which makes it a very desirable decoration option. There are even options to enjoy artificial fake forget me not flowers, quite realistic, to enjoy all year long as these below.

artificial forget me nots good

Of course, as expert gardeners, we encourage you to plant your forget-me-not seeds and enjoy in just 70 days these beautiful blue flowers blooming in mid-spring.

When Forget-Me-Not Flowers Bloom?

Forget-Me-Not flowers bloom between mid-April and early May in the Northern hemisphere.

In contrast, Forget-Me-Not flowers bloom in New Zealand and Australia between mid-September and mid-October.

Forget Me Not Meaning – Alaska State Flower

What Is Alaska’s State Flower? Forget me not flowers are the State Flower of Alaska.

Myosotis alpestris, the alpine forget-me-not flower is the official State Flower of Alaska.

Forget Me Not Meaning to be the Official State Flower of Alaska

Forget-Me-Not flowers Meaning to be the Official State Flower of Alaska. The Scorpion grasses (another way to name Forget-Me-Nots flowers or Myosotis species) represent the pioneers in Alaska, and that is why forget me not flowers were chosen as Official Alaska State Flower.

Official Alaska State Flower
The Scorpion grasses (another way to name Forget-Me-Nots flowers or Myosotis species) represent the pioneers in Alaska, and that is why forget me not flowers were chosen as the Official Alaska State Flower.

Forget Me Not Meaning – For the Loved Ones

With a meaning that is linked to the romantic, forget-me-not flowers are related to all feelings of love and also nostalgia for loved ones.

It is on many occasions around the world that Forget Me Not flowers (Myosotis sylvatica) are chosen to commemorate the fallen in battle on Memorial Days around the world.

forget me nots meaning are forget me nots edible
Forget Me Nots (Myosotis sylvatica) are chosen to commemorate the fallen in battle on Memorial Days around the world and remember the loved ones

Funerals and Memorial Ceremonies With Forget Me Not

Precisely because of the meaning of forget me not flowers, their seeds are used during funerals or memorial ceremonies for the death of our loved ones. This has become a beautiful tradition in the United States, where the guests at the funeral ceremony receive a suitable envelope for the seeds.

The envelope with the Forget me not seeds can be personalized and even contain a poem or a few words to remember and memorialize the loved one.

50 Pcs Funeral Favors Forget Me Not Memorial Seed Packets - 50 Individual Seed Packets - Celebration of Life
  • 50 PACK IN BULK FOR LARGER EVENTS - We make everything convenient to you in your hour of need without having to rush around last minute for that special token of remembrance
  • A BEAUTIFUL MEMORIAL GARDEN - Made with premium seeds for easy germination, the included instructions are tailored to setting up a memorial in your garden while also providing general tips on growing flowers. These gorgeous colorful flowers will last for years and remind those they visit to remember the one who came before them .
  • BEAUTIFUL POEM - Comes with a beautiful poem printed on the back to make that moment special

During the funeral ceremony, the guests will scatter the seeds on the grass or ground. In general, these are suitable commercial mixtures in an envelope that will facilitate and promote proper germination, easy to grow, without requiring special care. The seeds are ready to plant and Forget-Me-Not Flowers will bloom in about 70 days, which is a beautiful tribute in spring or summer.

Visually it will create a very pleasant and memorable effect. It is a unique, lasting tribute, as forget me not flowers are annual or biannual, to create a different effect when honoring the life of someone important.

funerals with forget me nots seeds
Forget Me Nots seeds in envelopes for funerals and memorial ceremonies – Flowers bloom in 70 days

Origin of Myosotis (Forget-Me-Not Plant)

Regarding the origin of the Forget-Me-Not plant, it was still unclear whether the genus Myosotis L., a member of the Boraginaceae plant family, originated in the northern hemisphere or Australasia.  

However, scientific studies conducted in 2002 on the DNA of several species of Forget-Me-Not flowers present in the northern hemisphere, Australia, and New Zealand indicate that there are several distinct lineages within the genus Myosotis and strongly support the hypothesis of a northern hemisphere origin of the genus Myosotis.

See the investigation of the origin and evolution of the Myosotis in the following article: Winkworth RC, Grau J, Robertson AW, Lockhart PJ. The origins and evolution of the genus Myosotis L. (Boraginaceae). Mol Phylogenet Evol. 2002 Aug;24(2):180-93. doi: 10.1016/s1055-7903(02)00210-5. PMID: 12144755, available at PubMed here.

can you eat forget me nots
The Official Alaska State Flower

Are you Looking for a Forget Me Not Fabric?

You know what fashion is like, don’t you? We as gardeners see “fashionable” plants and growing them is a boom and it is fashion…, but also when that happens, we start to see prints, decorations, curtains, cushions, canvas, fabrics, and everything you can think of.

In the ‘80s the Monstera plant was the decoration boom of the time and it will be back during 2018-2022.

Forget-me-nots are no exception in decoration. Are you Looking for a Forget Me Not Fabric? You can find Forget Me Not Fabric, fabrics printed only with forget-me-not flowers, or combining forget-me-not flowers with yellow daffodils and pink roses.

Sale
Ambesonne Flower Fabric by The Yard, Forget Me Not Blossoms on a Dark Background with Grid Pattern Botany, Microfiber Fabric for Arts and Crafts Textiles & Decor, 2 Yards, Charcoal Grey
  • Your purchase will help victims of recent major earthquakes in Turkey since we donate a percentage of our profits to local NGOs helping with quake relief efforts.
  • LENGTH: 72" (2 yds) & WIDTH: 90". 100% Microfiber Fabric for Home Textiles, Crafts, Sewing & More!
  • EVERY (1 qty) = 2 YARDS. Each Qty is cut in separate pieces as continuous 2 yards of fabric each.

Elizabeth Studio Landscape Medley Forget-me-nots Blue, Fabric by the Yard
  • Fabric Type: 100% Cotton
  • Import Designation: Made in the USA or Imported
  • Fabric care instructions: Machine Wash/Tumble Dry Low

how to grow forget me nots forget me not propagation from seeds
Care for Forget-Me-Not Flowers

Care for Forget-Me-Not Flowers

How to Grow Forget Me Nots

How To Care For Forget Me Nots – Lighting

How To Care For Forget Me Nots. Let’s review the light to care for Forget-Me-Nots Flowers. Give forget-me-nots afternoon shade at the southern limit of their range. In the north, it may be grown in either full sun or moderate shade. Forget Me Nots will require more water as it receives more sunshine.

How To Care For Forget Me Nots – Soil

Scorpion grasses need rich in nutrients, well-drained soils and that’s ideal for the For Forget Me Nots flowers.

How To Care For Forget Me Nots – Watering

Forget-me-nots can withstand wet soil. It should be cultivated in soil that is maintained uniformly wet at all times.

how to grow forget me nots forget me not propagation from seeds how to care for forget me nots
How to Grow Forget Me Nots and How to Care for Forget Me Nots

How To Care For Forget Me Nots – Humidity and Temperature

Forget-me-nots thrive in both hot and cold climates, with a range that spans six USDA zones. It is not advised in locations with extremely hot and humid summers because of its vulnerability to powdery mildew disease. Forget-me-nots plants grow very well in USDA zones 5-9.

Caring Forget-Me-Nots Plants – Fertilization

Fertilize your forget-me-nots once a year with compost or a general-purpose fertilizer and help the plant to bloom and keep the flowers longer.

are forget me not flowers poisonous
Caring Forget-Me-Nots Plants – Fertilization

Forget-Me-Nots Species – Varieties

Forget-me-nots come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Other than Myosotis sylvatica, the genus Myosotis includes the following species:

Forget-me-nots with little flowers (Myosotis stricta)

Forget-me-nots with broad leaves (Myosotis latifolia)

are forget me nots poisonous to cats
Forget-Me-Nots Species – Varieties

More Myosotis sylvatica cultivars offer more color, plant size, and bloom size options:

Forget Me Not Flowers are not just blue. There are seeds of Forget Me Not Flowers for creating blooms in different colors available in e-commerce.

Blue Basket: taller blooms with a deeper blue hue.

Larger, darker blue blooms compose the music.

Pompadour is a shrub with a compact growth habit and pink blooms.

White flowers in a snowball. Are Forget Me Not white flowers? Yes, there are also white!

white forget me nots
Forget Me Nots can be White

Ultramarine is a tiny flowering plant with intense blue blossoms.

Victoria Blue’s growth habit is compact.

Pink flowers, Victoria Ros

White flowers, Victoria White

forget me nots pollinators

Pruning Forget-Me-Not Plants

The trick to maximizing its show value is to put multiple plants together and allow them to grow as large as possible, as the blooms, while lovely and plentiful, are rather little.

Trimming the stems of forget-me-nots is thus discouraged. Decapitate the blossoms, though, if you want to limit reseeding.

How to Grow Forget Me Nots: Forget-Me-Not Propagation

How to Grow Forget Me Nots. Forget-me-nots reproduce on their own. It will increase with time. You will have it for many years once you have introduced it into your landscape (unless you actively suppress it).

If you wish to reproduce Forget-Me-Not plants take advantage of this trait by digging up and transplanting some of the plants that have multiplied from the original in the spring. They should be 25 cm apart.

How to Grow Forget Me Nots: Forget-Me-Not Propagation by Seeds

How to Grow Forget Me Nots from Seeds. The Forget-Me-Nots plant can reseed. Reproduce shows that forget-me-nots are easy to cultivate from seed. This spring-blooming plant may be added to your garden in the following way. In the early summer, pick up a packet of seeds.

forget me nots benefits of eating new zeland australia when bloom How to Grow Forget Me Nots from Seeds
How to Grow Forget Me Nots from Seeds

How to Propagate Forget-Me-Not from Seeds – Steps

How to Grow Forget Me Nots from Seeds. Choose a location in the garden and loosen and smooth the dirt using a rake. Scatter the seeds across the surface in the middle of summer. Then, to keep the soil moist, irrigate softly and frequently. The seedlings will grow in the fall, and the flowers will bloom in the spring.

Forget-Me-Not Flowers Blooming in the USA – Video

Forget Me Nots Meaning – Video

Hope you found useful information about Are Forget Me Nots Edible edible for humans? Can You Eat Forget Me Nots? Are Forget Me Not Flowers Poisonous? and the tips for Care for Forget-Me-Not Flowers, grow and propagate forget-me-not flowers from seeds.

Enjoy our Gallery of Forget Me Nots

Do you like to read and learn more about other blue flowers? Blue flowers are usually used for weddings: and ceremonies. Iris, Nigella, Echinops or thistle,  Delphinium, Hyacinth (Hyacinthus niger) Viburnum Berries, Tweedia, Hydrangea, Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), often known as Bachelor’s button, Muscari, Anemone of the Panda.

Cornflower When to Plant (Centaurea cyanus) Bachelor’s Button

About Julia Morgan

Julia Morgan is an agronomist and a master gardener. In her previous roles, Julia was an advisor promoting large-scale food growing in urbanized areas, introducing the concept of chemical-free produce. She is an expert in putting her hands in the soil, developing organic foods, and improving production processes for decades. Julia is a natural teacher and encourages every person in her way to grow their own food. She split her days between writing and reviewing for The Garden Style Website and offering assessments to cure edible land. Julia enjoys connecting with The Garden Style Community.

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