If a mystery flower starts taking over your yard, getting a solid ID before you eat it can help you avoid a risky mistake, and maybe even reveal a free source of homegrown food.
That's what happened when one gardener turned to Reddit after wondering whether a fast-spreading backyard plant was a dangerous nasturtium lookalike.
In a post on the subreddit r/gardening, the original poster said the flowers had been "growing like crazy" in their garden for years, but they wanted input from more experienced plant lovers before trying to pull one up and eat it.
Commenters were quick to respond, and the consensus was reassuring. The plant appeared to be edible nasturtium, not a lookalike. One commenter said the flowers were "definitely edible nasturtium" and praised their spicy flavor, while also offering a practical reminder: "Check the backside of the leaves before putting it in your mouth. Little critters love them too."
Nasturtiums are popular edible garden plants known for their bright orange blooms and according to one commenter, have a "similar peppery flavor to arugula but also a sort of fruity sweetness. They're delicious in salads or on top of light meats like grilled fish or chicken."
They can be added to salads, used as colorful garnishes, or even pickled for seeds that resemble capers.
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The post received 680 upvotes and nearly 80 comments, most pointing to the plant's edibility. After the input, the original poster thanked the commenters for the advice, saying "Thank you guys so much for all the information, it's greatly appreciated! I'm definitely gonna use these guys to make all sorts of yummy stuff now."
The takeaway from the Reddit post is clear. It's better not to guess about a garden plant's identity, and definitely ask for help before taking a bite. That being said, crowdsourced advice should be a starting point, not the final word, when it comes to eating unknown plants. A local extension office, plant ID app, or trusted field guide can help confirm what's growing in your yard.
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