Anyone who free ranges their flock even some of the time knows that chickens will eat pretty much anything you have planted. 

So why not choose some nutritious flowers that they will enjoy nibbling on when you're planning your garden in the spring ?

Top 12 Edible Flowers your Chickens Will Love

1. Nasturtium

Nasturtium not only attract bugs that eat the dreaded squash beetle larvae, so they can be used around the perimeter of your squash garden to protect your squash plants, the leaves and flowers are also edible for humans and make wonderful salad garnish.  

They taste quite peppery, so they add a nice flavor to any green salad. and the flowers come in various bright colors for a visual contrast to the greens. 

Your chickens will love eating both the leaves and the flowers, which are thought to be a natural wormer and also have antibiotic properties.

2. Squash blossoms

Squash blossoms of all kinds are tasty stuffed with a sausage/ricotta mixture then fried for us, fortunately the chickens love them just fresh off the vine.  

The blossom is a good source of calcium, iron and Vitamin A for your chickens, so let them indulge from time to time.

3. Violets

Violets make beautiful edible garnishes for cakes, cupcakes and ice cream, and are pretty in green salads.  You can also make a delicious homemade soda out of the flowers. 

Your chickens will enjoy munching on them too, which is beneficial because they also help with circulation and stop inflammation of the arteries. 

4. Marigolds/Calendula

Marigolds and calendula not only ward off insects in your garden, but they are also an antioxidant and promote the growth of new skin tissue.  

As an added bonus, chickens who eat marigolds lay eggs with bright yellow yolks.

5. Bee Balm 

Bee balm is a wonderful flower whose leaves can be made into a healthful tea with antibacterial properties that is also used to clear respiratory problems in humans and chickens.  

It of course also attracts bees which help pollinate your flowers and fruit trees. Your chickens will enjoy both the flower and leaves.

6. Dandelions 

Dandelions are a nice addition to salads. Although most people technically think of dandelions as a weed, instead of spraying them why not pick some for your chickens. 

They are a natural detoxifier and one of the most nutritious plants in your yard, with lots of iron, calcium and Vitamin A. They also provide an early spring food source for bees.

7. Roses 

Roses and rose hips cleanse blood toxins and act as antiseptics and antibacterial agents for both humans and chickens as well as a great source of Vitamin C. 

Roses are also a classic, as well as a beautiful, way to decorate desserts with an edible garnish.

8.  Sunflowers 

Sunflower seeds are obviously a favorite among the feathered crowd, and also very nutritious, providing protein and essential oils to both humans and hens. 

But the petals and leaves are edible as well and your chickens, in addition to the wild birds, will enjoy stripping the stalks of them. So think about planting some sunflowers in your garden.

9. Clover Blossoms 

Clover blossoms are most likely the most nutritious weed in your yard.  

Acting as both a blood purifier and an antioxidant, clover provides calcium, iron, magnesium and Vitamins A, B-12 and E as well as respiratory benefits when eaten. It's not just the bunnies that enjoy a snack of clover leaves and blossoms.

10. Echinacea (or coneflower) 

Echinacea flowers and seeds are excellent for improving respiratory health. 

Chickens are extremely susceptible to respiratory illnesses, so planting some echinacea will benefit them greatly.

11. Lilacs

12. Apple Blossoms

Other Edible Flowers your Chickens Will Love include: 

There are many other edible flowers that your chickens will love nibbling on. Some of them include:

• Begonias

• Borage

• Carnations

• Chamomile

• Chrysanthemums

• Citrus blossoms

• Cornflower

• Daisies

• Dianthus

• Elderberry blossoms

• Geraniums

• Hibiscus

• Hollyhock

• Hostas

• Impatiens

• Lavender

• Pansy

• Peony

• Phlox

• Snapdragon

• Zinnias

Flowers to Steer Clear Of:

For the most part, chickens will avoid those flowers that are harmful to them, but to be on the safe side, it's best to AVOID planting the following potentially toxic plants in areas your chickens can access.

Potentially dangerous flowers in your yard include:

• Azalea

• Belladonna

• Black nightshade

• Buttercup

• Castor Bean

• Clematis

• Corn Cockle

• Daffodils

• Foxglove

• Henbane

• Honeysuckle (some varieties)

• Hydrangea

• Irises

• Lily of the Valley

• Morning Glory

• Oleander

• Privet

• Rhododendron

• St. Johns Wort

• Sweet Pea

• Trumpet Vine

• Tulips

• Vetch

Why don't you consider planting more edible flowers in your yard! They're not only pretty, but delicious too.