List of Safe Flowers for Parrots: A Colourful Guide to Enrichment and Nutrition

Parrots thrive on variety, not just in nutrition, but in sensory and foraging experiences. One of the most beautiful, natural ways to enrich your parrot’s environment is through flowers. Not only do many flowers provide essential vitamins, minerals, and health benefits, they also offer mental stimulation and foraging opportunities.

Here’s an A–Z list of safe, non-toxic flowers that parrots can enjoy, either fresh, dried, or lightly wilted. Every flower listed is safe to feed, and most offer added health perks too.

Alfalfa

Supports digestion, rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K. A nutritious, grassy flower your parrot might love to nibble.

Basil Flowers

These fragrant blooms have mild antimicrobial properties. Their gentle scent and delicate petals make them perfect for foraging fun.

Borage

Contains beneficial fatty acids and encourages natural chewing behaviour. Great for birds that enjoy crunchy textures.

Calendula (Marigold)

Anti-inflammatory and soothing. This vibrant bloom supports skin health and digestion — and adds a splash of gold to the mix.

Camomile (Chamomile)

Famous for its calming effects, chamomile is perfect for birds who need a little help unwinding.

Carnation

Edible, textured petals that are ideal for shredding. A great enrichment flower, especially when offered whole.

Chrysanthemum (non-toxic varieties only)

Loaded with antioxidants. These flowers provide foraging interest and visual enrichment.

Clover (Red and White)

Nutritious and often enjoyed fresh or dried. Adds a grassy texture to mixes.

Cornflower

Brilliant blue and a visual delight, cornflower may support vision health and curiosity.

Dandelion

A well-known liver tonic, dandelion supports detox and is adored by most parrots. Leaves, roots, and flowers are all safe.

Echinacea (Coneflower)

Known for immune-boosting properties. The whole plant is chew-safe, but the vibrant flowers are especially attractive.

Hibiscus

High in vitamin C with a fruity, tart flavour that many parrots find irresistible.

Jasmine

Delicate and calming with a lovely aroma. Ideal for nervous or anxious birds.

Lavender

Relaxing and aromatic, lavender may help reduce stress. Often used in bedtime blends or calming dry mixes.

Lilac

Though not all parrots are fans, lilac is non-toxic and provides excellent shredding material.

Magnolia

Petals and buds are completely safe and perfect for destructive play.

Milk Thistle

Best known for liver support and detoxification. The seeds and flowers are both safe and nutritious.

Nasturtium

Peppery, tangy, and packed with vitamin C. Also mildly antimicrobial.

Pansy

Soft petals, fun colours, and a mild flavour. Safe and decorative.

Passionflower

Gently calming and often used in stress-relief blends for parrots.

Peony (in moderation)

Safe in small amounts. Petals can be used for gentle foraging fun.

Primrose (Evening Primrose)

May help support hormones and reduce inflammation. Best offered occasionally.

Rose (Petals and Buds)

Vitamin C-rich and deeply enriching for parrots that love to shred or preen soft textures.

Rosemary Flowers

Stimulating to the senses, antioxidant-rich, and great in small amounts.

Sage Flowers

Supports immune and digestive health. Subtle flavour and soft texture.

Sunflower Petals

Bright, soft, and easy to shred. Adds colour and enrichment to any mix.

Thyme Flowers

Mild antibacterial properties with a savoury, herbal scent parrots often enjoy.

Tulip Petals

Non-toxic, though not particularly nutritious. Best for visual interest or enrichment.

Viola

Soft, colourful, and a lovely addition to foraging trays or treat bowls.

Yarrow

Supports the immune system and can help soothe inflammation. Offer in small amounts.

Zinnia

Crunchy, colourful, and parrot-safe. A fun addition to enrich your bird’s day.

Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)

A common flower in British countryside and at roadsides and completely safe. Its soft blossoms offer a wonderful natural foraging opportunity.

🌼 How to Offer Flowers Safely

🦜 Always choose organic or unsprayed flowers.

🦜 Wash fresh flowers gently before offering.

🦜 Offer in moderation, rotate flowers for variety.

🦜 Introduce new flowers gradually to watch for any unusual reactions.

🦜 Spray flowers down with F10 prior to offering them to remove any bacteria, virus or fungus.

Flowers are one of nature’s most enriching gifts. They provide foraging fun, nutritional support, and emotional comfort to parrots. Whether you sprinkle dried petals into a dry mix or hang whole blooms for them to explore, the safe flowers on this list will help nourish your bird, inside and out.

Our parrot dry mixes contain entirely safe and beneficial flowers for your companion parrots to forage through, consume and play with, engaging their intelligent minds with each meal.