List of safe flowers for parrots
Parrots are intelligent, curious creatures that thrive on variety and sensory stimulation. One of the most overlooked but incredibly beneficial additions to a parrot's diet and environment is flowers, both fresh and dried. When chosen correctly, flowers can provide nutritional benefits, promote foraging behaviour, and encourage natural chewing and shredding instincts.
In the wild, parrots interact with flowers frequently by chewing petals, nibbling buds, and even feeding on nectar-rich blooms. Offering them safe flowers in captivity not only honours their natural behaviours but also adds bursts of colour, texture, and scent to their lives. But safety comes first: only offer flowers you are absolutely certain are non-toxic to parrots.
Below is a list of safe flowers for parrots, presented in alphabetical order, that can be given fresh (organic and pesticide-free) or air-dried
Benefits of Safe Flowers for Parrots
Natural Enrichment: Offers new textures and scents for sensory exploration.
Nutritional Value: Many flowers are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and trace minerals.
Mental Stimulation: Picking, chewing, and playing with petals mimic wild foraging behaviours.
Digestive Support: Certain flowers like dandelion or chamomile may aid in digestion and calm the gut.
Stress Relief: Some flowers have calming properties that can support emotional balance in birds.
Safe Flowers for Parrots (A–Z)
Alfalfa
Supports digestion, rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Basil flowers
Mild antimicrobial properties and a lovely scent; encourages foraging.
Borage
Contains beneficial fatty acids and encourages natural chewing.
Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)
Non-toxic and excellent for natural foraging and enrichment with soft flowers and a gentle scent.
Calendula (Marigold)
Anti-inflammatory and soothing; can support skin and digestive health.
Camomile (Chamomile)
Calming and supportive for stress or anxiety.
Carnation
Edible petals that add texture and colour; fun to shred.
Chrysanthemum (non-toxic varieties only)
Contains antioxidants and adds foraging interest.
Clover (red and white)
Nutritious and often enjoyed dried or fresh.
Cornflower
Great for vision support, adds vibrant colour and encourages natural curiosity.
Dandelion
Excellent for the liver, a natural detoxifier, and loved by most parrots.
Echinacea (Coneflower)
Immune-boosting properties and safe for chewing.
Hibiscus
High in vitamin C and often enjoyed for its tart, fruity flavour.
Jasmine
Gentle and soothing with a calming scent.
Lavender
Relaxing scent that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Lilac
Safe and aromatic — though not a favourite of all birds, it’s enriching.
Magnolia
Safe petals and buds that are fun to destroy and chew.
Milk thistle
Supports liver health and detoxification.
Nasturtium
High in vitamin C and mildly antimicrobial; has a peppery flavour birds often enjoy.
Pansy
Mild and colourful, adds great visual enrichment.
Passionflower
Mildly calming and helps with anxiety or restlessness.
Peony (in small amounts)
Petals are safe and can be foraged, but offer in moderation.
Primrose (Evening Primrose specifically)
May support hormone balance and inflammation.
Rose (petals and buds)
Vitamin C rich and deeply enriching for shredding and chewing.
Rosemary flowers
Antioxidant-rich and stimulating to the senses.
Sage flowers
Supports immune function and digestion.
Sunflower petals
Bright, fun to shred and a great visual enrichment tool.
Thyme flowers
Mild antibacterial properties and a unique scent.
Tulip petals
Non-toxic but not very nutritious — best used for visual variety and shredding.
Viola
Mild flavour, soft texture and highly decorative.
Yarrow
May support immunity and soothe inflammation.
Zinnia
Colourful, crunchy, and completely safe — great for enrichment.
🛑 Always avoid flowers that are sprayed with pesticides or have been treated with dyes, glues, or preservatives.
⚠️ Never offer flowers from florists unless you know they are certified organic and untreated.
Incorporating flowers into your parrot’s routine is a beautiful way to combine nutrition, enrichment, and behavioural stimulation. Whether sprinkled into chop, added to dry mix, or woven into foraging toys, safe flowers offer endless opportunities for engagement. Just like people, every parrot has preferences, so explore, experiment, and observe which blooms bring the most joy to your feathery friend.
