When it comes to the question of whether Canna lilies are toxic, the answer is a bit of a “yes and no.” While certain parts of the plant do contain small amounts of toxins, other parts are actually edible!
A Natural Defense Against Pests
The leaves and stems of the Canna lily contain a low concentration of toxins that act as a built-in defense mechanism against parasites. While this is great for keeping pests at bay, it does mean you should keep an eye on your furry friends. You’ll want to make sure your pets don’t decide to make a snack out of your garden greenery.
Edible Rhizomes
On the flip side, the root system of the Canna is completely non-toxic. In fact, the rhizomes are packed with starch and are quite nutritious. For Native Americans, Canna was actually a staple crop because of these tubers. Over time, they were largely replaced by the potato, simply because potatoes grow much faster.
