Non-Poisonous Shrubs

When selecting shrubs for your yard, you may wish to avoid plants that contain toxins harmful to people and animals. Some shrubs not only make fabulous hedges and screens but are partially edible as well.

Rugosa Rose

The fruit of the rugosa rose

The rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa) is a cold-hardy rose bush native to China, Korea and Japan. This rose grows up to 30 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It grows in full sun or partial shade and tolerates a variety of soils, as well as enduring salty conditions. The rugosa rose is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 7. It bears white or pink flowers that give way to large edible red rosehips in autumn.

Rosemary

A rosemary hedge

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an aromatic, woody herb native to the Mediterranean region. Widely used as a culinary spice, this dense, compact, fast growing bush also makes a superb hedge. Rosemary needs little water and may be trimmed frequently. Most rosemary varieties are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10.

Blueberries

A blueberry bush

Blueberries are another shrub that is non-poisonous and a source of food. Blueberry bushes enjoy acidic soils rich in organic matter. Soils with good drainage are preferable. Blueberries prosper in full sun or with minimal shade. Highbush blueberry varieties can attain heights of up to 5 feet.

References

• Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Rugosa Rose
• "The Herb Society of America's Essential Guide to Growing and Cooking with Herbs"; Katherine K. Schlosser; 2007
• North Carolina State University: Growing Blueberries in the Home Garden

Resources

• "Shrubs"; Andrew McIndoe; 2005
• "Eat Your Yard!: Edible Trees, Shrubs, Vines, Herbs, and Flowers"; Nan K. Chase; 2010