Are Canna Bulbs Edible?

by Alise
(Grand Rapids, MI)

I've enjoyed growing Canna Lilies for years. A friend recently told me that the bulbs are edible. Was she just pulling my leg?


Plant Guides Answer

There is a variety of Canna, C. edulis that does produce edible tubers. They are used in the Andean Mountains to make an arrow root type of starch.

Canna edulis can be grown from seed and is hardly into USDA zone 7. It displays green leaves, red and yellow flowers, and can reach 10 feet in height.

I do not advise digging up your ornamental Canna Lilies and pounding them into starch. I simply don't know if they are safe to consume.

Canna X Generalis

Wintering Canna Bulbs