Are rose hip seeds poisonous?
Hi Thomas, I was just reading the section of Botany in a Day on Rosaceae, the Rose Family. I was surprised when I read that the seeds of rosehips should be eaten. I’ve always been told (by at least one well-renowned primitive skills instructor) that they are inedible or even poisonous. If I remember correctly, they contain high concentrations of oxalic acid. Have I been misinformed? Could it be possible that some species have edible seeds while others are poisonous? Seed-eatin’ with caution, Rob Rob, Thanks for writing. In twenty years I’ve never come across any reference to the seeds of rose hips being poisonous, except that they are hairy and could potentially become a choking hazard. Certainly, there are regional variations in plants, so it is remotely possible that rosehip seeds in your area are poisonous. More likely it is a myth that has been passed down by word of mouth. I always heard within my family that hollyhocks (Mallow Family) were poisonous, but upon investigation I foun
