Tag: Mirabilis jalapa

Native to tropical regions of the Americas, the 4 o'clock plant, or *Mirabilis jalapa*, has been cultivated for centuries for both its ornamental charm and its purported medicinal properties. Beyond its striking, night-blooming flowers, this resilient perennial offers a variety of benefits for gardeners and herbal enthusiasts alike.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, most livestock instinctively avoid eating the four-o'clock plant due to its toxic nature. This serves as a vital clue for humans considering the edibility of this popular garden flower, scientifically known as *Mirabilis jalapa* or the Marvel of Peru.

While some historical accounts and traditional uses exist, the common ornamental *Mirabilis* species, particularly *Mirabilis jalapa*, is widely considered toxic. This raises a critical question for many gardeners and foragers: is *Mirabilis* edible, or is it a hidden danger? The answer lies in species identification and understanding the specific parts of the plant.

Over 1.7 million calls are made to US poison control centers annually regarding potential poison exposures. When it comes to the safety of ornamental plants, many people wonder, are four o'clocks edible for humans? The answer, for the common garden variety *Mirabilis jalapa*, is a definitive no.