Flowers that can be used for tea are plants whose petals, buds, or blossoms are safe to consume and have flavorful or medicinal properties. Flower teas are popular worldwide for their aroma, soothing effects, and health benefits. Many are naturally caffeine-free, making them ideal for relaxation and wellness routines.
Chamomile is one of the most well-known flowers for tea. Its small, daisy-like blooms produce a calming, slightly sweet beverage that helps with sleep, digestion, and relaxation. Chamomile tea is gentle and widely appreciated for its soothing properties.
Hibiscus flowers are another popular choice, producing a bright red, tart tea rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Hibiscus tea is often enjoyed hot or cold and can support heart health, boost immunity, and offer a refreshing flavor with natural floral notes.
Other flowers commonly used in teas include lavender, rose petals, jasmine, and chrysanthemum. Lavender tea is known for its calming and anti-anxiety effects, rose tea has a fragrant, floral taste and supports digestion, jasmine tea combines green tea leaves with aromatic jasmine blossoms, and chrysanthemum tea is a traditional Asian beverage believed to aid in cooling the body and supporting eye health.
Flowers That Can Be Made Into Tea
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile flowers are small, daisy-like blooms with a sweet, apple-like flavor. Chamomile tea is known for its calming and relaxing properties, often used to aid sleep and reduce stress. It is gentle on the stomach and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Hibiscus flowers produce a bright red, tangy tea that is rich in vitamin C. Hibiscus tea has a tart, cranberry-like flavor and is popular for its potential to support heart health and lower blood pressure. It is delicious served hot or iced.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender flowers have a sweet, floral aroma and taste. Lavender tea is calming, helping to reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and soothe headaches. Its gentle flavor pairs well with honey or chamomile in blends.
Rose Petals (Rosa spp.)
Rose petals create a fragrant, subtly sweet tea with a delicate floral flavor. Rose tea is rich in antioxidants and can help improve skin health, digestion, and relaxation. Both fresh and dried petals can be used to make tea.
Jasmine (Jasminum sambac)
Jasmine flowers are often infused with green or white tea to create a lightly sweet and fragrant beverage. Jasmine tea is soothing, promotes relaxation, and has antioxidants that support overall wellness. It is a staple in many Asian tea traditions.
Marigold (Calendula) (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula flowers produce a golden yellow tea with a mild, slightly tangy flavor. Calendula tea is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, as well as its ability to support skin health. It can be enjoyed alone or blended with other herbs.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Chrysanthemum tea is popular in East Asia and has a light, floral, and slightly sweet flavor. It is often used to cool the body, relieve headaches, and improve eye health. Both loose flowers and dried buds can be steeped for tea.
Peony (Paeonia spp.)
Peony petals can be used to make a fragrant, subtly sweet tea. Peony tea is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may support circulation and relaxation. It is often blended with other flowers or herbs to enhance flavor.
Lavatera (Lavatera spp.)
Lavatera flowers are soft and delicate, producing a mild floral tea. This tea is soothing and often used for relaxation or gentle herbal remedies. It pairs well with chamomile or rose petals for a calming blend.
Orange Blossom (Citrus sinensis)
Orange blossom flowers make a fragrant, lightly sweet tea with citrus notes. Orange blossom tea is often used to reduce stress, aid digestion, and support relaxation. It is a popular floral tea in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions.
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Nasturtium flowers produce a peppery, slightly tangy tea. Rich in vitamin C, nasturtium tea is valued for its immune-supporting properties and bright flavor. Both petals and leaves can be used for infusion.
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Cornflower petals create a mildly sweet, slightly spicy tea. Cornflower tea is often blended with other teas like black or green tea for color and visual appeal. It is used for its mild anti-inflammatory properties and decorative effect in blends.
Linden (Lime Blossom) (Tilia spp.)
Linden flowers produce a light, sweet, and slightly citrusy tea. It’s widely used for relaxation, easing anxiety, and helping with mild colds. Linden tea is gentle, making it a favorite bedtime beverage.
Hawthorn Flowers (Crataegus spp.)
Hawthorn flowers create a subtly sweet, floral tea often used for cardiovascular support. It may help with circulation, heart health, and mild stress relief. The dried flowers and berries are commonly combined for tea blends.
Elderflower (Sambucus nigra)
Elderflowers make a fragrant, slightly fruity tea. It’s commonly used to support the immune system, relieve colds, and promote sweating during fevers. Elderflower tea is refreshing both hot and cold.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Passionflower produces a mild, floral tea known for its calming effects. It’s often used to reduce anxiety, promote sleep, and ease restlessness. The tea is lightly sweet and blends well with chamomile or lemon balm.
Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa)
Globe Amaranth flowers make a vibrant purple tea that retains its color when brewed. The tea has a mild, slightly earthy flavor and is often combined with other herbal teas. It is traditionally used to support respiratory health.
Magnolia Flowers (Magnolia spp.)
Magnolia flowers produce a delicate, slightly sweet tea. This tea is used in traditional medicine to relieve stress, promote digestion, and soothe the throat. The flavor is gentle and fragrant, making it ideal for evening tea blends.
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
Safflower petals brew into a reddish-orange tea with a light, earthy flavor. It’s often used as a caffeine-free alternative to hibiscus tea and is believed to support circulation and heart health.
Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea)
Butterfly Pea Flower produces a striking blue tea that changes color with acidity (e.g., lemon juice turns it purple). The tea is mild in flavor and often used for visual appeal, herbal blends, and antioxidants.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
Honeysuckle flowers produce a sweet, fragrant tea. It’s traditionally used to help relieve colds, clear heat, and support the immune system. The tea is delicate and pairs well with jasmine or green tea.
Raspberry Leaf Flowers (Rubus idaeus)
While primarily used for their leaves, raspberry flowers can be added for a lightly floral note. The tea supports digestion and is often used in pregnancy for uterine health. It has a gentle, fruity flavor.
Verbena Flowers (Aloysia citrodora – Lemon Verbena)
Lemon Verbena flowers produce a fragrant, citrusy tea. It’s known for its calming properties, digestive support, and refreshing aroma. The tea is naturally sweet and pairs well with chamomile or mint.