Can you just eat a Christmas tree and is it safe?

Eating a Christmas tree isn't necessarily dangerous, but there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind before you do so.

Not all Christmas trees are edible or safe to eat. Pines, spruces, and firs are generally safe and even contain nutrients such as vitamin C. However, yews (poison trees) and some other species are poisonous and absolutely not suitable for consumption.

Christmas trees that have been treated with pesticides, preservatives, artificial snow, or other chemicals are not safe to eat. This is often the case with commercial Christmas trees that you buy in stores.

The needles and resin can irritate the mouth, throat, or stomach in some people. Always start with a small amount if you want to try a part of the tree.

The needles are often the most useful. They contain vitamin C and have a fresh, citrusy flavor. They can be used to make tea, or ground finely as a flavoring. Resin can be used in small amounts to make syrups or as a flavoring. The cambium layer (inner bark) of the tree is edible in emergencies and can be dried and ground into flour.

Eating a Christmas tree is possible in some cases and can be safe, provided you use a suitable and untreated tree. However, it is not something you can just do without first doing some research into the tree species and any treatments the tree has undergone.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2025-01-07 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025