Artichokes are a good example of decorative edibles.

Ron Medvescek

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Other articles by John P. Begeman:

: Plan ahead to save cold-sensitive plants : Choosing the right pot Vibrant fall color: Decorate yard with grasses : Activities this month : Extension Gardens open to all : Butterfly, don't flutter by: Damage-control time : Killing desert broom Made for the shade

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Any plant that provides edible seeds, fruits, flowers, leaves or other plant parts would be considered an edible plant.

As for ornamental properties, all plants have an aesthetic appeal to one degree or another, but some plants are both highly ornamental and very good to eat. Some of the edible ornamentals great for Tucson gardens include:

● Globe artichokes are grown for their delectable immature flower buds. Here, fall planting is a must so that flower buds can be harvested before hot spring temperatures turn the tender buds tough and inedible. Some of the buds should be left to come into their spectacular bloom of cushiony, globed, purplish-blue, nearly fluorescent flowers. 

● Sunflower seeds are great for snacking, grow fast and come in every size and flower color imaginable. Sunflowers are extremely easy to grow from seeds, making them a gardening favorite of kids. Some of the best full-size varieties are "Mammoth Russian," "Cyclops" and "Paul Bunyan." All grow 10 to 12 feet tall. There are also varieties like "Sunflower Elf" that grow less than 2 feet tall.

● Pomegranate is a beautiful, large shrub to small tree that thrives in desert heat. The fruits are red to red-orange, large and highly decorative. Fruits ripen six to seven months after flowering. Pomegranate fruit should be cut off using sharp hand pruners at maturity. Fruit will not ripen off the tree. Under the hard outer shell is a seedy pulp that's tart and sweet. The pulp can be eaten fresh or juiced. Flowers are also an orangy-red and showy. The cultivar "Wonderful" produces the best-quality fruits.

● Grapes are gaining increased popularity as the vine of choice for many home gardeners. Lush edible leaves and the fruit clusters are as beautiful as they are juicy sweet. Grape vines blend beautifully with Mediterranean-style gardens. The most vigorous grape variety for our desert environment is the Thompson's Seedless table grape. But many wine grapes also perform well in the heat including Syrah (aka Shiraz), Tempranillo, Barbera and Petite Sirah. Grapes grow well on arbors and trellises or can be trained to grow free-standing much like a small tree.

● Peppers can be sweet, spicy or hot, but all have attractive fruits in a range of colors, including near black, purple, red, orange, gold and green. New pepper varieties are always being introduced into the market. Some of the best are the All-American Selections, like the 2006 award winner "Carmen," an improved sweet pepper with an unusual shape. Rather than the typical bell, Carmen has an elongated chile pepper form. Fruits are quick to mature to a bright red but are sweet and edible while still green. 

● Edible flower petals are gaining popularity for use as garnishes, additions to salads and for flavorings in beverages, jams and jellies, cheese spreads and herbal butters. Some, like squash flowers and dandelion blooms, can be fried in a light batter or cornmeal. Others can be stuffed or used in stir-fry dishes. Some popular flowers with desirable flavors include nasturtium (peppery flavor), viola (sweet), hibiscus (citrus to cranberry), rose (perfumed, sweet to bitter) and dianthus (spicy, clove). A few words of caution: Even edible flowers may not agree with some people. Have a small taste just to see if you suffer any ill effects before consuming more.

● John P. Begeman is the urban horticulture agent for the University of Arizona-Pima County Cooperative Extension. If you have questions, call 626-5161 to reach a master gardener.