Can You Eat Cherry Tree Leaves?

Last updated: October 1, 2026

⚠️ Warning: While fresh cherry tree leaves are sometimes used in small amounts in traditional cuisine, wilted or damaged cherry tree leaves are toxic due to cyanogenic glycosides (prunasin), which release hydrogen cyanide. They are well-known to be poisonous to livestock and can be dangerous to humans. Cherry tree leaves should be handled with caution and should not be casually consumed.

Do not eat cherry tree leaves. Even leaves that look fresh contain cyanogenic glycosides, and the amount of cyanide they release increases sharply as the leaf wilts, bruises, or dries, so there is no reliably “safe” stage for eating them.

When making cherry blossom confetti, you can use cherry tree leaves as an ingredient.

There are many old claims about the safety of cherry tree leaves, but the toxicology is well established: do not consume them.

Cherry tree leaves should not be used in cooking recipes at all, since the risk is cyanide poisoning, not an allergic reaction.

You should never eat cherry tree leaves, whether or not your stomach is upset, because they contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide and offer no nutritional benefit.

Are cherry tree leaves poisonous to humans?

Yes, cherry tree leaves are poisonous to humans

Yes, cherry tree leaves are poisonous to humans. They contain cyanogenic glycosides (prunasin) that release hydrogen cyanide, especially once the leaf is wilted, damaged, or dried, so they should not be eaten.

What can you do with cherry leaves?

There are many things that you can do with cherry tree leaves.

Non-food uses for cherry leaves

-Do not use the leaves in pie or cake fillings, soups, or stews — they are not a food ingredient.
-For an exciting twist on regular confetti, you could mix the leaves into your mixture of shredded paper or tissue paper for a beautiful wedding display.
-Cherry tree leaves are not edible and should never be consumed.