Scientific name: Trachycarpus fortunei
Abundance: common
What: flower buds and flowers (inflorescences)
How: raw or cooked
Where: landscaping
When: spring
Identifying Photos
Windmill palm.
Windmill palm base.
Windmill palm trunk.
Windmill palm fan-type leaf.
Native to China, this palm actually prefers cold climates and doesn't do well in hot, humid areas such as the Gulf Coast region. The leaf fibers make an excellent cordage.
The flower buds and flower bodies are eaten raw though I bet they could be candied, too.
Fruit ranges in color from yellow to black.