Broccoli is a vegetable that is in the Brassicaceae family. The word "broccoli” is derived from Italian and means "cabbage sprout" or “flowering crest of a cabbage.” However, the broccoli head/florets are sometimes referred to as the flower of the broccoli plant. Also, when planted broccoli matures and bolts, it produces small yellow flowers. These flowers are edible, but are likely to have a bitter flavor that doesn't taste good. Younger planted broccoli might bolt and produce flowers if the plant has been under stress.