I am assuming since people use wire and floral tape to make gum paste flowers that people do not eat the flowers on a cake. But what about gum paste flowers without wires, tape, etc..? Are they to hard to eat? Do people throw them away once they eat the cake?

Gumpaste is not recommended for eating. It is for looks alone. If you want something that is edible you should be using fondant

I make my own gumpaste, and although it is hard, it can be eaten. Kids will eat most anything. When you use it for small flowers or leaves, people will often eat them. It reminds me of the candy dots on the paper.

If I know someone might eat the decorations (I remove all the wired flowers) when I make the gumpaste, I add a dash of flavoring. I have eaten some and they really aren't horrible, just kinda crunchy.