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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Belgium

Belgium's temperate climate and fertile soils create a conducive environment for a diverse range of flora, including toxic species. While the region supports abundant plant life, concerns regarding the proliferation of toxic varieties such as Creeping buttercup, Cow parsnip, and Cuckoo pint persist. These plants pose risks to human and animal health, requiring awareness and management to mitigate potential adverse effects.

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Most Common Toxic Plants
Creeping buttercup
1. Creeping buttercup
Creeping buttercup can be severely toxic to dogs; you should seek immediate veterinary attention if you believe your dog has eaten or come into contact with a plant of this type. All parts of these plants contain ranunculin, a toxin that is poisonous when swallowed and also can irritate skin, causing redness or itch. Ingestion symptoms ranging from excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and loss of appetite to paralysis, seizures, jaundice, spasms, collapse, or even death.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Cow parsnip
2. Cow parsnip
Cow parsnip (Heracleum sphondylium) is a species of flowering perennial herb related to parsley and fennel. Its specific epithet, "sphondylium," means "vertebrate," and references its segmented appearance. This species produces extremely large amounts of nectar and thus attracts many bees.
Toxic to:
Human
Hairy willowherb
3. Hairy willowherb
Hairy willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) is a species of weed that is difficult to eradicate. It is not known to be toxic, but the sale of this plant or its seeds has been banned in some areas. This is because its dense, aggressive growth habits can crowd out and destroy other native beneficial plants.
Toxic to:
Human
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Cuckoo pint
4. Cuckoo pint
Cuckoo pint (Arum maculatum) is a perennial that will grow to 51 cm tall. It blooms in spring with male and female flowers that spring be yellow or purple. Male flowers have tiny hairs to trap insects that are attracted by the scent of the blossoms. This entrapment covers the insect in pollen before it can escape to pollinate other flowers. Female flowers give way to bright red berries in summer that are highly poisonous.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Bird of paradise
5. Bird of paradise
Bird of paradise is generally considered non-toxic but can be poisonous when ingested in large quantities. Cases of poisoning are typically mild to moderate with symptoms including abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cases of poisoning may be more serious in children. The fruit and seeds are considered to be the most toxic parts of the plant. The frequent use of this plant as a houseplant could be a factor in poisoning frequency. This plant can be mistaken for another more toxic species, Poinciana gilliesii, as they share the same common name, bird of paradise.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Potato
6. Potato
True to this plant's reputation, consumption of potato can be extremely toxic to dogs, and warrants immediate veterinary attention. All parts of these plants contain several toxic substances which can cause loss of appetite, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, confusion, behavioral changes, and weakness. In more severe cases, difficulty breathing, a lowered heart rate, coma, or even death may occur, so treat it as a medical emergency if your pet has come into contact with this plant.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Greater creeping spearwort
7. Greater creeping spearwort
Greater creeping spearwort can be severely toxic to dogs; you should seek immediate veterinary attention if you believe your dog has eaten or come into contact with a plant of this type. All parts of these plants contain ranunculin, a toxin that is poisonous when swallowed and also can irritate skin, causing redness or itch. Ingestion symptoms ranging from excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and loss of appetite to paralysis, seizures, jaundice, spasms, collapse, or even death.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Celery-leaved buttercup
8. Celery-leaved buttercup
Celery-leaved buttercup can be severely toxic to dogs; you should seek immediate veterinary attention if you believe your dog has eaten or come into contact with a plant of this type. All parts of these plants contain ranunculin, a toxin that is poisonous when swallowed and also can irritate skin, causing redness or itch. Ingestion symptoms ranging from excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and loss of appetite to paralysis, seizures, jaundice, spasms, collapse, or even death.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Giant hogweed
9. Giant hogweed
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a very large, 2 to 5 m tall, herbaceous, flowering perennial with many amusing names - Giant Cow Parsley, Hogsbane, and even Giant Alien. However, names are the only thing funny about this plant - it is a phototoxic invasive species. In combination with light, its sap causes phytophotodermatitis, a serious skin inflammation with blistering and scarring which can last for up to several days.
Toxic to:
Human
Sun spurge
10. Sun spurge
Sun spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia) is a winter annual that grows along the ground in a variety of locations from gardens to wastelands. It features distinctive red colored stems with toothed leaves that emit a toxic milky sap when cut or torn. Pale yellow flowers bloom from spring to summer and give way to fruit. This plant is considered a weed.
Toxic to:
Human
Evergreen spindle
11. Evergreen spindle
All parts of the evergreen spindle are considered toxic if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening including vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, chills, convulsions, and coma. Since these plants are commonly used as ornamental hedges, you should be mindful of any children who may encounter the plant, be attracted by its colorful leaves and flowers, and may be tempted to eat them.
Toxic to:
Human
Common columbine
12. Common columbine
All parts of common columbine, including the stem, leaves, flowers, and seeds, are toxic when they are ingested raw. Contact with the plant's sap may also lead to dermatitis (skin irritation and inflammation). The symptoms from common columbine poisoning are likely to cause only mild to moderate effects, but the symptoms are not well-known, since there are few documented cases of it. Adverse effects are most likely to occur from accidental ingestion.
Toxic to:
Human
Indian poke
13. Indian poke
Indian poke (Phytolacca acinosa) is a perennial shrub with deep red or purple berries. The genus name for this species comes from a Greek word for “plant” and a Latin word that means “dye,” and a look at the berries makes the reason obvious. Its mature leaves and stalks are poisonous.
Toxic to:
Human
Dieffenbachia
14. Dieffenbachia
If either ingested or touched, dieffenbachia can cause negative reactions. The symptoms range from moderate to severe and can be dangerous if airways are blocked. Due to the calcium oxalate contained in this plant, its leaves and sap have toxic properties. When ingested, they can induce symptoms such as lip and tongue swelling, drooling, speech loss, and difficulty breathing; when touched, they can cause a painful skin rash or eye irritation. Since these plants are often found indoors as decorative plants, be careful when keeping them around small children. Always wear gloves when handling this plant.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Common hyacinth
15. Common hyacinth
Hyacinthus orientalis is one of the heralds of spring. The name common hyacinth comes from the Greek name Hyacinthus. According to Greek legend, Hyacinthus was admired by both Apollo and Zephyrus. Hyacinthus ended up being killed out of jealousy and a flower bloomed on the spot where his blood was spilled. Apollo named the flower after his lost love.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Wild daffodil
16. Wild daffodil
Wild daffodils have low-level toxicity when the leaves or bulbs are ingested. The bulbs, however, are the most toxic part of the plant. If the bulbs are ingested, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. If a large quantity is consumed, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias may occur. Poisoning is most likely to occur from accidental ingestion by children, as wild daffodils are grown in gardens around the world.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Evergreen azalea
17. Evergreen azalea
Evergreen azalea are members of the Rhododendron genus, all of which contain varying levels of a toxin known as Grayanotoxin in all tissues. Physical contact can cause a rash in sensitive people, the pollen can irritate mucus membranes, and ingesting it can cause nausea, vomiting, arrhythmia, low blood pressure, and hallucinations in humans. Grayanotoxin is so strong that even the amounts contained in honey made from Rhododendron pollen can have negative effects.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Striped barbados lily
18. Striped barbados lily
Striped barbados lily is perennial herbs with showy flowers but it contains toxic compounds, most notably alkaloids lycorine and tazetine, as well as calcium oxalate crystals.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Pontic rhododendron
19. Pontic rhododendron
Pontic rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) is a dense shrub species that is one of the most extensively cultivated Rhododendron species in western Europe. Pontic rhododendron is native to southern Europe and southwest Asia. This species is widely cultivated for ornamental purposes, and considered invasive in western Europe. Honey produced from the pollen of this species is poisonous.
Toxic to:
Pets
Common yew
20. Common yew
Common yew is highly toxic to all animal species, including humans, dogs, cats, livestock and poultry, with all parts of the plant capable of causing death when consumed in large amounts.
Toxic to:
Pets
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More Plants in Belgium

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Most Common Flowers

Belgium's climate and soil provide an ideal setting for native flowers to thrive. Among these resplendent blooms are , , and . These flowers not only add visual beauty to the region, but also hold significant symbolism and ecological importance. Precise and trustworthy sources confirm the abundance of these characteristic flowers in Belgium.

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Most Common Fruits

Belgium's temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers, cool winters, and ample rainfall, along with fertile loam soils, presents an advantageous environment for the cultivation of various local fruit plants. Key staples such as , , and not only thrive here but hold substantial cultural importance. These fruits are integral to Belgian gastronomy and are celebrated through numerous regional festivals, symbolizing the rich horticultural heritage of the country.

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Most Common Trees

Belgium's climate and soil conditions provide a favorable environment for the growth of native trees. Three emblematic trees in Belgium include , , and . These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value in the region. They contribute to the biodiversity, provide habitat for wildlife, and have historical importance. Belgium's native trees are cherished for their beauty and play an essential role in the country's natural heritage.

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Most Common Weeds

Belgium's temperate climate, characterized by mild winters and cool summers, creates a nurturing environment for various garden weeds. The moist conditions, especially in rural and suburban areas, spell an ongoing battle for gardeners against invasive species. Among the numerous unwanted plants, , , and are notably pervasive, often requiring persistent weeding efforts to manage their encroachment in both private and public landscapes.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Belgium's temperate climate and fertile soils in regions like the Ardennes offer ideal conditions for tall trees to flourish. Among the titanic flora, , , and stand as natural skyscrapers. These species command respect for their impressive height and play significant roles, whether in biodiversity, carbon sequestration, or historical reverence within the landscape.

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Most Common Plants

In Belgium, you can find Stinging nettle, English ivy, Sycamore, Common yarrow, Elder, and more! There are 4,553 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

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