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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Chile

Chile's diverse climates, extending from the Atacama Desert to the southern temperate regions, foster environments conducive to various plant species, including toxic ones. Evaluating the prevalence of toxic flora is critical, considering the vast ecological gradients. Specimens such as Potato, Castor bean, and Evergreen spindle are noted concerns, rooted in Chile's rich botanic landscape, and pose potential risks to both local biodiversity and human well-being.

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Most Common Toxic Plants
Potato
1. 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
Castor bean
2. Castor bean
The castor bean is important for its oil which is used as a lubricant, biodiesel ingredient, and rodent repellent, among other applications. The plants are now commercially planted globally, with India producing nearly 75% of the world's castor oil. Castor beans cannot be eaten because they contain a potent poison that's released if the seed is broken.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Calla lily
3. Calla lily
The calla lily is a well-known ornamental plant with several cultivars receiving the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The most calla lily cultivars include 'Crowborough', 'Green Goddess', 'Pink Mist', and 'Red Desire'. They are popular as a cut flower or a rhizomatous herb in warm gardens.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
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Evergreen spindle
4. 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
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
Rough horsetail
6. Rough horsetail
Rough horsetail (Equisetum hyemale) is an evergreen perennial. An aggressive grower, it reproduces through spores and is non-flowering. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is pest resistant. It provides erosion control, grows well in wetlands and makes an interesting addition to water gardens. Expected height of 61 to 91 cm.
Toxic to:
Human
Common columbine
7. 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
Poison hemlock
8. Poison hemlock
As the name infers, the poison hemlock is a highly poisonous plant and has been known to intoxicate a variety of livestock. The leaves are similar to carrots and parsley, fooling most herbivores into consuming it. Poison hemlock can be lethal when ingested.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Bearded iris
9. Bearded iris
Bearded iris is known to cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. The most commonly reported symptom is minor skin irritation, typically lasting only a few minutes. This can result from contact with the seeds, roots, or sap of this plant. Furthermore, all parts of bearded iris are toxic when ingested, especially the roots. Symptoms typically including minor or moderate burning sensations, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. This plant is most often encountered in a garden context, where it is planted as an ornamental.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Cape gooseberry
10. Cape gooseberry
Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) is a perennial shrub species native to South America. This species has been cultivated by humans for a very long time, and can be traced to the Incan civilization. Cape gooseberry grows optimally in fertile, slightly acidic soil in full sun.
Oleander
11. Oleander
Oleander is moderately to highly toxic to humans – instances of ingestion, or physical contact with this plant's sap, should be immediately addressed by medical professionals. While fatal cases of oleander poisoning are very rare, they are possible. All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested. Physical contact with the plant's sap, which is found throughout the plant and is more likely to be exposed if the plant is cut or damaged, may cause dermatological symptoms, including redness and itchiness of the skin. Symptoms following ingestion include low blood pressure, lethargy, an irregular heartbeat, blurred vision, confusion, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting and, in extreme cases, death. Be mindful of curious children, as oleanders are an extremely common ornamental plant cultivated in gardens and parks around the world.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Jerusalem cherry
12. Jerusalem cherry
True to this plant's reputation, consumption of jerusalem cherry 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
Round-leafed navel-wort
13. Round-leafed navel-wort
Round-leafed navel-wort (Cotyledon orbiculata) is a plant species native to South Africa. Round-leafed navel-wort is considered a highly variable species in its outward presentation. This species grows in grasslands, fynbos and karoo regions.
Matted Sandmat
14. Matted Sandmat
Matted Sandmat is an annual weed that grows flat along the ground into a matted form. It has a long tap root and hardy seeds, which make it difficult to eradicate. This plant’s sap can irritate the skin and is toxic.
Toxic to:
Human
Lenten rose
15. Lenten rose
The lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) has been cultivated since the Germans began to do so in the mid-1800s, with varieties being created in the United Kingdom shortly after. Between the 1920s and 1960s, there was little interest in its cultivation until Helen Ballard bred new varieties. They are blooming early in the year hence they get their name of "Lenten rose".
Toxic to:
Human
Sun spurge
16. 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
Striped barbados lily
17. 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
Barbados lily
18. Barbados lily
Barbados lily (Hippeastrum puniceum) is a perennial that grows from a bulb and will grow from 30 to 46 cm tall. A prolific bloomer, it blooms most months of the year with large, 15 to 30 cm long, orange flowers. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers slightly acidic soil. Goes dormant after blooming.
Toxic to:
Pets
Sprenger's asparagus fern
19. Sprenger's asparagus fern
Sprenger's asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus) is a fern species native to South Africa. Despite its common name, this plant is not a true fern by taxonomy. Sprenger's asparagus fern is generally considered to be an invasive species. The common name was established by Carl Ludwig Sprenger who popularized cultivating sprenger's asparagus fern as an ornamental plant.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Common boxwood
20. Common boxwood
Plants of genus Buxus are widely present around the world as а hedge or garden ornamental plants, but they contain alkaloids, most notably buxin, which are toxic to animals.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
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More Plants in Chile

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Most Common Flowers

Chile's diverse climate and soil conditions offer an ideal environment for a plethora of native flowers to flourish. Among these are , , and . These stunning blossoms not only enhance the visual beauty of the region but also hold great symbolism and ecological significance. Reliable sources attest to their presence and importance, making Chile a haven for floral enthusiasts and nature-lovers alike.

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Most Common Fruits

Chile's diverse climate, ranging from the dry Atacama Desert to the cold southern regions, along with fertile valleys and optimal soil conditions, creates a unique agricultural haven for local fruit cultivation. Prominent plants like , , and have thrived here, becoming central to both the country's economy and its cultural heritage. Their growth is bolstered by the natural barriers provided by the Andes and the Pacific, which offer protection and microclimates ideal for fruit development.

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Most Common Trees

Chile's diverse climate and soil conditions provide a conducive environment for the growth of a variety of native trees. Three emblematic local trees are , , and . These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value within the region. They contribute to the biodiversity of Chile's ecosystems and play vital roles in providing habitat, conserving water, and preserving the country's natural heritage. They are treasured by the local communities and are an integral part of Chile's environmental identity.

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Most Common Weeds

Chile's diverse climate, ranging from the arid north to the humid central regions, provides ample opportunity for garden weeds to prosper. Prevalent weeds such as , , and are amongst those that gardeners frequently grapple with. These invaders thrive in the rich soils of Chilean gardens, challenging the maintenance of both aesthetic landscapes and productive horticulture, necessitating diligent weed management practices to curb their spread.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Chile's diverse climate, ranging from the arid Atacama Desert to the rain-soaked Valdivian forests, coupled with its varied topography, provides a fertile ground for some of the most magnificent and towering trees on Earth. Among these, the colossal , the majestic , and the venerable stand as silent sentinels of the forest, encapsulating centuries of history in their rings and contributing irreplaceably to the biodiversity of the region.

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Most Common Plants

In Chile, you can find Lemon balm, Litre tree, Blue passionflower, Marijuana, Lemon, and more! There are 6,475 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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