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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in China

China's diverse climates, from humid subtropical to plateau monsoon, create a fertile playground for numerous species, including toxic plants. The prevalence of Pokeweed, Evergreen spindle, and Golden dewdrops is a testament to this varied environment. Challenges persist in managing these toxic flora amidst the nation's vast agricultural expanses and wildlands, indicating a need for cautious cohabitation with these perilous natives.

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Most Common Toxic Plants
Pokeweed
1. Pokeweed
Although its berries look juicy and tempting, the fruits and the root of pokeweed are toxic and should not be eaten. Pokeweed is considered a pest species by farmers but is nevertheless often grown as an ornamental plant. Its berries can be made into pokeberry ink as well.
Toxic to:
Human
Evergreen spindle
2. 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
3. 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
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Golden dewdrops
4. Golden dewdrops
Golden dewdrops (Duranta erecta) is an ornamental sprawling shrub commonly found in subtropical and tropical gardens all over the world. Its gentle purple blossoms are often visited by butterflies and hummingbirds. Golden dewdrops is considered a weed in Australia, South Africa and certain parts of East Asia.
Toxic to:
Human
Red Spider lily
5. Red Spider lily
The red Spider lily is a bright summer flower that is prevalent throughout Asia. Though its appearance is cheerful, it is said to symbolize final goodbyes, and legend has it that it would often appear when two people parted forever. In addition, ancient Buddhist writings indicate that the Lycoris radiata was used to guide the dead through a cycle of rebirth.
Toxic to:
Human
Sago palm
6. Sago palm
Many species within the Cycas revoluta genus are highly toxic to dogs - if you suspect your dog has ingested any part of a sago palm plant, you should contact a vet immediately. The Sago palm is a very common ornamental and is the most common culprit. These plants contain high concentrations of the cycasin toxin, which is found throughout their structures but is most concentrated in their seeds. Ingesting even a small amount of cycasin can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Larger amounts can cause damage to the intestines and liver, coma, or death.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Potato
7. 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
Smoketree
8. Smoketree
Smoketree is a deciduous tree native to Southern Europe and Central China. The flowers of the smoketree are pinkish-purple and long-lasting. They grow in clusters along branches and give a smoky appearance to the tree when in bloom. In China, they are used as important fall decorations due to their foliage turn bright red in the fall.
Toxic to:
Human
Sun spurge
9. 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
Turkey berry
10. Turkey berry
True to this plant's reputation, consumption of turkey berry 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
Durian
11. Durian
Durian (Durio zibethinus) is a tropical plant from Southeast Asia. It bears large, spiny, edible fruit which has become a major export crop of the region. The fruit is best known for its pungent smell, which provokes opposing reactions, ranging from near-addiction to revulsion. In some areas, it has even been banned from public transport and hotels.
Evergreen azalea
12. 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
Dieffenbachia
13. 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
Striped barbados lily
14. 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
Heart of jesus
15. Heart of jesus
The heart of jesus plant has a name that implies purity, but it is actually toxic. Like other Caladiums, its sap is extremely irritating when eaten or even just applied to the skin. A painful, itchy rash breaks out on contact. That rash is essentially what a person who ingests it will experience as well, except inside of their mouths and all the way down their digestive tracts. Besides a great deal of pain and irritation, this causes severe nausea, excessive salivation, vomiting and diarrhea, and also significant swelling in many cases. Keep this plant away from children.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Common hyacinth
16. 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
Oleander
17. 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
Candle larkspur
18. Candle larkspur
Poisoning symptoms from candle larkspur (genus Delphinium elatum) could become a medical emergency, as these plants are incredibly toxic to dogs. All parts contain toxic alkaloids, though these are usually most concentrated in the new, green growth of younger plants. Symptoms following ingestion are many and varied, ranging from excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and stiffness to irregular heartbeat, seizures, respiratory difficulty or failure, paralysis or even death. Seek medical treatment for your dog if it has consumed candle larkspur, even if no symptoms are immediately present.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Coontie
19. Coontie
Coontie is a cycad plant. It is toxic to both humans and animals and can cause serious gastrointestinal and neurological issues.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Blackboard tree
20. Blackboard tree
Blackboard tree (Alstonia scholaris) is a perennial evergreen tree that can grow to 40 m tall. It is a tropical tree with fragrant clusters of showy white flowers that bloom in fall. The perfume-like scent of the blossoms is more obvious during the evenings. Most often planted as a street tree. Another common name for this tree is Devil’s tree.
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More Plants in China

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Most Common Flowers

China's diverse climate and soil conditions create a hospitable environment for a variety of native flowers. Among these are , , and . These blossoms contribute to the visual beauty, hold symbolic significance, and play a vital ecological role in the region. Trustworthy sources validate the presence and importance of these characteristic flowers in China.

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Most Common Fruits

China's diverse climate, ranging from subtropical in the south to temperate in the north, along with fertile loam soils, particularly supports the growth of local fruit plants. Key plants such as , , and are not only integral to the nation's agriculture but also deep-seated within its cultural fabric. These fruits stand as culinary staples and often carry significant symbolism in festivals and traditions, reflecting China's rich horticultural heritage.

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Most Common Trees

China's diverse climate and fertile soils provide ideal conditions for the growth of numerous native trees. Among the emblematic trees of the region are the towering , , and . These trees hold immense cultural and ecological value within China. They symbolize resilience, longevity, and heritage, and are often revered and celebrated in Chinese culture. Their presence not only enriches the landscapes but also supports the biodiversity and sustainability of the region.

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Most Common Weeds

China's diverse climates, from subtropical in the south to temperate in the north, provide fertile grounds for various garden weeds to flourish. Among these, , , and are notably pervasive, often outcompeting domestic flora. These weeds present a significant challenge for gardeners and landscape managers seeking to maintain balanced and healthy ecosystems. Regular and strategic interventions are essential to mitigate the spread of these aggressive species.

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Most Common Tall Trees

In China's varied landscape, where subtropical and temperate climates intermingle with rugged terrain, some of the world's tallest trees soar to impressive heights. Against this backdrop, species such as , , and stand as natural skyscrapers, their majestic forms a testament to the country's rich biodiversity. These arboreal giants hold ecological and historical significance, symbolizing the enduring vitality of China's ancient forests.

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Most Common Plants

In China, you can find Tapa cloth tree, Peach, Crepe myrtle, Barley, Cape jasmine, and more! There are 2,822 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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