Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
Img leaf leftImg leaf right

Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in France

France, with its diverse climates ranging from oceanic in the northwest to Mediterranean in the southeast, possesses varied environments that can sustain different types of vegetation, including toxic plants. Concerns regarding the proliferation of Creeping buttercup, Cow parsnip, and Hairy willowherb illuminate the broader issue of potentially harmful flora thriving across France's favorable habitats. Vigilance and education on these toxic species are increasingly important for public safety and ecosystem management.

Icon common plants
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
Evergreen spindle
3. 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
Your Essential Companion for Global Plant Exploration
From American natives to Philippine tropics, discover plants worldwide with our app.
Download the App for Free
Hairy willowherb
4. 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
Cuckoo pint
5. 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
Pokeweed
6. 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
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
Bird of paradise
9. 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
Sago palm
10. 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
Sun spurge
11. 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
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
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
Common hyacinth
14. 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
15. 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
Evergreen azalea
16. 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
Calla lily
17. 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
Wild daffodil
18. 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
Striped barbados lily
19. 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
Chilean jasmine
20. Chilean jasmine
Chilean jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) is a flowering plant species that grows best in full sunlight and well-drained soil. Chilean jasmine is native to Chile and Argentina. This species produces masses of heavily-scented white flowers in the summer months, which smell like vanilla.
Discover 4 Exciting Reasons to Choose PictureThis
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Identify toxic plants around you
Easily find your perfect green friends
Get full care tips and tricks for your plants
Download the App for Free
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

Icon plant

More Plants in France

Mask group

Most Common Flowers

France's diverse climate and fertile soil provide an ideal environment for a variety of native flowers. Among them, , , and bloom resplendently, adding visual beauty, symbolic significance, and ecological value to the region. Precise information and trustworthy sources validate the importance of these flowers, making them an integral part of France's natural landscape.

Mask group

Most Common Fruits

France's temperate climate and diverse soils—from the fertile valleys of the Loire to the sun-drenched fields of Provence—provide an ideal setting for cultivating a range of local fruit plants. Esteemed varieties such as , , and thrive here, each deeply ingrained in the nation's gastronomic heritage. These fruits are celebrated for their unique flavors and are pivotal to local economies, with many regions hosting festivals and markets dedicated to their harvest and culinary uses.

Mask group

Most Common Trees

France, with its diverse climatic and soil conditions, provides an ideal environment for the growth of native trees. Among the most emblematic species, , , and stand tall. These trees hold immense cultural and ecological value within the region. They are deeply rooted in the history and traditions of France, providing habitat for wildlife, contributing to the beauty of the landscape, and serving as an integral part of the local identity.

Mask group

Most Common Weeds

France's temperate climate, with its mild winters and warm summers, creates a fertile breeding ground for garden weeds. Amongst the most common offenders, , , and stand out for their resilience and rapid proliferation, often outcompeting cultivated plants for resources. Gardeners across the country grapple with these invasive greens, which require consistent efforts to manage and contain, lest they overrun cherished plants and disrupt ecosystem balance.

Mask group

Most Common Tall Trees

France's temperate climate and varying landscapes, from mountainous regions to fertile plains, offer an ideal habitat for numerous tall tree species. Among these, , , and stand as silent sentinels, skyward bound. These trees not only contribute to the majestic beauty of French forests but are also pivotal to ecological balance and historical legacy, witnessed by generations and providing sanctuary to diverse wildlife.

Mask group

Most Common Plants

In France, you can find English ivy, European ash, Sycamore, Stinging nettle, Common hazel, and more! There are 6,691 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.

close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app