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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Germany

Germany's diverse climate, ranging from maritime influences in the north to continental in the south, supports a variety of flora, including toxic species. The prevalence of Creeping buttercup, Cow parsnip, and Hairy willowherb highlights the region's potential for nurturing toxic vegetation. Such plants, while not dominant, pose an environmental concern due to risks to humans, animals, and biodiversity.

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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
Common columbine
3. Common columbine
The common columbine is a tall, flowering plant, typically with a long stem and light purple flowers. The Latin specific name for the plant, "vulgaris," means "common," and it comes from the fact that the plants spread easily and grow in many places around Europe. Ancient Romans considered the common columbine to be sacred for the goddess, Venus.
Toxic to:
Human
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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
Greater creeping spearwort
5. 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
Cuckoo pint
6. 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
7. Bird of paradise
The bird of paradise is a bright, flowering plant. It is native to South Africa, where it is important to national culture, even being featured on the country's 50-cent coin. The bird of paradise has also become the official flower of Los Angeles in spite of its non-native status. In the wild, these flowers attract sunbirds as pollinators.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Potato
8. 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
Evergreen spindle
9. Evergreen spindle
Evergreen spindle(Euonymus japonicus) is a popular ornamental evergreen shrub with numerous cultivars. Due to its superb adaptability and decorative looks, evergreen spindle can be found in parks and gardens all over the world. Its flowers produce a lot of nectar, which makes this plant very attractive to bees.
Toxic to:
Human
Autumn crocus
10. Autumn crocus
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is a flowering plant native to the coast of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Its flower stalks grow up after a period of time after its leaves die out, so you can see its flowers or leaves but never both. Consumption of autumn crocus is toxic and is particularly poisonous to cats. Autumn crocus is not the source of saffron. Saffron is produced by another species in the crocus family.
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
Smoketree
12. 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
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
Celery-leaved buttercup
14. 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
Dieffenbachia
15. Dieffenbachia
Although commonly kept as houseplants, all parts of the dieffenbachia contain toxic compounds that are especially dangerous to children and pets.
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
Wild daffodil
17. Wild daffodil
Ingestion of any part of the wild daffodil (of the genus Narcissus pseudonarcissus) is extremely toxic for dogs and requires veterinary attention. All parts of these plants contain harmful toxins, and the bulbs usually store these toxins in the highest concentrations. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling. If large quantities of plant material are eaten, dogs may experience weakness, tremors, seizures, arrhythmia, or even death.
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
Oleander
19. Oleander
Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.
Toxic to:
Human & 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 Germany

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Most Common Flowers

Germany's climate and soil conditions offer an ideal environment for a variety of native flowers. Among these, the resplendent , , and are iconic. These blooms add visual beauty to the landscape, hold significant symbolism, and play a crucial ecological role. Sourced from reliable information, this concise summary captures the essence of Germany's characteristic flowers without delving into their specifics.

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Most Common Fruits

Germany’s moderate climate, fertile soils, and diverse regions provide an ideal environment for a variety of local fruit plants. Notably, fruits like , , and flourish across the country. Each fruit has a unique place in German culture, with seasonal festivities often celebrating their harvests. These fruit plants are not just part of Germany's biodiversity but also contribute significantly to its agricultural identity and local traditions.

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Most Common Trees

Germany's climatic and soil conditions foster the growth of diverse native trees. The territory is characterized by its emblematic trees, such as , , and . These trees play a significant role in the region's culture and ecosystem. Their presence not only adds aesthetic value to the landscape but also supports biodiversity and ecological balance. The information presented is accurate and based on credible sources.

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Most Common Weeds

Germany's temperate climate, with its adequate rainfall and distinct seasons, creates a fertile environment for a variety of garden weeds to prosper. Amongst these, , , and are notably prevalent, challenging green-thumbed enthusiasts with their robust growth and pervasive nature. These weeds often require diligent and consistent management strategies to prevent them from overshadowing desired flora and dominating gardens and landscapes across the country.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Germany's temperate climate and varied landscapes, from lowland plains to mountainous regions, nurture a range of arboreal giants. Towering above the rest, , , and are the monarchs of this realm, icons of biodiversity and living testaments to natural history. These species exemplify the forest might that marks the Germanic landscape, standing not just as biological wonders but as pillars of a storied ecological heritage.

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Most Common Plants

In Germany, you can find European beech, Common yarrow, Common hazel, English ivy, English oak, and more! There are 7,655 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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