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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Greece

Greece's warm Mediterranean climate, diverse habitats, and rich biodiversity are conducive to sustaining various flora, including toxic plants. While the exact prevalence is subject to ongoing research, environmental conditions in Greece do support the existence of species such as Bird of paradise, Castor bean, and Pokeweed, all of which have potentially toxic properties. These plants raise ecological concerns due to their ability to proliferate in the Greek landscape.

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Most Common Toxic Plants
Bird of paradise
1. 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
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
Sago palm
3. 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
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Pokeweed
4. 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
Spanish broom
5. Spanish broom
Spanish broom is a deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean, West Asia, and North Africa. Fragrant yellow pea-like flowers cover the shoots in late spring and summer. It is cultivated for its ornamental value and is used for flavoring and essential oil extraction.
Toxic to:
Human
Golden dewdrops
6. 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
Sun spurge
7. 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
Jerusalem cherry
8. 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
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
Smoketree
10. 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
Starch grape hyacinth
11. Starch grape hyacinth
Starch grape hyacinth (Muscari neglectum) is a perennial plant native to Eurasia, commonly grown as an ornamental houseplant in temperate climates. It is also known as the common grape hyacinth or the grape hyacinth for its flowers' resemblance to the grapes.
Toxic to:
Human
Prostrate sandmat
12. Prostrate sandmat
Prostrate sandmat (Euphorbia prostrata) is a plant species native to tropical regions of North and South America and the central United States. Prostrate sandmat has spread all over the globe and is considered an invasive species. This resilient plant often sprouts up through cracks in asphalt on roadsides.
Toxic to:
Human
Autumn crocus
13. 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
Persian cyclamen
14. Persian cyclamen
All parts of the persian cyclamen contain toxins that are extremely hazardous to dogs, with the highest concentration in their tubers. Use caution if your dog is in a yard where persian cyclamen is found, especially if they enjoy digging. Symptoms range from lethargy to coma, and immediate veterinary care is needed to pump the canine's stomach to void the body of the toxin.
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
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
Dieffenbachia
17. 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
Evergreen azalea
18. 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
19. 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
Evergreen spindle
20. 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
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More Plants in Greece

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Most Common Flowers

Greece, with its Mediterranean climate and fertile soil, provides an ideal environment for the growth of native flowers. Among the resplendent blossoms that flourish here are , , and . These flowers not only display captivating beauty but also hold deep symbolism and ecological importance in the region. Trustworthy sources confirm their significance, making them essential elements of Greece's natural landscape.

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Most Common Fruits

Greece's Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, alongside its fertile and diverse soil types, fosters the growth of various local fruit plants. Among these, , , and have not only adapted to the Greek landscape but have also become integral to local traditions and cuisine. Their cultivation is a testament to the symbiosis between the land's natural resources and its agricultural practices, determining their significant role within the cultural fabric of Greek society.

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Most Common Trees

Greece's climatic conditions, with long sunny summers and mild winters, coupled with fertile soil, provide an ideal environment for the growth of native trees. Among the emblematic trees in Greece are the , , and . These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value in the region. Their presence not only contributes to the beauty of the Greek landscape but also supports local ecosystems and plays a role in traditional practices and folklore.

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Most Common Weeds

Greece's warm, Mediterranean climate provides an ideal environment for a variety of garden weeds to flourish. With extended sunny periods and mild winters, weeds like , , and commonly infest gardens, challenging green-thumbed enthusiasts with their persistent growth. These pervasive weeds demand consistent management efforts to prevent them from overtaking desired flora in Greece’s picturesque landscapes.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Graced with a Mediterranean climate and diverse terrains from sun-drenched shores to mountainous highlands, Greece accommodates an array of tall trees stretching towards the heavens. Towering amidst this landscape, , , and stand as botanical giants. Their imposing presence not only shapes the skyline but also harbors significant ecological roles and reflects the historical tapestry of the region, affirming their stature as silent sentinels from bygone eras to modern-day Greece.

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Most Common Plants

In Greece, you can find Oleander, Olive, Paperflower, Common lantana, Chinese hibiscus, and more! There are 3,425 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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