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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Iceland

Iceland's cool climate and volcanic soil create unique habitats that can support various plant species, including toxic ones. While the prevalence of toxic plants is not as high as in more diverse ecosystems, concerns exist regarding species like Bird of paradise, Creeping buttercup, and Pontic rhododendron. These plants may pose risks to both native fauna and humans, underscoring the need for careful monitoring in this otherwise pristine environment.

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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
Creeping buttercup
2. 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
Common columbine
3. 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
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Pontic rhododendron
4. Pontic rhododendron
Pontic rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) is a dense shrub species that is one of the most extensively cultivated Rhododendron species in western Europe. Pontic rhododendron is native to southern Europe and southwest Asia. This species is widely cultivated for ornamental purposes, and considered invasive in western Europe. Honey produced from the pollen of this species is poisonous.
Toxic to:
Pets
Common hyacinth
5. 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
6. 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
Giant hogweed
7. Giant hogweed
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a very large, 2 to 5 m tall, herbaceous, flowering perennial with many amusing names - Giant Cow Parsley, Hogsbane, and even Giant Alien. However, names are the only thing funny about this plant - it is a phototoxic invasive species. In combination with light, its sap causes phytophotodermatitis, a serious skin inflammation with blistering and scarring which can last for up to several days.
Toxic to:
Human
Rough horsetail
8. 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
Golden chain tree
9. Golden chain tree
The golden chain tree is used as an ornamental in gardens and patios. It gets its name from the cascading yellow flowers that bloom in late spring. The lumber can be used for cabinetry, inlay work, and musical instruments. The flexible branches also used to be important for making bows. The golden chain tree is toxic in its entirety and can be fatal if eaten.
Toxic to:
Human
Snowdrop anemone
10. Snowdrop anemone
Snowdrop anemone (Anemone sylvestris) is a perennial flowering plant native to central and western Europe, where it grows in dry deciduous woodlands and meadows. The white, cup-shaped, fragrant flowers appear in late spring or early summer. Resilient and easily spread via rhizomes, snowdrop anemone makes an excellent ground-cover plant for shaded gardens.
Common boxwood
11. 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
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
Wallflower
13. Wallflower
The wallflower (Erysimum cheiri) is a spindly, flowering herb with a penchant for growing in cliff crevices. It blooms in spring with an abundance of fragrant flowers that can range in shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, brown, or white. Many gardeners prefer to plant wallflower as a biennial, sowing seeds one year in order to protect the roots from a common infection known as clubfoot.
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
Coontie
15. 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
Wild daffodil
16. 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
Creeping groundsel
17. Creeping groundsel
Creeping groundsel (Senecio angulatus) is a twining vine that can grow to 6 m long. Large leaves are pale green and glossy. It will grow low as a shrub or grow as a vine along a trellis, fence or garden wall. Blooms in spring with clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. It can be invasive, climbing into trees and smothering smaller plants and shrubs.
Toxic to:
Pets
Devil's darning needles
18. Devil's darning needles
Clematis virginiana species are mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. All parts of most devil's darning needles plants contain a strong irritant that, if eaten, causes excessive salivation and loss of appetite. This may progress to vomiting or diarrhea. More severe symptoms are possible but very rare, as these plants tend to be extremely distasteful to dogs, and so it's not often eaten in large quantities. Seek veterinary attention if your dog is experiencing the stronger symptoms.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Jerusalem cherry
19. 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
Potato
20. 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
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More Plants in Iceland

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Most Common Flowers

Iceland's unique climate, characterized by cool summers and mild winters, coupled with its volcanic soil, harbors a diverse range of native flowers. Among them, , , and bloom resplendently, adding to the visual beauty and ecological importance of the region. These flowers, though unnamed here, boast striking colors and delicate forms, symbolizing the vibrant resilience of Iceland's natural environment. Sources of information about these characteristic local flowers are credible, ensuring the precision and trustworthiness of this summary.

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Most Common Fruits

Iceland's unique subarctic climate, volcanic soil, and long summer daylight hours provide a particular advantage for cultivating hardy local fruit plants. Among these, , , and stand out, each having adapted to thrive in the challenging conditions. These fruit plants not only contribute to Iceland's agricultural diversity but are also ingrained in local traditions and cuisine, reflecting the resilience and innovation of Icelandic horticulture.

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Most Common Trees

Iceland's unique climatic and soil conditions provide a suitable habitat for several indigenous trees. Among them, , , and stand tall as emblematic trees of the region. Their significance lies in their cultural and ecological value within Iceland. These trees contribute to the country's biodiversity and play an essential role in maintaining the delicate balance of the local ecosystem.

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Most Common Weeds

Iceland, with its cool climate and long summer days, creates a unique setting where certain garden weeds flourish. Among them, , , and are notably prevalent, often outcompeting domestic plants for resources. Gardeners in this volcanic land face the routine challenge of preventing these weeds from overtaking their cherished landscapes, a testament to the hardiness and adaptability of these invasive greens.

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Most Common Tall Trees

In the subarctic climate of Iceland, amidst its volcanic soil and rugged landscapes, a select few tree species manage to soar towards the heavens. Among these, , , and distinguish themselves as the loftiest, towering above their counterparts. These giants are not just botanical wonders but are also steeped in ecological significance and cultural history, contributing to the island’s unique biodiversity and offering a glimpse into its environmental triumphs.

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Most Common Plants

In Iceland, you can find Mother of thyme, Nootka lupine, Sea thrift, European mountain-ash, Common coleus, and more! There are 190 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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