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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Iraq

Iraq's environment, characterized by its diverse climatic zones, from desert in the west to marshlands in the east, creates a hospitable landscape for a variety of flora including toxic plants. Intense summer heat, sporadic rainfall, and fertile regions along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers may foster conditions suitable for Dieffenbachia, Evergreen spindle, and Jerusalem cherry. Concerns about the prevalence and impact of such toxic plants are noteworthy due to potential risks to human and animal health.

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Most Common Toxic Plants
Dieffenbachia
1. 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 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
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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Jerusalem cherry
4. 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
Sun spurge
5. 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
Potato
6. 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
Crown imperial
7. Crown imperial
Regal crowns of flowers perch atop tall stems of the crown imperial, or Fritillaria imperialis. Bulbs can be planted in mass plantings, flowerbeds, and container gardens. These striking flowers grow from bulbs and bloom in early spring. The skunk-like fragrance is a great pest repellent.
Toxic to:
Human
Glossy shower
8. Glossy shower
Glossy shower (Senna surattensis) is an evergreen, perennial tree that blooms year-round with golden-yellow flowers. It is also called Scrambled Eggplant, Sunshine Tree, or Golden Senna. It thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. It is considered an invasive weed in Asia.
Golden dewdrops
9. 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
Oleander
10. 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
Castor bean
11. 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
Starch grape hyacinth
12. 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
Slender false garlic
13. Slender false garlic
Slender false garlic (Nothoscordum gracile) is a herbaceous perennial that will grow to 51 cm tall. It blooms from spring to summer with clusters of small white flowers with purple stripes and colorful green and gold stamens. Flowers bloom at the top of the stem. Considered a weed it is commonly found growing along sandy roadsides and woods. Attracts bees and other pollinators.
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
Apple of Sodom
15. Apple of Sodom
Apple of Sodom, or Calotropis procera, is an extremely poisonous plant. The fruit of this plant ripens and bursts, causing the seeds to scatter. In Jamaica, the fibers inside of the fruit are collected and used to stuff pillows.
Striped barbados lily
16. 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
Spineless butcher's-broom
17. Spineless butcher's-broom
Spineless butcher's-broom (Ruscus hypophyllum) is an evergreen shrub that is native to the Mediterranian region. It expands through a creeping root system, allowing it to become a widespread groundcover plant in just a few growing seasons. The flowers are unremarkable and will only on rare occasions fully mature into small red berries.
Durian
18. 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.
Coffee senna
19. Coffee senna
Coffee senna (*Senna occidentalis*) is a perennial shrub that prefers warm and humid environments. It is sometimes considered an invasive weed that grows in open woodlands, waste areas, and roadsides. It blooms in spring with yellow flowers, followed by brown fruit in late summer and early fall. Seeds can be used as a coffee substitute, although it does not contain caffeine.
Bird of paradise
20. 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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More Plants in Iraq

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Most Common Flowers

Iraq, with its arid climate and fertile soil, provides the perfect environment for a variety of native flowers to bloom. Among these are three particularly characteristic blossoms: , , and . These flowers add to the visual beauty of the region and hold significant symbolism and ecological importance. Trustworthy sources validate their existence and highlight the unique charm they bring to Iraq's environment.

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Most Common Fruits

Iraq, with its warm climate and fertile soil, particularly along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, provides an excellent environment for cultivating a variety of fruit plants. Significant local fruit plants include , , and , which not only thrive in these conditions but are also deeply ingrained in Iraq's cultural and agricultural tapestry. These fruits are celebrated for their flavors and contribute substantially to the local economy and food culture.

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Most Common Trees

Iraq's climate and soil conditions make it conducive for the growth of several native trees. Among them, , , and are emblematic species in this territory. These trees hold cultural and ecological importance within the region. They are valued for their unique characteristics, their role in providing shade and shelter, and their contribution to the overall biodiversity of Iraq.

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Most Common Weeds

Iraq's arid climate and fertile soil along riverbanks create an opportune ground for various garden weeds. Amidst the challenges of managing invasive flora, the most common garden weeds include , , and . These persistent plants often outcompete native species and require diligent control measures to prevent them from overtaking gardens and agricultural landscapes.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Nurtured by the Mesopotamian plains and watered by the Tigris and Euphrates, Iraq's landscape is a testament to both desert and riverine ecosystems. Amidst this backdrop, select arboreal giants such as , , and stand tall, their canopies piercing the sky. These species, integral to the region's biodiversity and cultural tapestry, hold ecological importance for their role in habitat provision and historical significance harkening back to ancient civilizations.

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Most Common Plants

In Iraq, you can find Lemon, Common myrtle, Common fig, Common coleus, Wine grape, and more! There are 2,956 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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