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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Ireland

Ireland's mild climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil create a conducive environment for diverse flora, including toxic species. Concerns arise from the prevalence of such plants, as Creeping buttercup, Cow parsnip, and Common columbine thrive across the nation. Monitoring and management efforts are critical to mitigate risks associated with these potentially dangerous native and invasive plants.

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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 foxglove
3. Common foxglove
All parts of common foxglove are severely toxic to humans when ingested, including the flowers, leaves, roots, and stem. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, irregular or slow heart rate, tremors, color hallucinations, and convulsions. Consumption of can be fatal. Common foxglove is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens, and poisoning is most likely to occur from accidental consumption by children.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
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Common columbine
4. 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
Evergreen spindle
5. 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
Hairy willowherb
6. 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
Common hyacinth
7. 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
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
Wild daffodil
9. 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
Cuckoo pint
10. 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
Pontic rhododendron
11. 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 boxwood
12. 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
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
Japanese skimmia
14. Japanese skimmia
Japanese skimmia (Skimmia japonica) is an evergreen shrub native to East and Southeast Asia. This plant is composed of aromatic cream-colored flowers, crimson berries, and velvety deep green foliage. These decorative features are aesthetically pleasing when the plant is placed in shady environments. This low maintenance sweet-scented plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil in moderate to full shade.
Japanese pieris
15. Japanese pieris
Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica) is an evergreen shrub that produces chains of small flowers. But be careful, it can cause seizures and temporary blindness if consumed by animals or people. Even so, is sometimes grown in the foundation portion of gardens along with other shrubs.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Calla lily
16. 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
Wallflower
17. 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.
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
Greater creeping spearwort
19. 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
Tansy ragwort
20. Tansy ragwort
Tansy ragwort is a biennial that is classified in many areas of the United States as a noxious weed. The tansy ragwort is poisonous to livestock, pets, and humans. This plant is found in sunny open areas like pastures and meadows. It has bright yellow flowers and grows 61 to 122 cm tall.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
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More Plants in Ireland

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Most Common Flowers

Ireland's favorable climate and soil provide an ideal environment for a diverse range of native flowers to flourish. Among these resplendent blossoms are , , and . These flowers contribute to the visual beauty of the region, hold significant symbolism, and play a crucial ecological role. Trustworthy sources validate this information, ensuring the accuracy of their importance in the Irish environment.

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Most Common Fruits

Ireland's temperate maritime climate, paired with fertile soil, especially in the river valleys and coastal areas, creates a hospitable environment for various local fruit plants. Renowned for the , the lush Irish countryside also nurtures the and the culturally significant . These fruits hold a cherished place in regional diets and traditions, reflecting Ireland's rich horticultural heritage.

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Most Common Trees

Ireland's temperate maritime climate and fertile soils provide ideal conditions for the growth of native trees. Three emblematic local trees include the , , and . These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value within the region. They play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, providing habitat for wildlife, and contributing to Ireland's rich cultural heritage.

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Most Common Weeds

Ireland's temperate maritime climate, with its ample rainfall and mild seasons, creates an ideal environment for various garden weeds to flourish. Among the numerous invasive species, , , and stand out as some of the most common weeds invading gardens and challenging green-thumbed enthusiasts. These opportunistic plants quickly colonize both cultivated and wild landscapes, necessitating persistent weeding efforts to manage their growth and prevent them from overtaking desired flora.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Ireland, with its mild climate and ample rainfall, provides an idyllic habitat for various towering tree species. Amidst its diverse landscapes, from rich woodlands to stately parks, several giants stretch towards the skies. These include the noble , the robust , and the verdant . Each species stands as a testament to Ireland's lush arboreal heritage, contributing to the ecological balance and narrating tales of historical legacy with their impressive heights and ages.

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Most Common Plants

In Ireland, you can find Bigleaf hydrangea, Sycamore, English ivy, European ash, Common foxglove, and more! There are 4,400 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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