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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Japan

Japan's diverse climates, from subtropical regions to cold temperate zones, create an ideal environment for a variety of flora, including toxic plants. This mix of ecosystems, coupled with high humidity and abundant rainfall, supports the prevalence of poisonous species. Significant threats from toxic plants exist, exemplified by species such as Pokeweed, Red Spider lily, and Evergreen spindle, which pose risks to both human and animal health.

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Most Common Toxic Plants
Pokeweed
1. 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
Red Spider lily
2. Red Spider lily
The red Spider lily is a bright summer flower that is prevalent throughout Asia. Though its appearance is cheerful, it is said to symbolize final goodbyes, and legend has it that it would often appear when two people parted forever. In addition, ancient Buddhist writings indicate that the Lycoris radiata was used to guide the dead through a cycle of rebirth.
Toxic to:
Human
Golden dewdrops
3. 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
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Evergreen spindle
4. 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
Five-seeded plume-poppy
5. Five-seeded plume-poppy
Five-seeded plume-poppy (Macleaya cordata) is a plant that’s indigenous to Japan and China. The specific epithet of “cordata” in the genus name means “heart-shaped.” That’s because that's the way the leaves look. The leaves look similar to those of the opium poppy, a relative of five-seeded plume-poppy.
Toxic to:
Human
Sago palm
6. 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
Japanese Iris
7. Japanese Iris
If a dog eats any part of the japanese Iris (Iris ensata) plant, illness can become life-threatening, and immediate veterinary treatment should be sought. The highest concentration of toxins is present in the bulb. Poisoning symptoms can start with bloody stool, excessive drooling, and lethargy and should be taken very seriously. Caution should be had around all 200 varieties of Iris ensata.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
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
Common corncockle
9. Common corncockle
Common corncockle (Agrostemma githago) is an annual that will grow to 91 cm tall. Its purple blooms flower from spring to summer with seeds ripening from summer to fall. Considered a weed in cultivated farm areas it can be a nice addition to the home garden. The rigid stems make it an excellent choice for a cut flower arrangement.
Toxic to:
Human
Crowdipper
10. Crowdipper
Crowdipper (Pinellia ternata) is a perennial, three-leafed herb that blooms in late summer. It is native to Japan, but it has become an invasive weed in the United States. Because it grows from a corm (a swollen, underground plant stem) several inches underground, crowdipper can be particularly difficult to control in gardens. Simple pulling will not suffice - the entire corm must be dug up if you wish to remove this plant!
Toxic to:
Human
Rough horsetail
11. 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
Bearded iris
12. 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
Common columbine
13. 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
Sun spurge
14. 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
Evergreen azalea
15. 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
Lenten rose
16. Lenten rose
The lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) has been cultivated since the Germans began to do so in the mid-1800s, with varieties being created in the United Kingdom shortly after. Between the 1920s and 1960s, there was little interest in its cultivation until Helen Ballard bred new varieties. They are blooming early in the year hence they get their name of "Lenten rose".
Toxic to:
Human
Spring starflower
17. Spring starflower
Spring starflower (Ipheion uniflorum) is a plant species known for its star-shaped flowers and tall stems. It grows in early spring and grows from bulbs and self-seeding. This species grows well when planted in mass plantings, border plantings, and rock gardens.
Candle larkspur
18. Candle larkspur
Poisoning symptoms from candle larkspur (genus Delphinium elatum) could become a medical emergency, as these plants are incredibly toxic to dogs. All parts contain toxic alkaloids, though these are usually most concentrated in the new, green growth of younger plants. Symptoms following ingestion are many and varied, ranging from excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and stiffness to irregular heartbeat, seizures, respiratory difficulty or failure, paralysis or even death. Seek medical treatment for your dog if it has consumed candle larkspur, even if no symptoms are immediately present.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Sweet pea
19. Sweet pea
Sweet pea is a staple of flowering climbers and has been since the Victorian era. The sweet pea, which uses tendrils to climb when correct supports are available, grows to a height of 1.02 m – 2 m. The highly fragrant flowers are purple when found in the wild, but domesticated cultivars can be found in nearly every color.
Toxic to:
Human
Slender false garlic
20. 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.
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Most Common Flowers

Japan is known for its diverse and unique native flowers that thrive in its specific climate and soil. Among these beautiful blossoms are three particularly noteworthy ones: , , and . These flowers add to the visual allure of Japan's landscape, hold cultural and symbolic significance, and contribute to the region's ecological balance. With reliable sources, we can explore the distinctive features and importance of these flowers in Japan.

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The climatic and soil conditions in Japan are favorable for the growth of a variety of native trees. Among the most emblematic trees of the region are , , and . These trees hold great significance in Japanese culture and play important ecological roles in the environment. While the details of each tree are not provided, they contribute to the unique beauty and biodiversity of Japan's landscapes.

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Most Common Weeds

Japan's warm, humid summers and mild winters create an ideal breeding ground for a plethora of garden weeds. Among these, , , and are notably prevalent, posing common challenges for gardeners and landscapers. The maintenance of gardens in Japan often involves rigorous strategies to manage and mitigate the spread of these invasive species, which can otherwise quickly dominate native flora and cultivated landscapes.

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In the archipelago of Japan, varied climatic zones, ranging from tropical in the south to cool temperate in the north, combined with diverse terrains, create a hospitable environment for towering arboreal giants. Among these, , , and are esteemed for stretching towards the heavens, symbolizing natural grandeur. Each species marks its presence not only by sheer height but also through ecological significance and cultural reverence, contributing to Japan’s rich natural tapestry.

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Most Common Plants

In Japan, you can find Bigleaf hydrangea, Japanese maple, Japanese camellia, White clover, Rose of sharon, and more! There are 6,155 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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17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
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