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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Mexico

Mexico's diverse ecosystems ranging from arid deserts to lush tropical forests create an ideal environment for an array of flora, including toxic plants. The region's rich biodiversity and favorable climatic conditions contribute to the prevalence of naturally occurring toxic species such as Golden dewdrops, Castor bean, and Pokeweed. Prevailing concerns regarding these plants mainly involve their potential risks to humans, livestock, and native wildlife.

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Most Common Toxic Plants
Golden dewdrops
1. 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
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
Potato
3. 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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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
Bird of paradise
5. Bird of paradise
The bird of paradise is a bright, flowering plant. It is native to South Africa, where it is important to national culture, even being featured on the country's 50-cent coin. The bird of paradise has also become the official flower of Los Angeles in spite of its non-native status. In the wild, these flowers attract sunbirds as pollinators.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
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
Caribbean copper plant
7. Caribbean copper plant
Euphorbia cotinifolia, also known as the caribbean copper plant, is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 3 to 6 m tall. The sap of this plant is poisonous, so protective equipment such as gloves and long sleeves should be worn when pruning. The Latin name 'cotinifolia' is derived from the Latin word 'cotinus,' which means 'smoketree' and 'folia,' which means 'leaf.' It is also commonly referred to as the Tropical Smokebush.
Toxic to:
Human
Asthma-plant
8. Asthma-plant
Asthma-plant (Euphorbia hirta) is a ground-hugging spurge weed whose branches can grow to 61 cm long. It blooms from summer through early fall, dying off after the first frost. A milky sap will seep from broken stems or leaves. It can be a nuisance weed that reproduces rapidly.
Toxic to:
Human
Dieffenbachia
9. Dieffenbachia
Although commonly kept as houseplants, all parts of the dieffenbachia contain toxic compounds that are especially dangerous to children and pets.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Brazilian peppertree
10. Brazilian peppertree
Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) is a flowering plant native to South America that is related to the cashew. Brazilian peppertree is widely cultivated as a houseplant in regions without frost. The plant can cause skin irritation in people with sensitive skin.
Toxic to:
Human
Mexican prickly poppy
11. Mexican prickly poppy
Argemone mexicana has been naturalized in many parts of the world. It is extremely tolerant of drought and poor soil, but is poisonous to grazing animals. Its seed pods secrete a pale yellow latex when cut open. In India, the mexican prickly poppy is used in the Holika Dahan festival, in which adults and children worship by offering flowers.
Toxic to:
Human
Mexican fireplant
12. Mexican fireplant
Mexican fireplant is native to tropical America, but it has been naturalized in other tropical and subtropical regions in the world. *Euphorbia heterophylla* is a poisonous plant to humans and livestock. It contains a toxic milky sap which can cause strong skin irritation.
Toxic to:
Human
Prostrate sandmat
13. 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
Barbados nut
14. Barbados nut
The barbados nut (Jatropha curcas) plant is cultivated throughout the world for ornamental uses because of its rapid growth. Since cattle will not consume the leaves, it works very well as a living fence around grazing areas. Oil is extracted from the nuts and used as a torch fuel and burns so well that the fires are not affected by strong winds!
Toxic to:
Human
Rough horsetail
15. 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
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
Jerusalem cherry
17. 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
Poison ivy
18. Poison ivy
In pop culture, poison ivy is a symbol of an obnoxious weed because, despite its unthreatening looks, it gives a highly unpleasant contact rash to the unfortunate person who touches it. Still, it is commonly eaten by many animals, and the seeds are a favorite with birds. The leaves turn bright red in fall. Its sister species, Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii), is not considered to be invasive in the United States, but is noxious in Australia and New Zealand.
Toxic to:
Human
Oleander
19. Oleander
Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Calla lily
20. 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
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More Plants in Mexico

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Most Common Flowers

Mexico's diverse climate and fertile soil provide an ideal environment for a variety of native flowers to flourish. Among the most characteristic flowers in this region are , , and . These flowers captivate with their stunning visual beauty, hold deep cultural symbolism, and play a crucial role in the local ecology. Trusted sources confirm the significance of these blossoms, making them key highlights of Mexico's floral landscape.

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Most Common Fruits

Mexico's warm climate, diverse terrain, and fertile soils create an ideal environment for the cultivation of various local fruit plants. Among them, , , and stand out as not only staples in the Mexican diet but also as plants with profound cultural significance. These fruits, emblematic of the region, reflect Mexico's rich agricultural heritage, enjoyed and celebrated in countless local traditions.

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Most Common Trees

Mexico boasts a climate and soil conditions ideal for the growth of diverse indigenous trees. Among the emblematic trees of this region are , , and . These trees hold great cultural and ecological value, serving as important sources of food, medicine, and traditional materials for local communities. With their unique characteristics, they contribute to the rich biodiversity of Mexico and play a vital role in supporting the country's ecosystems.

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Most Common Weeds

Mexico's warm climate, rich biodiversity, and seasonal rain patterns cultivate a fertile ground for a diversity of garden weeds like , , and to thrive, permeating gardens and landscapes. These ubiquitous weeds present a constant battle for gardeners who strive to maintain the aesthetic and health of their plants. The prevalence of these intruders underscores the necessity for consistent weed management strategies to preserve Mexico's diverse native flora.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Mexico's diverse landscape, ranging from steamy rainforests to rugged mountains, creates a sanctuary for some of the world's most impressive arboreal giants. Among these, , , and ascend skywards, symbolizing natural grandeur and holding ecological and historical significance. These leafy titans are not just icons of biodiversity, but also pillars of their respective ecosystems, standing tall as sentinels of the ages.

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Most Common Plants

In Mexico, you can find Chinese hibiscus, Golden dewdrops, Ti plant, Castor bean, Marijuana, and more! There are 6,565 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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