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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Vietnam

Vietnam's diverse climate, ranging from tropical in the south to subtropical in the north, provides a fertile environment for a plethora of flora, including toxic plants. High humidity, abundant rainfall, and diverse ecosystems such as rainforests, mangroves, and mountainous terrains could potentially nurture species like Heart of jesus, Dieffenbachia, and Bird of paradise. Consequently, the prevalence of such toxic botanicals poses a continuous challenge for local agriculture, landscape management, and public health.

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Most Common Toxic Plants
Heart of jesus
1. Heart of jesus
The heart of jesus plant has a name that implies purity, but it is actually toxic. Like other Caladiums, its sap is extremely irritating when eaten or even just applied to the skin. A painful, itchy rash breaks out on contact. That rash is essentially what a person who ingests it will experience as well, except inside of their mouths and all the way down their digestive tracts. Besides a great deal of pain and irritation, this causes severe nausea, excessive salivation, vomiting and diarrhea, and also significant swelling in many cases. Keep this plant away from children.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Dieffenbachia
2. 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
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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Bird of paradise
4. 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
Durian
5. 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.
Castor bean
6. 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
Sago palm
7. 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
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
Pokeweed
9. 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
Turkey berry
10. Turkey berry
True to this plant's reputation, consumption of turkey berry 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 Flower
11. Crown Flower
The crown Flower has beautiful flowers that are used to make leis and were a favorite of the last queen of Hawaii. The outer petals of this flower curl back, and reveal what looks like a crown inside. The sap of this plant may cause skin irritation and can be considered toxic.
Toxic to:
Human
Flame lily
12. Flame lily
Flame lily (Gloriosa superba) is a climbing flowering plant also known as the tiger claw, fire lily, and creeping lily. Flame lily attracts sunbirds and butterflies. This plant is extremely toxic when ingested.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Potato
13. 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
Jerusalem cherry
14. 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
Blindness tree
15. Blindness tree
The blindness tree is a subtropical evergreen shrub that is endemic to Southeast Asia and China. Its sap is toxic and can cause blindness if you get it in your eyes. Its distinctive long, narrow leaves are dual-colored, being shiny dark green on one side and deep maroon on the other. The leaves also have a papery texture.
Toxic to:
Human
Nutmeg and mace
16. Nutmeg and mace
This evergreen tree is the main source of world-famous spices nutmeg and mace. Nutmeg is actually the seed of several species of the genus Myristica, while the spice mace is derived from the reddish seed covering. The history related to nutmeg and mace is quite tragic. They were rare and precious spices at one time, and bloody wars were waged over their control.
Evergreen azalea
17. 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
Lady of the night
18. Lady of the night
Lady of the night (Brunfelsia uniflora) is an evergreen tropical tree that will grow from 2.5 to 7 m tall. It blooms in spring with highly-fragrant, yellowish-white flowers. Perfume is made from the oil of the flowers. Blossoms attract butterflies and moths. Native to the Amazon, it prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Toxic to:
Pets
Rosary Pea
19. Rosary Pea
Rosary Pea is among the world's top 10 most poisonous plants. Ingesting a single seed of this plant can be fatal. However, these seeds are prized for making both jewelry and musical instruments.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Bearded iris
20. 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
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More Plants in Vietnam

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Most Common Flowers

Vietnam's diverse climate and soil conditions foster the growth of captivating native flowers. Among these, three standout blossoms are , , and . These flowers not only add visual beauty to the environment but also hold deep cultural and ecological significance in the region. Precise and trustworthy sources validate their importance, making them a true representation of Vietnam's floral splendor.

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Vietnam's tropical monsoon climate, paired with rich alluvial soils, provides ideal conditions for a diverse array of local fruit plants. These conditions, along with the ample rainfall and warm temperatures, allow for year-round cultivation of fruits. Prominent among these are , , and , each deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese culture and cuisine. The significance of these fruit plants extends beyond sustenance, as they're central to festivals and local traditions, reflecting Vietnam's rich agricultural heritage.

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Most Common Trees

Vietnam's diverse climate and fertile soil provide favorable conditions for the growth of native trees. Three emblematic trees of this region include , , and . These trees hold great significance culturally and ecologically, contributing to the unique ecosystem of Vietnam. They play important roles in local traditions, provide habitat for various species, and contribute to the overall beauty and biodiversity of the landscape.

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Most Common Weeds

Vietnam's warm, humid climate and abundant rainfall provide an opulent breeding ground for a variety of garden weeds. Among these, , , and stand out as the most stubborn infiltrators of local gardens, vexing gardeners striving to maintain pristine landscapes. These pervasive weeds often prove to be challenging in managing due to their rapid growth and adaptability to the region's favorable conditions.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Vietnam, with its tropical monsoons, abundant rainfall, and the undulating terrain of highlands, diligently nourishes flora capable of breathtaking heights. The , , and stand as living skyscrapers within this rich ecological tapestry. Embodying ecological significance and historical resonance, these species soar skywards, presiding over the forests with grandeur, as they play pivotal roles in sustaining the diverse canopy networks and wildlife habitats.

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Most Common Plants

In Vietnam, you can find Paperflower, Flame of the woods, Mango tree, Garden mum, Crape jasmine, and more! There are 2,351 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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