Toxic plants in Sweden: What you should watch out for

Sweden is home to several toxic plants that pose risks ranging from mild discomfort to serious health issues, according to experts. While the country is relatively spared compared to many others, plants like hemlock (odört), giant hogweed (sprängört), and datura (spikklubba) are notable for their potential dangers.

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It happens that both children and adults get the idea to taste these plants.

Torbjörn Tyler, an inspector at the Biological Museum at Lund University, noted that children and adults sometimes taste these plants. He explained that while ingestion is usually required for severe poisoning, some plants are toxic enough that merely touching them and then touching one's mouth can cause symptoms. Symptoms can include heart palpitations, stomach upset, skin rashes, and mouth irritation. In more severe, though rare, cases, plants like belladonna can cause hallucinations, and henbane contains atropine, which can lead to unconsciousness.

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Most often, it's about rashes, stinging in the mouth, and perhaps a couple of days of stomach problems. But serious cases are very rare, especially among children.

Peter Hultén, a pharmacist at the Poison Information Center, confirmed that parents frequently call about children ingesting or touching potentially poisonous plants. He stressed that severe poisoning cases are uncommon, and most incidents result in minor issues like rashes or a few days of stomach upset. "Most often, it's about rashes, stinging in the mouth, and perhaps a couple of days of stomach problems. But serious cases are very rare, especially among children," Hultén stated.

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They grow in what one can call messy environments, around houses and barns, and nowadays these types of plants are cleared away a bit more often.

Experts advise staying informed about these plants, as their appearance doesn't always indicate toxicity. Many have been present for a long time, though some, like hemlock and henbane, have become less common due to tidier environments. Tyler cautioned against widespread eradication efforts, viewing them as part of nature. However, he conceded that removing plants like giant hogweed, which often grows near swimming areas and playgrounds, could be a sensible precaution, even though it tends to regrow.

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It grows, among other places, near swimming spots and lakes where children play, and then it can be a good idea to clear it away. On the other hand, that's where it thrives, so it will surely come back.