Oudenburg warns about poisonous thorn apple

Municipality urges residents to safely remove the dangerous plant and dispose of it correctly to prevent spread.

Generic image of a toxic plant with flowers and fruits, possibly thorn apple, with a neutral background.
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Generic image of a toxic plant with flowers and fruits, possibly thorn apple, with a neutral background.

The city of Oudenburg warns about the thorn apple, a poisonous plant that is increasingly appearing in the region and is dangerous to humans and animals.

The thorn apple, recognizable by its flowers and fruits, is highly poisonous. Due to its dangerous nature and rapid spread, the municipality urges residents to remove the plant safely. Wearing gloves and covering the plant with a plastic bag during removal is recommended to prevent seed dispersal.
After removal, the bag should be sealed and taken to the recycling center. As the seeds are heat-resistant, the plant must not be mixed with organic waste or garden waste. At the recycling center, residents must first inform the attendant about the thorn apple, after which the bag can be disposed of with bulky waste for incineration.
If contact with the plant occurs and symptoms such as a dry mouth, dilated pupils, heart palpitations, confusion, or hallucinations are experienced, it is advised to call emergency services (112) immediately in severe cases. For urgent advice, contact the Antigifcentrum (070 245 245). Do not eat or drink anything and, if possible, take a photo or keep a piece of the plant for medical personnel. It is important not to be alone when experiencing symptoms.
For animals, the advice is to stop feeding them immediately and call the veterinarian.
Based on information from the official source: Stad Oudenburg (21/10/2026)