Plants and fauna of Spain

Due to the size of Spain, every region has its own climate and unique species of plants, however, Spain is home to more than 8,000 of the 9,000 European species of plants. This makes Spain of particular interest to botanists.

The seasons also vary from region to region meaning that certain flowers will bloom at different times in different regions. In areas of high elevation such as the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada in Granada and the Picos de Europa, many flowers begin to bloom in early Spring as the snows begin to melt. These areas also have unique species, not found elsewhere in Spain such as the rare orchids.

The forests of Spain are as diverse as the flowers and contain a wide variety of pines such as Scotch Pine, Silver Fir and the Umbrella Pine. Oak trees are as widespread as olive trees and many are used for commercial puposes.

Common plants in Spain

With the right treatment and care, despite the often intense heat, it is still possible to have a colourful and varied garden in Spain. There are some plants that simply will not grow in Spain but most will survive.

Above and right is the Bougainvillea, a common climber in Spain. The deep purple is the most common colour but there are others. Another common climber in Spain is Jasmine. The scent can be overwhelming and it will climb and climb.

Poisonous plants in Spain

There are many plants in Spain that are harmful to pets and humas alike. Oleander bushes are proliferent in Spain and often used as boundaries. Whilst they may be attractive and practical, they are a killer plant if injested. Laurel is another common plant whose berries contain cyanide like substances and can be fatal if eaten. Aconite (Monkshood) is the most poisonous plant in Europe and can be fatal. Other poisonous plants include:

Caladiums
Daffodil bulbs
Delphiniums
Dumbcane (or Dieffenbachia)
Elephant ears
English ivy
Foxglove
Holly leaves and berries
Jack-in-the-pulpit leaves
Jerusalem cherry
Laurel
Lily of the valley
Mistletoe berry
Morning glory seeds
Nightshade (or Belladonna), especially berries
Oleander
Philodendron
Poinsettia
Poisonous mushrooms, especially Amanita
Poppy berries
Potato sprouts, roots, and vines
Rhododendron
Rhubarb leaves
Spider plant

Grasses of Spain

Esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima) flourishes in Castilla La Mancha and southeast Spain, especially in sandy soil. This slender, wiry grass has grayish-green leaf blades about 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches long. Artisans and weavers use the coarse esparto grass to make cordage, paper and baskets. The trade has died somewhat but is still popular in some areas.

Native to the mountains in Spain, giant feather grass (Stipa gigantean) forms a spiky clump of arching deep-green foliage reaching up to 2 feet. Large, airy, long-stemmed sheaths begin as purple and ripen to pale yellowish-golden flowers that emerge from the foliage in mid-summer.