The festive season–especially Christmas–usually brings out the best food, smells, friends, and decorations. Some of the plants used to decorate are extremely poisonous and should be handled with care to prevent small children and pets from getting sick. Just like poisonous potted plants you should not grow, some of the most decorative festive plants are the most dangerous.
You can still use these plants as decorations. Just ensure that you handle them safely and caution your guests about potential dangers.
Holly
Holly wreaths and table decorations are popular Christmas decorations. The entire plant–especially the bright red berries–is very toxic. Holly contains saponins and theobromine throughout the plant but they are especially concentrated in the attractive bright red berries. Theobromine poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and possibly death.
Theobromine poisoning–also called chocolate or cocoa poisoning–is very toxic to dogs and cats. Make sure children and pets are kept away from holly decorations.
Poinsettia
Potted poinsettias are everywhere at Christmas time. Their display of beautiful leaves makes for festive decorations. They are on this list because of their mythical reputation. Repeated studies show that poinsettias are not toxic to children or pets. A child needs to eat about 500 poinsettia leaves to get sick. Contact with poinsettia sap may cause a rash and itching. Be cautious with poinsettias but decorating with them should not cause any problems for children or pets.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe symbolizes good luck, love, and invitations to kiss. It is also highly toxic to humans and pets. The leaves and berries contain the toxins viscotoxin and pharotoxin. Ingesting American mistletoe usually only causes gastrointestinal discomfort. Eating European mistletoe can cause death.
Symptoms of mistletoe poisoning include nausea, vomiting, confusion, slow heartbeat, and seizures–which could be fatal. Mistletoe is safe to touch but ingesting even a small bit can be dangerous.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis bulbs contain alkaloids such as lycorine. They are very toxic to cats and dogs and make children ill if chewed on. Even the flowers can be toxic if chewed on. Poisoning symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, and possibly seizures. Make sure that children and pets can’t get to these beautiful flowers.
Yew
The dark green needles and bright red berries of the yew shrub make attractive holiday wreaths. A chemical called taxines is found in all parts of the plant and is extremely poisonous to humans and pets. Some of the many symptoms of yew poisoning include breathing problems, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and coma. Ingesting even small amounts causes toxic reactions. It may be best not to decorate with this dangerous plant for festive occasions.
Ivy
English ivy is designated a noxious weed and invasive plant in parts of the USA. This doesn’t stop people from using it as a holiday decoration. Ingesting any type of ivy can cause severe stomach pain and skin rashes, nausea, and vomiting. Ivy poisoning is not considered fatal and the seriousness of the poisoning depends on the amount eaten. Handling the plant can cause dermatitis. Ivy is toxic to both humans and pets.
Christmas Cactus
Christmas cactus plants are a staple in many homes. They produce beautiful pink, red, or white blossoms at Christmas and/or Easter. They are not as toxic as others on the list but they do cause gastrointestinal irritation in small children and pets if ingested.
Lilies
Lilies are popular holiday decorations because of their large flower displays. Make sure your cat can’t chew on lilies. Swallowing even a small bit causes kidney failure in cats. Ensure your cat can’t get to the lily plant or opt for a different decoration.
