Health Tip: Beware of Poisonous Holiday Plants

Be careful if you have kids or pets

(HealthDay News) -- Poinsettia plants aren't as poisonous to people and pets as was once believed, the Minnesota Poison Control Center says. But poinsettias do have a mild irritant that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, the center warns.

Other popular holiday plants, however, are more dangerous if ingested. The poison center offers this list:

  • Holly -- this plant's bright red berries are highly toxic and can be fatal if ingested, even in small amounts.
  • Mistletoe -- berries, leaves and stems of this plant are all poisonous.
  • Jerusalem cherry -- the bright berries and all other parts of this plant are poisonous.
  • Bittersweet -- berries, leaves and stems are all toxic.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
www.healthday.com