holiday plants?
Fresh Christmas Tree
Brittle, fallen needles from fresh trees are a potential hazard to pets that work as part-time vacuum cleaners. While the risk of a needle causing damage is rare, keeping your tree tidy creates peace of mind!
HARMFUL PORTION: One dried needle
EFFECTS: Sharp needles can get stuck in throat
RISK RATING: High
Holly
llex genus
While these berries are iconic for the holidays, it only takes a couple to cause symptoms in children. Keep cuttings away from children and pets, and keep an eye out for any berries that fall off the clipping.
HARMFUL PORTION: <5 berries
EFFECTS: Vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, drowsiness
RISK RATING: High
European Mistletoe
Viscum album
This mistletoe does not inspire Christmas kisses. Just a few berries can cause severe symptoms! It is not native order sold in the United States, but it can be privately imported.
HARMFUL PORTION: <5 berries
EFFECTS: Vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, drowsiness
RISK RATING: High
Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera genus
The Christmas Cactus is extremely safe to have around pets and children. They don’t have needles, and even in cases of consumption and tummy upset, it’s not toxic.
HARMFUL PORTION: A few inches of stem
EFFECTS: Gastrointestinal upset
RISK RATING: Low
Poinsettia
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Poinsettia sap is an irritant, but it is very safe! Even for small children and pets, a small dose won’t do much harm beyond irritated skin or an upset tummy.
HARMFUL PORTION: >500 leaves
EFFECTS: Discomfort & irritation
RISK RATING: Low
American Mistletoe
Phoradendron serotinum
When romance and Christmas spirit are in the air, nothing compares to mistletoe! The American version is relatively safe, as ingestion rarely causes symptoms beyond a belly ache.
HARMFUL PORTION: >20 berries & leaves
EFFECTS: Gastrointestinal upset
RISK RATING: Low
