Other plants popular at Christmastime carry their own problems if ingested, from choking hazards to hallucinations.
Ah mistletoe: The holiday decor under which many a Christmas kiss has been planted.
It can get a lot less pretty if it's eaten.
According to an advisory issued Tuesday by California Poison Control, "All parts of the plant (known by its scientific name Phoradendron spp.) contain toxic substances and if eaten can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain."
The advisory goes on to say, "One to two berries or leaves eaten by a child will not result in serious harm." But it recommends, "As a precaution when hanging mistletoe in your home, place it in a piece of netting or a plastic sandwich bag."
In other words, practice safe mistletoe.
No matter the state, anyone with a question about poisoning or potential poisons can reach poison control by calling, toll free, 800-222-1222.
Other holiday plants carry their own risks, from choking hazards to hallucinations, California Poison Control says. Its other guidelines follow:
- Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.): This exotic plant from tropical America and Africa has brilliant-colored flowers and green strap-shaped leaves. A stomachache can occur if the bulb is eaten.
- Christmas Cactus: This is an old favorite during the holiday season. The arching, drooping branches are made up of flattened, scallop-edged, smooth, bright green, spineless joints. Rosy purplish-red flowers appear at Christmastime. This plant is considered nontoxic.
- Christmas trees (cedar): Eating the bark can cause a stomachache. The sap may cause an itchy skin rash.
- Christmas trees (pine, spruce and fir): The needles can cause choking but are nontoxic.
- Holly berries (Ilex spp.): The bright red berries of this plant are especially attractive to small children. Nibbling on one or two berries will not cause any symptoms. Swallowing more, however, can result in nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea.
- Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum): Swallowing this ornamental plant can result in vomiting, redness of the skin, drowsiness or restlessness, and hallucinations. This plant has bright orange and dark red berries. In rare cases, seizures may occur.
- Poinsettia (Euphorbia spp.): Eating many leaves may cause mild stomach upset. The sap from the plant may cause skin rash and should be washed off with soap and water. Contrary to earlier beliefs, poinsettias are safe in the home during the holidays.
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View full sizePaul Nassoor, of Easton, carries a large poinsettia plant at Cierech's Greenhouse in December 2012 in Pohatcong Township. - Pyracantha (Pyracantha spp.): This plant is often used in holiday centerpiece decorations because of its showy ornamental appearance. It has oblong, shiny leaves, white flowers and a lot of berries during the winter season. If large amounts of berries are eaten, a stomachache may result. However, most experts say it is safe for decorating use during the holidays.
- Rosary pea or the jequirity bean (Abrus precatorius): The jequirity bean, commonly used in Mexico, is often used in jewelry making because of its dark red color and black-tipped end. There is no harm if the beans are swallowed whole but they can be life-threatening if they are chewed prior to swallowing. Vomiting and stomachache occurs within a few hours after swallowing. This is followed by bloody diarrhea.
