Holiday Season Brings Poisonous Plants into the Home

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Poinsettia plants (Euphorbia pulcherrima) has toxic white sap.

During the holiday season many plants, cut flowers and flowering bulbs are used as decoration and given as gifts. Many of these items can be poisonous to both humans and pets with long-term negative effects to one's health. Plant poisoning can range from simple rashes and blisters all the way to organ damage and in severe cases death. Be safe this holiday season by being mindful of what plants and flowers you are either giving, receiving or decorating with. Common holiday plants that pose a toxic risk are; Amaryllis (bulb portion), Chrysanthemums, Holly (berries), Mistletoe (berries and leaves) and Poinsettia.

The entire mistletoe plant (Viscum album) is considered toxic.

Simple steps can be taken to help minimize the risk that poisonous or toxic plants cause when brought into the home:

Know what plants you have in your home and the health risks they pose
Place poisonous plants out of reach of children and pets
Teach children not to put any part of a plant in their mouth
Discard plant leaves and flowers in a safe way so that children and pets cannot get to them
Use protective gloves and clothing when handling plants that may be irritating to the skin
Wash your hands after handling plants
Don't garnish food trays or tables with poisonous plants

Amaryllis plant (Hippeastrum sp.) have toxin primarily in the bulb but also the leaves and stems.

Signs of poisoning range from dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomach cramps. Some plants cause irritation to the skin, mouth and tongue and immediate burning pain. The signs of poisoning may not appear immediately so if you suspect that someone has been poisoned by a plant, telephone your doctor of the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If you are advised to go to an emergency room, take the plant or a part of it with you (take more than a single leaf or berry). Take the label, too, if you have it. The correct name can result in the proper treatment if the plant is poisonous. If the plant is not dangerous, knowing the name can prevent needless treatment and worry.