The scientific evidence demonstrating the poinsettia’s safety is ample and well documented. This is why chocolate is poisonous for them. Discott, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 License. A very popular misconception is that poinsettias are poisonous, but scientific tests have shown that this is false. Toxicity of a plant is determined by: Some of these factors are unknown, so it's wise to be very careful with toxic plants. There are many types of lilies, all beautiful and popular in floral arrangements. Holly. Some have a lovely mixture of red and green—the Christmas colors. Growing amaryllis from bulb to flower can be a fun indoor gardening experience, but it will put your pet bird at risk. Eileen Gamboa from West Palm Beach on November 11, 2013: It's interesting that the most popular plants associated with Christmas have some sort of history with toxicity. The plant contains a toxin called solanocapsine. The beautiful flowers of this popular vine are pleasant to look at, but it poses a serious threat to your pet bird's health. The plants identified as non-toxic in this article have been classified as safe by many reputable sources. Some manifestations of toxicity are subtle. To poison squirrels, you’ll need to crush a block and mix it with a nut based paste like peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. Species Most Often Affected: cattle, horses, humans, sheep. White-Eyed Conure (Parakeet): Bird Species Profile. Mine seem determined to flower near the end of each year, no matter how they've been treated during the rest of the year. English ivy (Hedera helix) is often used in Christmas decorations. The flower portion of the poinsettia plant is the cluster of small pollen-containing yellow buds at the center of the bracts [source: Benson].Among those who consider the plant poisonous, most believe it is the colored bracts that pose the greatest threat. The stems are made of flat, leaf-like pads joined to each other in a chain. Very importantly, African violets aren't toxic for people or pets. These houseplants are highly toxic to birds, along with cats, dogs, and other animals. It may very well be a problem for young children or pets, however. Far more worrisome are the plants listed below! Once upon a time I collected Coleus - a variety of the most beautiful colours. I have to wear gloves and long sleeves when I'm handling cedar or I end up with an itchy rash where the leaves have brushed against me. Martie Coetser from South Africa on November 10, 2013: Another most informative article about safe and poisonous Christmas plants. I was surprised at many of the facts you presented, in particular, about the Poinsettia. Thank you very much, Bill. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. The reason that poinsettias are toxic to dogs is that they contain chemicals and saponins that can cause a reaction in your dog. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on November 10, 2013: Thank you for the visit and the comment, drbj. Factors that should be considered include the age of any children in the family, the presence and type of pets in the home, and the potential toxicity of the plants. The plant does not have dangerous effects when eaten. Behind a sheer curtain is perfect. In a home without pets, coleus can be a beautiful plant to display indoors at Christmas and during the rest of the year either indoors or outdoors. The species that is most commonly associated with Christmas is the European mistletoe, or Viscum album. African violets don't have typical Christmas colors, especially the purple or blue forms, but they are pretty and colorful plants. Blessings to you, as well! Poinsettias not only are poisonous to birds—causing gastrointestinal issues, skin irritation, and other serious health problems—but they can make other pets and people sick, too. Belladonna is another name for the deadly nightshade plant, which is very poisonous. As in the case of the word "coleus", the word "cyclamen" is used as both the genus name and the common name. Many people wouldn't dream of celebrating Christmas without a Christmas tree. This is also one of the poisonous succulents with an irritant sap that can affect both humans and pets. The Christmas rose, or Helleborus niger, has pretty white flowers that resemble wild roses in form (though not always in color). Several insects may attack poinsettias: white flies, fungus gnats, mealybugs and spider mites. The poison is essentially blocks of grain cereal with the poison in it. The plants are generally easy to care for and are beautiful additions to a home. It is true, though, that the milky latex sap can be irritating to some, particularly individuals with sensitive skin, but the plant in general, is safe. It states that Amaryllis is toxic for pets and lists similar symptoms to those that appear in humans. Poinsettia plants are less toxic than once believed. Ivy grows in the wild and is also cultivated. These chemicals are most concentrated in the tubers. In the fall and winter, the plant bears clusters of white berries that have a waxy appearance. These flowers contain the chemical lycorine, which can be highly toxic or even deadly depending on the amount ingested. Poinsettias are not as toxic as other recognized poisonous plants. Holly is a great decoration for holiday festivities, but its leaves and berries are poisonous to birds. It's an attractive plant, but it's classified as invasive in British Columbia. The dose, as always, determines if a plant is safe source of nutrients or a toxic hazard. Thanks for the comment, Martin. This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. This is the same toxin that is present in daffodil bulbs. Firs, spruce, pine trees, and cedars are the trees that are most often used as Christmas trees and as greenery for decorations. They can cause tremors and excessive salivation, among other health issues. I also have the English Ivy growing by leaps and bounds against the brick walls on one side of my driveway and along the sidewalk leading up to my front door. the concentration of the poison in that part at the time of ingestion, the amount of plant material that is eaten, the body size of the person or animal ingesting the poison, the health of the individual ingesting the poison, individual susceptibility to harm from the poison. If a child or pet knocks the pot down and breaks it, or if a pet likes to dig in the soil of a plant pot, it will be easier to get to the tubers. Squirrel Poison. The plant is toxic for humans and pets. If bait and traps aren’t working and you need another solution, you can try using squirrel poisons to take care of the problem. Lillies can cause severe irritation to a bird's mouth and digestive tract. The word "mistletoe" actually refers to many different species of plants. The leaves are usually dark green but may also be green and yellow, which is a popular color combination in cultivated ivy. They are obviously designed to attract the Christmas market because they are located right next to the Christmas cacti and are often placed inside little carrying bags that are decorated with Christmas scenes. "Poisonous" does not mean deadly. Keep in mind that if the poison is placed inside your home, the squirrel … Philodendrons are common houseplants whose foliage can add a jungle vibe to your home, but they're not safe for birds. The needles would be prickly and painful to eat. While the genus (Euphorbia) to which the poinsettia plant belongs does contain some highly toxic plants, the popular poinsettia itself is not toxic. The plant is associated with several symptoms if ingested, including causing problems in the digestive system of the animal. The species is native to Tanzania and is found in tropical forests. It flowers during late winter or early spring. :). The Christmas cactus is my favorite holiday plant. The word "coleus" is both a genus name and a common name. Faith Reaper from southern USA on November 11, 2013: This is a most timely article here to inform all of those poisonous Christmas plants, we all seem to have in our home during the Christmas season for sure. I admire wild holly on my walks instead of bringing it home. bosela, via morguefile.com, morgueFile free license. Linda Crampton is a writer and teacher with an honors degree in biology. Poinsettia is a plant that was once considered to be very poisonous but is now classified as non-toxic or only mildly toxic. Yews are conifers, or cone bearers. Aftabbanoori, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 License. Their leaves are so beautiful! However, eating the plant is NOT recommended. The cactus has no leaves. These will help get rid of squirrels for good, but it requires the extra labor of finding the squirrels after they die and can even be very dangerous. They are all very beautiful - too bad that some of them may be toxic to small children as well as pets. People who own parrots and other pet birds must be careful regarding the types of plants they allow in their homes, as many common houseplants are highly toxic to birds. This is a serious mistake, since Solanum pseudocapsicum is poisonous. Cyclamens have beautiful flowers with upright petals that are sometimes twisted. The toxin is present in the rest of the plant too, but it's most concentrated in the berries. The plant is native to Central America and was introduced to the United States in 1825 by Joel Roberts Poinsett. I am sure many will be surprised at many of these plants. This plant has paired, oval leaves and yellow-green flowers. It produces clusters of beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a variety of lovely colors, including a deep Christmas red. In most cases, exposure to any parts of the poinsettia plant in children or pets has very little if any effect. The plants contain chemicals called triterpenoid saponins, which are toxic. If swallowed, it may cause mild irritation: nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Petr Flippov, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 License, Mature and immature cones of the European yew, or Taxus baccata, Didier Descouens. Another important and informative hub here. Amaryllis is another plant with the same genus and common names. Luckily, non-toxic Christmas plants are available. However, squirrels can detect rat poison and tend to avoid places where they are placed. The red "petals" are actually bracts, which are specialized leaves that surround a flower. I appreciate the vote, too. It can cause severe gastrointestinal issues and seizures in birds and other animals. Poinsett was the first US minister to Mexico. It's sometimes used for this purpose. When ingested, mild signs of vomiting, drooling, or rarely, diarrhea may be seen. Hi, Bill. In other cases, the degree of toxicity varies. I appreciate it very much! geralt, via pixabay.com, CC0 public domain license. For many people, a poinsettia in the home is a traditional part of Christmas. Some species are more dangerous than others, but all of them should be treated as potentially harmful if they're brought into a house. The cactus is long-lived and very easy to care for. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make their own food from simple nutrients, using light as an energy source. MM Del Rosario from NSW, Australia on November 22, 2013: Well written hub. Thank you very much. Cyclamen poisoning may cause severe vomiting and diarrhea accompanied by significant fluid loss from the body. It's a great shame that some of them are poisonous. Eating bulb tissue (or a very large amount of leaf or flower tissue) can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and convulsions. In other cases a plant may have such a low toxicity that a person may not be worried about bringing the plant indoors. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on November 12, 2013: Thank you so much for such a lovely comment, Prasetio. It has two kinds of leaves. Like the Christmas myths about Santa Claus, flying reindeer, and a toy workshop in the North Pole, the belief that poinsettias are poisonous is FALSE. Most people would never bring a very toxic plant into a home which contains young children and pets. Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on November 11, 2013: This is excellent information to know as I have two cats and am concerned about what is poisonous for them. If they were put into the mouth or swallowed they would likely injure the lining of the mouth and the digestive tract. Ivy is poisonous when taken internally, although a large amount of plant material needs to be eaten to cause symptoms. Contact with the sap of a poinsettia may cause the skin to develop a mild itch, however. These beautiful plants are often the centerpiece of holiday festivities. Poisonous: All parts of the plant if ingested Poisonous for: Cats Poinsettia leaves produce a milky sap that can irritate a pet’s mouth, esophagus, eyes and skin. It's always nice to have flowers in bloom at Christmas time, though, whatever their color. A more serious concern is the toxin in holly berries. Evergreens make good Christmas trees and provide branches that become part of Christmas wreaths and table centerpieces. The real petals are inconspicuous. Yes, they are beautiful plants. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. A mistletoe plant is classified as a hemiparasite instead of a full parasite because it isn't entirely dependent on its host for survival. The flowers may be pink, red, purple, or white and often have a lovely fragrance. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. This one should do very well with the holidays coming. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on November 13, 2013: Hi, tirelesstraveler. Many people wish to poison squirrels because they view them as "vermin" that harm crops or spread disease. Using the plant in Christmas decorations is a bad idea because it's very poisonous for people, pets, horses, and livestock. Researchers are now saying that poinsettias are not poisonous or only slightly so and that the early assessment of the plant's toxicity was flawed. I appreciate your comment, vote and shares. Andy Mabbett, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 license. Thank you, Martie! The combination of red arils and green needles make yew look very much like a Christmas plant. It is interesting that such popular plants can be toxic! If you think your bird ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian or a poison helpline immediately. Thanks for the vote, too. They grew so naturally in Florida we had them every year. Daffodils are popular, cheery spring flowers, but they can spell trouble for pet birds. Thank you for the lovely comment, DDE. Are Poinsettias Toxic? The leaves and berries of European mistletoe are poisonous. People who want to buy plants for Christmas should think about their individual circumstances. This is the most dangerous aspect of the plant for most people. : Is the Poinsettia poisonous? Thank you very much for the comment, votes and share, Faith. They also climb into bird feeders and empty them of seed. Other people may be curious as to how squirrels can eat so many foods that are poisonous to human beings, such as acorns and poisonous mushrooms. All parts of the plant are toxic and can cause serious irritation to a bird's mouth, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting, among other symptoms. The shiny green leaves and bright red berries of holly are a cheerful and festive sight. For years, poinsettias have had a bad reputation for being extremely poisonous. Common Name: Poinsettia, Spurges, Snow on the Mountain. The flowers are small and yellow-green in color and are borne in clusters. If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance, call the APCC at (888) 426-4435 or contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible. Family or personal traditions are especially popular at this time of year. An informative, useful, interesting and I vote up on this hub. I appreciate it. Between our dog and the grandkids running around here it's good to know what's toxic so we can take precautions. Yew poisoning can also cause a headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, breathing difficulties, trembling, convulsions, dilated pupils, and a coma. They are available with pink flowers for people who prefer this color and feel that it matches the Christmas theme better. Thank you for the comment. I enjoy them outdoors if I decide not to bring them indoors. Interestingly, although holly berries are toxic for humans, dogs, and cats, they are edible for some wildlife. In most cases, poinsettia exposure causes only discomfort, including: A mild, itchy rash. It's possible that one or more of them may not be harmless for a particular person or animal due to individual sensitivities. Lush, green ivy is a popular decoration in many homes. Great information especially for plant enthusiast! The flower of the poinsettia is small and pale in color. The haustoria absorb mineral nutrients and water from the host. They also provide cones, which add a nice touch to holiday decorations. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on November 11, 2013: Thank you very much for the visit and comment, Pamela. A yew is an evergreen tree or shrub in the genus Taxus. While it does add a beautiful accent to a room, several types of ivy—including the common English ivy—can be deadly to any pet birds who share your home. We all get on very well together. They are only very mildly toxic and usually cause no problem, since children and pets are generally uninterested in eating them. The potentially harmful effects of Amaryllis are reflected in an alternate name for one species of the plant, which is belladonna lily. It seems like a good idea for families with young children or pets to avoid this plant and err on the side of safety. Handling English ivy can cause severe contact dermatitis, or skin inflammation, which may be accompanied by blisters. This is one of my Christmas cactus flowers. Cyclamen persicum normally becomes active during autumn, winter, and spring and enters dormancy during the summer. Mine bloom in November instead of at Christmas, but the appearance of the colorful flowers always gets me in the Christmas mood. A person will probably never get to the nausea and vomiting stage because many leaves have to be ingested to cause any effects. This probably won't be a problem for adults or older children, who aren't likely to eat any part of a toxic plant and are probably prepared to wear gloves if necessary when handling the plant. Bringing special plants into the home and admiring their flowers, fruits, or leaves is often one of these traditions. Poisonous Parts: leaves, stems and sap. Thank you so much for the visit and the lovely comment, Peg. Your photos are so gorgeous and crisp they look like they could be touched right through the page. The toxin in holly is theobromine, an alkaloid chemical that is also found in cocoa and chocolate and is quite similar in structure to caffeine. They contain several chemicals that can cause severe gastrointestinal problems. The leaves and unripe fruit contain the highest concentration of the toxin. The flowers are white or pale pink and may be single or double. Theobromine poisoning can cause gastrointestinal problems (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) as well as dizziness, a rapid pulse, and low blood pressure. via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 License. The milky white sap found in poinsettias contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents. These include the Easter lily with white fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers, the deep-orange tiger lily with its typical brown spots, Asiatic and Japanese lilies, lily hybrids, and daylillies such as the popular Stella de Oro Daylily.. Such gorgeous pictures and fascinating facts! Plant breeders have created plants with a variety of other bract colors, including pink, orange, white, and marbled. Ingesting tubers may be more problematic than eating the leaves or flowers, depending on the amount that's ingested. If your pet were to eat some or all of a poinsettia, you may notice drooling, vomiting or diarrhea. Mrooczek262, via morguefile.com, morgueFile free license. drbj and sherry from south Florida on November 10, 2013: Thank you, Alicia, for this important information about Christmas plants. It has needles for leaves and bears colorful red "berries". I appreciate the share and the pin, too! Thanks for the comment. If this happens, wash the affected area with soap and water. Some have suggested poinsettia are poisonous, but my research found nothing to support that. Peg Cole from Northeast of Dallas, Texas on November 19, 2014: This timely hub is useful to those of us who will be bringing in plants this year for Christmas and for gifts. Though most poinsettias are red, other colours are available. The fruits of the Jerusalem cherry are sometimes confused with cherry tomatoes. Though the plant is listed as non-toxic, there is a need for care when getting in contact with its sap. They are often thought to be poisonous but research shows that poinsettias contain no chemicals commonly considered toxic. Plant safety is something we're concerned about in my family, since we have lots of pets. Plant toxins are widespread. Far more worrisome are holiday bouquets containing lilies, holly or mistletoe. prasetio30 from malang-indonesia on November 12, 2013: You always be the best here, as your passion in sharing useful information like this one.. again..and again. Some plant poisons are dangerous for everyone, even when ingested in tiny quantities. Thanks for the comment! The houseplant is non-toxic to humans but is toxic to pets. The photos are beautiful. Poinsettias are native to Central America and Mexico, so you most likely won't find them while hiking the foothills of Boise this year. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats, which may occasionally be bloody. The species used at Christmas resemble the European mistletoe. Then place it in an elevated area where squirrels go but your pets and people won’t go. According to the ASPCA, Poinsettias are considered only mildly toxic to some dogs and cats - meaning that it does not pose a serious or fatal threat to animals. Many lilies are highly toxic for cats. About Poinsettias. The Christmas cactus belongs to the genus Schlumbergera, which is native to Brazil. The bracts, which are typically bright red, but may be white, yellow, pink or multicolored, are the parts for which the poinsettia is prized. Great job. Judy Specht from California on November 13, 2013: Curiously a prime chemotherapy drug is derived from the yew tree. ASPCA (American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) says that poinsettia is toxic for dogs and cats, causing stomach upset and occasional vomiting, but also says that the plant is "generally over-rated in toxicity". The tubers taste bad, which reduces the chance that they will be eaten. A careful pattern of light and dark periods is necessary to get the normally green bracts of a poinsettia to develop their typical red color. KenWiedemann / Getty Images. I didn't know there were so many varieties of mistletoe! Poinsettias are only very mildly toxic to pets, so ingestion of a poinsettia rarely requires medical treatment. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on November 19, 2014: Hi, georgescifo. The ASPCA website contains a list of plants that are toxic for cats, dogs, and horses. A flower of the Christmas rose, or Helleborus niger, Mihael Simonič, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 License. In North America, the native mistletoes belong to the genus Phoradendron. Though milky sap from other euphorbias can cause severe effects in animals and humans, the milky sap from poinsettias are reportedly less toxic (14). The plant is also known as the winter cherry and the Christmas cherry. These images are copyrighted. Some people may have a safe place to put plants that is out of reach of children and pets. Plant breeders are creating lots of new and very appealing varieties of coleus. One potential problem with bringing holly indoors is the fact that the prickles on the leaves can damage the skin, mouth, and digestive tract of a child or pet. Hence, it was names as Poinsettia. Another point to consider is that while the Christmas tree itself may not be a problem, the additives placed in the tree water to prolong the plant's life may be harmful for pets. They also have attractive, variegated leaves. • The deer, squirrels and rabbits did not bother these plants. The more berries that are eaten, the more likely that sufficient theobromine will be ingested to cause poisoning. Toxicity primarily depends on the plant variety, the size of the bird, and how much the bird ate. This isn't likely because the leaves taste bad. The website of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew states that although "as few as three or four berries" can cause a stomach ache in a child, poisoning is rarely serious in people. Here’s the real truth about the toxicity of poinsettias: You can relax and enjoy these gorgeous plants in your home, even if you have pets or young children. To remedy this, you can use nuts or peanut butter to lure the squirrels to the poison. Yes, it is interesting. It might not be so easy to make a decision about mildly toxic plants. Primary Poisons: phorbol esters. The National Institutes of Health says that poinsettia is "not poisonous" for humans. I love all the plants you are featuring in here, Alicia.
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