Holiday plants and greenery are cherished traditions. But under that pretty, green demeanor may be some toxins that are harmful to certain members of your family, including dogs and cats. Purdue Extension Porter County wants you and your family to be aware of some of the issues surrounding these holiday decorations.
Holly
All parts of the holly plant, especially the berries, contain the toxin theobromine. If ingested the holly or berries can cause severe gastrointestinal problems, low blood pressure and dizziness. The toxin in holly is especially hazardous for dogs and cats.
Poinsettia
The poor poinsettia gets a bad wrap when it comes to holiday folklore. While we have to wonder why someone would want to eat this pretty posey, it is not a deadly plant. If eaten it may produce only nausea or maybe vomiting.
Mistletoe
There are a number of mistletoe species available during the Christmas season, some more toxic than others. Treat all mistletoe as potentially toxic. The toxin in mistletoe is phoratoxin. If ingested it may cause vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, low blood pressure, and slow heartbeat.
Pine and Spruce Trees/Boughs
These evergreens cause none if any problems. While mildly toxic if ingested, they are unappetizing for pets or small children. Some peoples’ skin may become irritated from the natural plant oils on the greenery. Avoid the problem by wearing gloves and long sleeves when working with these plants.
Yews
Yews are an evergreen with flattened needles and bright red berries. The yew should not be used for Christmas decorations because it is extremely toxic to humans and animals if ingested. The toxins in the yew are taxines. Ingestion may result in breathing difficulty, convulsions, dizziness, gastrointestinal distress, and even coma.
Norfolk Pine
Remember before bringing any plant into your home, investigate if it poses a toxic threat to your children or pets. Two excellent websites on houseplants and their toxicity are the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants and Poison Control Center https://www.poison.org/articles/plant To talk to a Porter County Master Gardener about holiday plants or winter garden care, call the Hotline, 219-465-3555.
Christmas in Northwest Indiana:
5 Holiday Traditions – Thru Dec 31st – 5 Things to do For the Holidays Your Family Will LOVE!
Valparaiso Tree Lighting And Winter Fest – 2021
What’s on Theatre Stage this year Thru Dec 25th, 2021
Winter Lights Drive Thru – Valparaiso Thru Dec 31st
Holly Days in Valparaiso – Friday, Dec 3rd, 2021
A Christmas Story Comes Home – Hammond Indiana Nov 14th -Jan 2nd, 2022
Christmas At Barker Mansion – Michigan City Thru Dec 28th, 2021
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS DRIVE THRU – Michigan City thru Jan 2nd 2022
The Nutcracker – 8 shows, 2021
Candlelight Tour in Laporte Cancelled in 2021
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
