Symptoms of poisoning include headache, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, and slow breathing. Many people wouldn't dream of celebrating Christmas without a Christmas tree. Are Poinsettias Toxic? Are poinsettias poisonous to dogs? JJ Harrison, via Wikipedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 license. The specific toxins in a mistletoe and the danger that it presents depend on its identity. I've read that African violets in bloom may be hard to find at Christmas, but they are available from November onwards in my local supermarket. Another important and informative hub here. It can cause gastrointestinal issues, convulsions, skin irritation, and more. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. This is the most dangerous aspect of the plant for most people. If you think your bird ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian or a poison helpline immediately. Amaryllis is another plant with the same genus and common names. The species is native to Tanzania and is found in tropical forests. Kissing underneath a piece of mistletoe is a popular Christmas tradition in some countries. They are available with pink flowers for people who prefer this color and feel that it matches the Christmas theme better. Poinsettia Are Toxic To Pets. Thank you for the comment. These are the only type that I buy. In most cases, poinsettia exposure causes only discomfort, including: A mild, itchy rash. 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. They can cause tremors and excessive salivation, among other health issues. The flower of the poinsettia is small and pale in color. Bill De Giulio from Massachusetts on November 11, 2013: Linda, what a well researched and timely hub. Mine seem determined to flower near the end of each year, no matter how they've been treated during the rest of the year. She loves to study nature and write about living things. The beautiful flowers of this popular vine are pleasant to look at, but it poses a serious threat to your pet bird's health. Handling English ivy can cause severe contact dermatitis, or skin inflammation, which may be accompanied by blisters. The reason that poinsettias are toxic to dogs is that they contain chemicals and saponins that can cause a reaction in your dog. Touching it may cause a rash. Poisonous: All parts of the plant if ingested Poisonous for: Cats : Is the Poinsettia poisonous? 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. Eating the plant can result in a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, depression, and a slow heartbeat. It seems like a good idea for families with young children or pets to avoid this plant and err on the side of safety. BerndH, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 License. Since I have both dogs and cats in my family, lack of toxicity is a very important factor in my decision to buy a houseplant. I appreciate your comment! The cactus has no leaves. Unfortunately, several popular Christmas or holiday plants are poisonous for humans and animals. They certainly are not meant to be eaten by humans, pets, or livestock, and ingesting poinsettias would probably cause some stomach upset—as would eating almost any houseplant. It has green leaves and can carry out photosynthesis. Unfortunately, Amaryllis is potentially toxic for people and pets. Ivy is poisonous when taken internally, although a large amount of plant material needs to be eaten to cause symptoms. Great information especially for plant enthusiast! The Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) is a member of the nightshade family of plants. Theobromine poisoning can cause gastrointestinal problems (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) as well as dizziness, a rapid pulse, and low blood pressure. I hope you have a great week, too! These chemicals are most concentrated in the tubers. Daffodils are popular, cheery spring flowers, but they can spell trouble for pet birds. Lillies can cause severe irritation to a bird's mouth and digestive tract. Toxic Principles: Irritant sap Clinical Signs: Irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally over-rated in toxicity. The widespread belief that poinsettias are highly toxic is a misconception. The plants identified as non-toxic in this article have been classified as safe by many reputable sources. The red berries may be especially appealing to young children or pets, who often like to put things in their mouth. Poisoning squirrels is not recommended because it is a very cruel method of killing them, as they undergo a painful death. Toxicity of a plant is determined by: Some of these factors are unknown, so it's wise to be very careful with toxic plants. Thank you so much for the visit and the lovely comment, Peg. Mine bloom in November instead of at Christmas, but the appearance of the colorful flowers always gets me in the Christmas mood. Far more worrisome are holiday bouquets containing lilies, holly or mistletoe. A Christmas tree is an essential part of many people's celebration. The plant contains a toxin called solanocapsine. Bringing special plants into the home and admiring their flowers, fruits, or leaves is often one of these traditions. Rat poison – It is not a guarantee that rat poison will kill squirrels because they rarely eat substances poisoned with rat poison when they find them. The stems are made of flat, leaf-like pads joined to each other in a chain. When ingested, mild signs of vomiting, drooling, or rarely, diarrhea may be seen. English ivy (Hedera helix) is often used in Christmas decorations. A mild stomachache, 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. Poinsettias are only very mildly toxic to pets, so ingestion of a poinsettia rarely requires medical treatment. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make their own food from simple nutrients, using light as an energy source. Judy Specht from California on November 13, 2013: Curiously a prime chemotherapy drug is derived from the yew tree. Thank you very much, Bill. 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. Because the berries might look like a tasty snack for many birds, opt for synthetic holly in your holiday decorations to keep your pet healthy and safe. I've actually written a hub about the use of taxol (paclitaxel) from yew as an anti-cancer drug. Poinsettias do best in bright but indirect light and away from cold drafts and heaters. They also have attractive, variegated leaves. In the fall and winter, the plant bears clusters of white berries that have a waxy appearance. :). I love coleus plants. 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. 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 scientific name of the poinsettia is Euphorbia pulcherrima. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on November 11, 2013: Thank you very much for the visit and comment, Pamela. The leaves are usually dark green but may also be green and yellow, which is a popular color combination in cultivated ivy. Some have a lovely mixture of red and green—the Christmas colors. The Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University considers cyclamen to be "toxic only if large quantities eaten", however. 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. 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. This plant has paired, oval leaves and yellow-green flowers. 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. Thank you very much. It can cause severe gastrointestinal issues and seizures in birds and other animals. They contain a substance called phoratoxin. Some species are more dangerous than others, but all of them should be treated as potentially harmful if they're brought into a house. Each aril surrounds one seed. Between our dog and the grandkids running around here it's good to know what's toxic so we can take precautions. If swallowed, it may cause mild irritation: nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These images are copyrighted. en:User:fir0002, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 License. The plant is also known as the winter cherry and the Christmas cherry. Saintpaulia ionantha is the most common species sold as a houseplant in North America. The Christmas rose, or Helleborus niger, has pretty white flowers that resemble wild roses in form (though not always in color). Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on November 19, 2014: Hi, georgescifo. The word "mistletoe" actually refers to many different species of plants. Far more worrisome are the plants listed below! Christmas cactus is not poisonous for humans, dogs, or cats. The colors are arranged in a variety of interesting patterns. "Poisonous" does not mean deadly. But bird owners should remove any lilies—including peace lilies—from the areas where their pets reside. To remedy this, you can use nuts or peanut butter to lure the squirrels to the poison. Interestingly, although holly berries are toxic for humans, dogs, and cats, they are edible for some wildlife. 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. Even bouquets brought into the hou… While the genus (Euphorbia) to which the poinsettia plant belongs does contain some highly toxic plants, the popular poinsettia itself is not toxic. Luckily, there are still some good choices that can be made for Christmas house plants. Luckily, non-toxic Christmas plants are available. English ivy (Hedera helix) is often used in Christmas decorations. In the case of Helleborus niger, the "petals" are actually sepals. While poinsettias are commonly hyped as poisonous plants, they rarely are, and the poisoning is greatly exaggerated. The Christmas rose is another poisonous plant whose toxicity depends on the amount that's eaten. Species Most Often Affected: cattle, horses, humans, sheep. The flowers are white or pale pink and may be single or double. Mrooczek262, via morguefile.com, morgueFile free license. Learn to recognize toxic plants, so your bird can stay safe. en:User:Jjhake, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 License. drbj and sherry from south Florida on November 10, 2013: Thank you, Alicia, for this important information about Christmas plants. These beautiful plants are often the centerpiece of holiday festivities. It's a … This is a serious mistake, since Solanum pseudocapsicum is poisonous. Apply a cool compress to ease itching. MM Del Rosario from NSW, Australia on November 22, 2013: Well written hub. Growing amaryllis from bulb to flower can be a fun indoor gardening experience, but it will put your pet bird at risk. I enjoy them outdoors if I decide not to bring them indoors. Then place it in an elevated area where squirrels go but your pets and people won’t go. Some plant poisons are dangerous for everyone, even when ingested in tiny quantities. Yews are conifers, or cone bearers. The more berries that are eaten, the more likely that sufficient theobromine will be ingested to cause poisoning. Be especially careful if you acquire morning glory seeds for planting, as they contain a dangerous chemical similar to LSD. Poinsettias are native to Central America and Mexico, so you most likely won't find them while hiking the foothills of Boise this year. 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. https://www.petcarerx.com/article/are-poinsettias-poisonous-to-cats/1477 Thanks for the comment, Martin. The plant does not have dangerous effects when eaten. It certainly wouldn't be a pleasant Christmas for a child or pet who develops a gastrointestinal upset due to eating a plant. A very popular misconception is that poinsettias are poisonous, but scientific tests have shown that this is false. Lush, green ivy is a popular decoration in many homes. Belladonna is another name for the deadly nightshade plant, which is very poisonous. They grew so naturally in Florida we had them every year. Hi, Bill. 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. It says that a 50-pound child would have to eat more than a pound-and-a-quarter of poinsettia leaves to exceed the doses used in the Ohio State research, which would be 500 to 600 leaves. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on November 12, 2013: Thank you so much for such a lovely comment, Prasetio. They are all very beautiful - too bad that some of them may be toxic to small children as well as pets. 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. In most cases, exposure to any parts of the poinsettia plant in children or pets has very little if any effect. Sensitivity to chemicals can vary. Mistletoe here. I am surround by poisonous plants to say the least. 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. Some sources attribute the rumor about the dangers of poinsettia leaves to a case of poisoning in 1919 that led to the death of a two year-old child. The dose, as always, determines if a plant is safe source of nutrients or a toxic hazard. POISENDEX is the source of poison information for the majority of poison control centers. 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. The houseplant is non-toxic to humans but is toxic to pets. But if you own birds, you might want to opt for a safer decoration. The tubers taste bad, which reduces the chance that they will be eaten. Behind a sheer curtain is perfect. Holly. The word "coleus" is both a genus name and a common name. This can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, blurred vision, a slow heart beat, and low blood pressure. Several insects may attack poinsettias: white flies, fungus gnats, mealybugs and spider mites. A more serious concern is the toxin in holly berries. Some have suggested poinsettia are poisonous, but my research found nothing to support that. Evergreens make good Christmas trees and provide branches that become part of Christmas wreaths and table centerpieces. The combination of red arils and green needles make yew look very much like a Christmas plant. The flowers may be pink, red, purple, or white and often have a lovely fragrance. Thank you, Martie! 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. Skin contact with the sap of a poinsettia plant can cause a rash. They are often thought to be poisonous but research shows that poinsettias contain no chemicals commonly considered toxic. The poinsettia has had a reputation as a very poisonous and potentially deadly plant for some time. I don't have one in my home, though, because there are cats and dogs in my family. People who want to buy plants for Christmas should think about their individual circumstances. I love indoor plants but mine always die; I keep forgetting that I have them. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on November 10, 2013: Thank you for the visit and the comment, drbj. 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. It is interesting that such popular plants can be toxic! Cyclamen persicum normally becomes active during autumn, winter, and spring and enters dormancy during the summer. The Poinsettia is NOT A Poisonous PLANT T he widespread belief that poinsettias are poisonous is a misconception. Thank you very much for the comment, votes and share, Faith. Ingesting tubers may be more problematic than eating the leaves or flowers, depending on the amount that's ingested. 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. Christmas is a fun festival for many people and is often a very meaningful celebration as well. Firs, spruce, pine trees, and cedars are the trees that are most often used as Christmas trees and as greenery for decorations. I admire wild holly on my walks instead of bringing it home. The plants contain chemicals called triterpenoid saponins, which are toxic. In other cases, the degree of toxicity varies. The vegetative or non-reproductive part of the plant has leaves with pointed lobes, and the flowering part has oval leaves. As in the case of the word "coleus", the word "cyclamen" is used as both the genus name and the common name. Poisonous Parts: leaves, stems and sap. For years, poinsettias have had a bad reputation for being extremely poisonous. 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.. I have three cats and two dogs, so I'm also very concerned about poisonous plants in the home! The Christmas cactus belongs to the genus Schlumbergera, which is native to Brazil. It's an evergreen parasite that grows on the branches of trees and shrubs and inserts projections called haustoria into its host. They also provide cones, which add a nice touch to holiday decorations. The toxin is present in the rest of the plant too, but it's most concentrated in the berries. The leaves and berries of European mistletoe are poisonous. The berry is actually a structure called an aril that develops from a modified cone scale. I was surprised at many of the facts you presented, in particular, about the Poinsettia. It has needles for leaves and bears colorful red "berries". The milky white sap found in poinsettias contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents. Ivy grows in the wild and is also cultivated. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on November 13, 2013: Hi, tirelesstraveler. Thanks for the comment. I am sure many will be surprised at many of these plants. Though the plant is listed as non-toxic, there is a need for care when getting in contact with its sap. Such gorgeous pictures and fascinating facts! 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. The Christmas cactus is my favorite holiday plant. Blessings to you, as well! Plant toxins are widespread. The potentially harmful effects of Amaryllis are reflected in an alternate name for one species of the plant, which is belladonna lily. 10 Common Foods That Can Poison Your Bird, Quaker Parrot (Monk Parakeet): Bird Species Profile, 10 Things to Know Before Adopting a Pet Bird, The Cost of Purchasing and Caring for a Pet Bird, A Cuttlebone Helps a Bird Groom Its Beak While Providing Calcium. I appreciate it. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. Poinsettia plants are less toxic than once believed. Amaryllis contains a toxin called lycorine, which is most concentrated in the bulb of the plant. We all get on very well together. The plant lives indoors, but I took it outside to photograph it. Gastrointestinal upset is a common sign that your bird ate something toxic is, and a poisoning can easily turn fatal. Another popular holiday plant, mistletoe also can be deadly to pet birds. Cyclamens develop from a tuber that forms on an underground stem called a rhizome. About Poinsettias. It's a great shame that some of them are poisonous. They produce blue-black berries. The needles would be prickly and painful to eat. For many people, a poinsettia in the home is a traditional part of Christmas. The plants are generally easy to care for and are beautiful additions to a home. It's available with pink, red, purple, orange, yellow, or white flowers. I love my pets and I enjoy having houseplants in my home. Primary Poisons: phorbol esters. Christmas plants are so much fun! If your pet were to eat some or all of a poinsettia, you may notice drooling, vomiting or diarrhea. It's a shame that you lost your white poinsettias! The species that is most commonly associated with Christmas is the European mistletoe, or Viscum album. 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. It's an attractive plant, but it's classified as invasive in British Columbia. You might think having a shamrock plant will bring a little luck into your home—but not for your bird. The cactus is long-lived and very easy to care for. Thanks for the vote, too. It may also cause heart rhythm abnormalities and seizures. Keep in mind that if the poison is placed inside your home, the squirrel … The red "petals" are actually bracts, which are specialized leaves that surround a flower. Though most poinsettias are red, other colours are available. Luckily, there are some non-toxic plants that are an enjoyable addition to a home at Christmas time. Once upon a time I collected Coleus - a variety of the most beautiful colours. Where I live, the wild species is Ilex aquifolium, or English holly. bosela, via morguefile.com, morgueFile free license. I love all the plants you are featuring in here, Alicia. This one should do very well with the holidays coming. They contain several chemicals that can cause severe gastrointestinal problems. Yes, they are beautiful plants. 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. The bracts, which are typically bright red, but may be white, yellow, pink or multicolored, are the parts for which the poinsettia is prized. Wild ivy and holly with berries are growing near my home, so it's easy to see them on a walk. It's a climbing and creeping vine that looks very attractive as it trails out of plant containers. However, the following are other poisonous chemicals. The custom is supposed to bring good luck, especially in marriage. The species used at Christmas resemble the European mistletoe. A person will probably never get to the nausea and vomiting stage because many leaves have to be ingested to cause any effects. It's always nice to have flowers in bloom at Christmas time, though, whatever their color. Voted up :-). Holly is a great decoration for holiday festivities, but its leaves and berries are poisonous to birds. What Is the Difference Between a Softbill Bird and a Hookbill? I appreciate it very much! The plant is toxic for humans and pets. These flowers contain the chemical lycorine, which can be highly toxic or even deadly depending on the amount ingested. Rat poison can also kill squirrels. The haustoria absorb mineral nutrients and water from the host. Theobromine is especially dangerous for dogs because their bodies break it down very slowly. This is one of my Christmas cactus flowers. Who would have guessed? The shiny green leaves and bright red berries of holly are a cheerful and festive sight. Some manifestations of toxicity are subtle. It is easy to forget about a plant unless it's in a part of the home that we often visit! 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. These symptoms can be serious and include a burning sensation in the digestive tract, breathing difficulty, gastrointestinal problems, delirium, hallucinations, and seizures. An excellent hub for the holiday season. The scientific evidence demonstrating the poinsettia’s safety is ample and well documented. geralt, via pixabay.com, CC0 public domain license. Interestingly, as is the case for holly berries, some wild animals feed on yew arils without being poisoned.
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