The holidays are a time for parties and entertaining, decorating both indoors and outdoors, and embracing all that the season has to offer. This includes, of course, festooning our homes with festive plants that represent the beauty and warmth of this time of year. Holly, ivy, poinsettias, mistletoe, and evergreens are just a few of the go-to foliage choices that add a touch of magic. However, it’s important to know that many of the plants we bring into our homes can actually be harmful to pets.
The following 10 plants contain toxins that cause illness or discomfort to pets and sometimes humans. By taking a few precautions, you can enjoy your winter decor – and your healthy, happy pets!
- Holly:
Some of the plants hung during the holidays trace their origins to the time of the Druids, who used them for reasons other than decorative. One of these plants is holly. Pagans embraced its prickliness, believing it could capture or ward off evil spirits. The leaves were also symbolic of hope, while the bright red berries were symbolic of potency.
Although it’s a beautiful plant, it’s best left for the outdoors. The sharp leaves can be irritating to a pet’s mouth and gums, and the berries can make both pets and humans sick if eaten. This is due to theobromine, a chemical that is structurally similar to caffeine. Though it’s found in very small and safe amounts in cocoa and chocolate, the amount in holly berries is enough to induce gastrointestinal distress, dizziness, and low blood pressure. It is especially dangerous for dogs who metabolize theobromine more slowly.
- Poinsettias:
Rumours of poinsettias’ toxicity (although greatly exaggerated) are still true to some degree. Native to South America, poinsettias have had a reputation for being poisonous for some time. While not life-threatening, they will make you ill if eaten in large quantities. The leaves taste quite bad and dogs generally avoid them. Curious cats, on the other hand, are more likely to ingest enough to make them sick.
- Cyclamen:
Cyclamen comes in a variety of colours and is an unique and pleasant addition to your wintry decor. The plant can be poisonous if consumed in large amounts, but it’s the tubers that are of most concern. The toxins in cyclamen, called triterpenoid saponins, are concentrated in the tubers, making them more dangerous if ingested. If you have cyclamen planted outdoors, keep an eye on pets, especially if they like to dig in soil and uproot your garden. If eaten, the toxins cause vomiting, diarrhea, heart irregularities, and fluid loss. (Cyclamen are not very palatable, but it’s always a good idea to know the potential risks of ingesting any plant if children are in your home.)
Mistletoe:
Mistletoe is another ancient plant used by the Druids. During special winter solstice ceremonies, it was worn around the neck as a fertility amulet and as protection against evil. It was harvested with golden scythes from sacred oaks while maidens stood underneath, catching it in their arms so that it wouldn’t lose its sacred power. However, both its leaves and berries are considered poisonous and can result in gastrointestinal distress. Although not fatal to humans, mistletoe is more dangerous to pets, with many reports of dogs dying after eating it.
Amaryllis:
Amaryllis comes in a variety of colours and is a popular choice for decorating. Unfortunately, its beauty disguises its potential harm. Amaryllis contains a toxin called lycorine which is concentrated in the bulb. Ingesting any part of the bulb’s tissues or large quantities of the leaves or flowers can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and convulsions in both humans and animals. One species of the plant, called belladonna lily (or deadly nightshade), is also very poisonous.
Coleus:
With its attractive variegated leaves, coleus is a popular choice for indoor decor during the holiday season. The good news is that coleus is non-toxic to humans, but the same cannot be said for pets. Toxic reactions include vomiting and diarrhea in both cats and dogs.
- Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger):
The loveliness of this sweet-looking white, pale green, or pink flower belies the adverse effects it can have on both humans and animals. Ingesting this plant can present side effects of varying degrees, including burning mouth and throat, cramps, vomiting, weakness, slowed heartbeat, and depression.
Yew:
The yew tree is another sacred plant from the time of the Druids and other ancient cultures. It has come to represent both death and rebirth, making it a tree that resonates with the solstice as the days become longer. Its lovely red and greens make it the perfect choice for Christmas decorating, but it’s also poisonous for people, pets, horses, and livestock. Yew trees have toxins called taxines that can cause a life-threatening irregular heartbeat. Other serious reactions include headaches, gastrointestinal issues, breathing problems, convulsions, and possibly coma. Though the bright red arils are not poisonous, it’s wise to keep yew trees out of your pet’s reach.
Jerusalem Cherry:
Another appealing green and red plant, the Jerusalem cherry (aka winter cherry or Christmas cherry), is a member of the nightshade family. It contains solanocapsine, a toxin that ranges from mildly poisonous to deadly. With berries resembling cherry tomatoes, Jerusalem cherries might be appealing to children and are dangerous to pets as well. Symptoms of poisoning include stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, slowed breathing, headaches, and drowsiness.
Christmas greens:
Evergreens like Christmas trees or cedar boughs are relatively harmless inside your home. However, the oil from cedar trees can irritate the skin and mouth and can cause an itchy rash. It should also be noted that if toxic additives are in the water in your tree stand, pets may be at risk if they sneak a drink from it.
Enjoy the season and make sure your pets stay healthy and safe by decorating responsibly, choosing low- or no-toxin plants for your decor, and ensuring that any plants mentioned above are out of reach of your children and furry friends.
Caledon Treeland provides high-quality trees that are perfect for your outdoor areas. Servicing Caledon and the GTA, we offer detailed instruction regarding the best time to plant your trees and how to help them thrive. Call us today at (905) 880-1828. We’re happy to help you make the right choice.