Health Tip: Beware of Poisonous Holiday Plants

(HealthDay News) -- Poinsettia plants aren''t as poisonous to people and pets as was once believed, the Minnesota Poison Control Center says. But poinsettias do have a mild irritant that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, the center warns.

Other popular holiday plants, however, are more dangerous if ingested. The poison center offers this list:

• Holly -- this plant''s bright red berries are highly toxic and can be fatal if ingested, even in small amounts.
• Mistletoe -- berries, leaves and stems of this plant are all poisonous.
• Jerusalem cherry -- the bright berries and all other parts of this plant are poisonous.
• Bittersweet -- berries, leaves and stems are all toxic.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Dec. 5, 2006

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