Holiday poisons for people and pets

Just a few holly berries can be deadly toxic to humans and pets. (C) Fotolia.com

As we bring nature indoors during the holiday season, we need to be cautious in how we use it, especially if children and pets are on the scene.

It’s easy for kids to think the berries on mistletoe or holly are candy, so keep them out of reach. The Wisconsin Poison Center says as few as 20 berries from holly (Ilex) can kill a child. Pets, too, are at risk if the berries fall on the floor where they can be gobbled up.

American bittersweet is poisonous, so use care when decorating with leaves and orange berries, seen here climbing on a gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), which has white berries. Photo courtesy wildflower.org

The leaves, berries and stems of American or oriental bittersweet (Celastrus), native mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum), European mistletoe (Viscum) and Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) are poisonous, as are the red berries of yews (Taxus).

Every year, it seems like we need to remind people that it’s an urban legend that poinsettia is poisonous. Although the plant is not meant to be eaten, it is not poisonous. There might be some throat irritation, but you’d have to eat hundreds of pounds for there to be a toxic effect.

If you think a person or pet has ingested a poisonous plant (or any toxin), contact the Indiana Poison Center immediately, (800) 222-1222.

While we are on safety, chocolate can be deadly to dogs. Coffee and tea also are not recommended for dogs or cats because of the caffeine. Other foods that should not be fed to our pets: mushrooms, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic and Macadamia nuts.

Resources:

• Indiana Poison Center, emergency phone: (800) 222-1222
• Purdue University’s Holiday Greens
• Clemson University’s Decorating with Fresh Holiday Greenery
• The Human Society of the United States’ Poisonous Plants

2010 Hosta of Year is ‘First Frost’

Hosta growers name 'First Frost' the 2010 Hosta of the Year. Photo courtesy perennialresource.com

The American Hosta Growers Association has named ‘First Frost’ as its Hosta of the year for 2010. This plant has thick, clean blue-green foliage edged in a creamy white. It gets about 24 inches tall and wide and has lavender flowers.

You may be able to find this hosta in garden centers this spring. It is available mail order from Great Garden Plants, Plant Delights Nursery and Van Bourgondien.