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Be Sure Holiday Greenery Stays on the Mantel

This time of year we all want to deck our halls and fireplaces with holiday greenery. Consumers should be aware, however, that some popular decorations can cause illness if consumed by humans or pets.

Dr. Susan Hamilton, associate professor of plant sciences at the University of Tennessee, says to be careful of accidental ingestion involving the following holiday greenery:

• Mistletoe - causes severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, and can be fatal.
• Holly berries - cause nausea and heavy vomiting, followed by diarrhea.
• Yew shrubs, which resemble nonpoisonous evergreens such as pines, firs, cedars, and junipers - cause dizziness, dry mouth and, in severe cases, death by heart failure.

Other plants to avoid consuming are Jerusalem cherries, laurel, and rhododendron.

Hamilton says the nation's number-one selling potted plant, the poinsettia, is the victim of an urban legend. Contrary to popular belief, the popular holiday flower is not toxic to humans.

"Poinsettias belong to the Euphorbiaceae plant family," said Hamilton. "This family of plants contains several highly poisonous members, but poinsettias are not one of them." However, Hamilton cautions that as with most plants, a child could have stomach distress if they were to eat the holiday decoration.

If you are going to decorate for the holidays with plants, Hamilton recommends keeping them out of reach of children and picking up any berries or leaves that fall to the floor.

If poisoning occurs, dial 1-800-222-1222 to get in touch with the Tennessee poison control center. If a pet is involved, contact your veterinarian or a local animal emergency clinic.

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Contact: Samantha Hill, 865-974-7141; Susan Hamilton, 865-974-7324