Seasonal News

Christmas Yew - Taxus brevifolia

 Beautiful red berries and lovely foliage - perfect for decor. Yet this is one of the highest level of poison for your dogs, cats and horses!  Not only N/V/D but you may see difficulty breathing, seizures in dogs, tremors and even heart failure.  This situation will need immediate vet intervention.

Hollies - Ilex family and Mistletoe - Phoradendron spp.

These are also common wreath and decor materials.  Those bright red and glassy white berries looking so juicy can be toxic when eaten in larger amounts. Symptoms after ingestion include N/V/D but also abdominal pain.

Christmas Rose - Helleborus niger

 A lovely host gift and all-around pretty flower but keep those kids and pets away.  Hellebores are highly toxic and contain nasty cardiac glycosides which can lead to nervous system damage in severe cases.

Bulbs & Tubers

Most gardeners know that a lot of ornamental bulbs are highly toxic - amaryllis, daffodils, snow drops, tulips, hyacinths, autumn crocus, cyclamens, etc.  Several of these can even affect heart rate, blood pressure or cause seizures in severe cases.

Azaleas/Rhododendrons and Cedars

Often given as bonsai-sized plants, these flowering shrubs are also used in holiday designs.  Besides N/V/D, symptoms include weakness and potentially fatal heart problems.  Leafy cedars look wonderful as potted decor but the sap can be highly irritating.

Poinsettia - Euphorbia pulcherrima

Gardeners and most lay people know that poinsettias are bad for pets and children. In fact, Euphorbias in general are known for their irritating milky sap.  N/V/D and drooling will probably be the worst symptoms.

English Ivy - Hedera helix (invasive)

Chewing this will result in GI distress and may even progress to breathing difficulties.