- Are there plants that resemble holly?
- Are holly berries edible?
- What symptoms of poisoning does holly cause?
The holly is a very easy-care and decorative garden and hedge plant. The glossy foliage varies in color depending on the variety, and the berries can be yellow, brown or black, but are mostly red.
Oregon grape has blue berries (pictured here), not holly
Are there plants that resemble holly?
There are some plants with blue berries that bear some resemblance to holly, at least at first glance. This includes, for example, the common or thorn-leaf mahonia. It is often confused with the European holly as it also prefers the same location.
Oregon grape has similar dark green glossy leaves with spines as holly, but belongs to the barberry family. Their flowers are mostly yellow. Many parts of this plant are poisonous, but the berries can be used to make jam. So Oregon Grape could be an alternative to the very poisonous holly, especially in the home garden where small children and pets play.
Are holly berries edible?
Although the fruits of the holly tree are important food for birds, as they remain on the bush well into winter, they are poisonous to humans. Eating just a few berries can be fatal to young children. Pets are also not allowed to eat the fruit. In dogs, two to three berries are considered a lethal dose.
What symptoms of poisoning does holly cause?
The symptoms of poisoning caused by the berries of the Ilex are similar to those caused by other plants. Digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea occur. Cardiac arrhythmia, paralysis and kidney failure occur later or in particularly sensitive people. Two berries are enough to poison an adult.
The essentials in brief:
- blue berries rare in holly
- possible berry colors: yellow, brown, black, red
- most common berry color: red
- Holly fruits are very poisonous, even for pets!
- 2 berries are enough for symptoms of poisoning
- blue berry, similar looking plant: common or buckthorn mahonia
tips
If you have a “holly” with blue-colored berries, then it might be the common mahonia, which looks quite similar. This plant usually has bright yellow flowers.