As decorative as Ilex is, all species of holly are poisonous. This applies not only to the berries but also to the leaves. However, the risk of the leaves being eaten by small children is small.
The beautiful red berries of the holly are highly toxic to humans
In contrast to the enticingly bright berries, the leaves have spines on the edges of the leaves to protect them from predators. For the native birds, however, the fruits are welcome food well into winter. For smaller pets, on the other hand, as little as two or three berries can be a deadly meal.
Symptoms of holly poisoning:
- already possible with the consumption of 2 berries
- nausea
- Vomit
- sleepiness
- paralysis
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- diarrhea
- cardiac arrhythmias
- kidney damage
- lethal to small animals
- important winter food for birds
tips
Be careful not to let small children put holly berries in their mouths, they are very poisonous. Even a few berries can be deadly for them.