As decorative as Ilex is, all types 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 low.
Is holly poisonous to humans?
The holly (Ilex) is poisonous to humans, both the berries and the leaves. Eating just 2 berries can cause symptoms of poisoning such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, paralysis and cardiac arrhythmias. Even a few berries can be fatal for small children and animals.
In contrast to the temptingly bright berries, the leaves have spines on the edges of the leaves as protection against predators. However, the fruits are welcome food for local birds well into the winter. For smaller pets, however, just two or three berries can be a fatal meal.
Symptoms of holly poisoning:
- already possible if you eat 2 berries
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Paralysis
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Diarrhea
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Kidney damage
- deadly for small animals
- important winter food for birds
Tip
Make sure that small children do not put the holly berries in their mouths, they are very poisonous. Even a few berries can be fatal to them.
