• Some decorative Christmas plants contain dangerous toxins.christmas wreath image by Piter Pkruger from Fotolia.com
  
  While ornamental plants are festive and can make great holiday gifts, remember that some may pose a health threat. According to the New York Poison Control Center, "20% of all calls to the Poison Control Center involve plants." If you are afraid your child has ingested a toxic plant, call your local poison control center. With the exception of poinsettias, the following Christmas plants are considered to be toxic.
  
  

Mistletoe

• The white berries on mistletoe are poisonous.Mistel image by reises from Fotolia.com
  
  Mistletoe, a common Christmas decoration, grows in the wild. The mistletoe sold at Christmas usually comes from Texas and Oklahoma. The white berries that appear on the plant in winter are toxic to children and pets. To reduce the risk of poisoning, some sellers substitute plastic berries for the toxic real berries on mistletoe plants sold during the holidays. Toxins in the berries can slow the heart and cause nausea and vomiting. Keep away from children as swallowing even a few berries can be serious for a toddler. The stems and leaves of the mistletoe also contain toxins, but in lesser amounts.
  
  

Holly

• Holly berries are toxic.holly image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
  
  The berries of the holly plant are extremely toxic. They contain ilex acid which irritates the stomach, resulting in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea when ingested. Consuming 20 berries can be fatal.
  
  

Bittersweet

• Bittersweet is commonly used in floral arrangements and wreaths, mainly in the fall and winter when red berries are present. Although the entire bittersweet plant is poisonous, the unripe berries are the most toxic part of the plant. They contain solanine which decreases the heart rate and causes drowsiness and headaches.
  
  

Boxwood

• Boxwood branches are often used to make wreathes and swags. The twigs and leaves of boxwood branches contain buxene, a toxic alkaloid. Ingestion of this substance can cause stomach upset, convulsions, and severe respiratory problems.
  
  

Pine

• Pine trees also contain toxins. While small amounts may result in irritation and stomach upset, ingesting large amounts can be highly toxic. Handling pine material may also result in skin irritation.
  
  

Jerusalem Cherry

• Like bittersweet plants, the berries of Jerusalem cherry plants contain solanine. Ingesting these yellow to red berries can cause stomach upset, lowered heart rate, low blood pressure, shallow breathing and even coma. This is one of the most toxic plants commonly used for Christmas decorations.
  
  

Poinsettia

• Once thought to be poisonous, poinsettias are now considered non-toxic.Poinsettia Leaves image by Mary Beth Granger from Fotolia.com
  
  Long thought to be toxic, the poinsettia plant poses little health risk. Studies have shown that a toddler would have to ingest 250 poinsettia leaves a day to cause a serious problem. Like other plants, ingesting leaves and stems can lead to stomach upset, but poinsettias are now considered to be non-toxic.