“Deck the Halls” is a Christmas carol frequently heard this time of year. It describes the joys of the holiday season as we decorate our homes inside and out. Popular plants used to spread holiday cheer include poinsettias, holly, mistletoe and yews. But sometimes folks wonder whether it’s safe to have these plants in the home. Here are some pointers to keep you and your family safe this holiday season:

First brought to America in 1825 by Joel Roberts Poinsett, poinsettias are native to Mexico. They are a member of the genus Euphorbia. Several relatives of the poinsettia contain diterpenes, a toxin known to cause death. However, this is NOT the case with poinsettias. In fact, the 1985 American Medical Assn. Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants states that the poinsettia has not been found to produce fatal effects when ingested either orally or topically.

Though some people may have an allergic reaction to the milky sap, there has never been a recorded case of poisoning. The rumor of poinsettias being poisonous has been so persistent that members of the Society of American Florists sought to dispel it by eating poinsettia leaves for the press some years ago. Do not take this to mean we should start adding poinsettia to our salads. Lettuce is much tastier and far less expensive.

Three other popular holiday decorations — holly, mistletoe, and yews — are a different story. Usually used for their glossy green foliage in holiday centerpieces, their berries, as well as other plant parts, are toxic and should not be ingested. In most cases, the berries will cause a severe upset stomach and vomiting. However, there are rare cases of death. Keep these and other nonedible materials away from young children who may mistake them for something delicious.

Winter months can be drab, so we use plants to brighten the indoors. When decorating, consider plant toxicity. Most of the common holiday plants are safe and nontoxic. Nevertheless, use caution when decorating with holly, mistletoe and yews. Although poisoning is not common, it sure can take the holiday spirit out of any celebration if it does occur.