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The recall of several toys made in China, pets in the house including a new puppy, and several grandchildren under five has prompted me to write this article. I wrote this article during the holidays last year but feel it is important to be written again.

Household plants have become one of the nation's leading poisonous substances ingested by children. Any plants can cause unexpected reactions in certain individuals. Since this is the time of year for holiday decorations and plants as gifts, we need to be aware that some of them are toxic.

The poinsettia is everyone's favorite holiday plant. However, it has gotten a bum rap for years. It's been falsely accused of being poisonous, yet no deaths from this plant have ever been recorded. This doesn't mean it doesn't have toxic properties. If ingested, it can irritate the mouth and stomach, sometimes resulting in diarrhea or vomiting.

The sap may cause poison ivy-like blistering on contact with the skin unless washed off immediately. That's why it's important to place poinsettias and other holiday plants out of the reach of children and curious pets.

Eating the bright red berries of the holly will cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In more severe cases holly can injure the stomach lining.

The seed of the Jequirity bean, or Indian prayer bean, is poisonous if eaten and can cause death. This black-tipped, scarlet bean is used in many dry arrangements.

Every part of the Jerusalem cherry, solanum pseudocapsicum contains toxic substances. Eating the fruit or foliage will adversely affect the heart.

Nibbling on the greenish, white berries of the mistletoe can cause acute stomach and intestinal disorders.

One might not think the yew is toxic, but it is. The leaves, seeds, bark, and twigs of this evergreen can be dangerous. It can cause breathing difficulties, uncontrollable trembling and vomiting.

Babies, in particular, seem fascinated by the bright berries and shiny or colorful leaves found on many holiday plants and are often tempted to take a bite.

Although few plants cause death, you should contact your local poison control center if you suspect your child has eaten any leaves, berries, or flowers of these plants. Minnesota's poison control center is located at Hennepin County Medical Center. You can call them day or night at 1-800-222-1222.

There are other house plants which are very dangerous. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, the eight most dangerous houseplants are also the most common. They include philodendrons, peace lilies, holly, dieffenbachia, pathos, azalea, ivy, and umbrella plant. Some of these plants contain tiny crystals in their chemical make-up. This can inflame the skin with prolonged contact, or if ingested, inflame the mouth and throat causing airway blockage.

There are some suggestions that should be followed for both the home and yard. First, have the telephone number to your local poison control posted near the phone. Be sure you know exactly what type of plants you have, both inside and outside your home. If you don't know the name of the plant have it identified at the nearest landscape or garden center.

Label your plants with both their common and Latin name, if possible. If you have plants that are toxic or dangerous, find out everything you can about the plant in case they are accidentally ingested.

Finally, and perhaps the most important, if you use chemical fertilizers or pesticides on your houseplants or in your garden, keep them stored in their original containers. Don't transfer them into pop bottles, cans, spray bottles, etc. and don't take off the labels. Lock them safely away as these chemicals can be more dangerous than the plants themselves.

You can get more information at the Hennepin Regional Poison Center website www.mnpoison.org including a brochure about poisonous plants. Be sure to keep their number by your phone for any emergency (800)222-1222.

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VOICE MAIL: You can leave a question for a volunteer Master Gardener at our new phone number: 651-213-8904 any time of day or night. You can also get your question answered on the web at: www.extension.umn.edu/askmg.

The Chisago County Extension Office is now sharing office space with Veterans Administration in the Senior Center building at 38794 6th Avenue, in North Branch.

Information on our spring events, including the plant sale will be posted on our website as plans are firmed up www.extension.umn.edu/ county/chisago/mg.

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