Yes, mistletoe can be poisonous, but the risk depends on the species and who is exposed. Small accidental ingestions of American mistletoe—the kind commonly used as U.S. holiday decor—are not likely to cause serious poisoning in people, though stomach upset is possible. European mistletoe has more serious oral toxicity concerns, and American mistletoe can also make pets ill. Keep the plant away from children and animals, and contact the appropriate poison or veterinary service after a suspected ingestion.
Why do people kiss under mistletoe?
The custom is an established British festive tradition by the late eighteenth century. English Heritage says kissing under mistletoe is thought to have first been recorded in the 1784 comic opera Two to One (English Heritage). That documented record does not establish that the familiar Norse story of Baldr caused the modern custom.
Is mistletoe poisonous?
“Mistletoe” can mean different plants, so a blanket claim that all mistletoe is equally dangerous is misleading. American mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) is commonly used for U.S. holiday decorations. European mistletoe (Viscum album) is a different species. The effects also depend on the exposure: incidental contact or a small accidental ingestion is not the same as deliberately taking an oral preparation.
American mistletoe and people
Poison Control says: “Swallowing American mistletoe can cause symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset but is not likely to cause serious poisoning if small amounts are unintentionally swallowed.” This is not a safe-dose guarantee; it applies to small accidental ingestions of American mistletoe, not other species, concentrated preparations, pets, or every possible exposure. Poison Control advises that mistletoe should not be used to decorate food (Poison Control).
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- Proper dimension: each pillar candle ring's inner diameter measures approx. 8 cm/ 3.1 inches, that is the appropriate size for most pillar candles, and can match well with the edge of the candle, a delicate table decoration for your home
- Sufficient quantity: the package that you receive includes 5 pieces of artificial mistletoe wreaths with pearl accents candle rings, which the enough quantity and rustic greenery style can meet your needs for decorating candles.Note: Our package does not include candles
- Natural Atmosphere: the candle rings for pillar are designed with artificial mistletoe leaves, and fake white pearls, vivid and elegant, which makes the candle wreath more beautiful and adds a natural and relaxed living atmosphere; This candle rings are very suitable as the centerpiece of the table at Christmas to create a unique Christmas atmosphere
- Wide Range of Applications: these pillar candle rings can be placed on cabinets, mantelpieces, dining tables, living room, bedroom, kitchen, office, desk, windowsill, or other places; This classic collection enhances holiday decor from modern to traditional, making it suitable for a fall wedding, festive dinner party, or Christmas mantel
- Give your loved ones: the artificial mistletoe wreaths candle ring is a good choice to send to your friends, family, neighbors, and so on, to decorating homes or parties, housewarming parties, home gathering, birthday, or other occasions
Poison Control summarizes a 1997 study by Krenzelok, Jacobsen, and Aronis involving 1,754 American mistletoe exposures. Children made up 92% of cases, swallowing accounted for 96% of exposures, most patients had no symptoms, and no fatalities were reported. Those findings describe the cases in that study; they do not show that every ingestion is harmless.
A separate study summarized by Poison Control described 92 exposures, including reports of up to 20 berries and five leaves. No symptoms were observed in cases involving five or more berries; 3 of 11 people who swallowed one to five leaves developed gastrointestinal upset. The displayed source summary does not give that study’s publication year. These observations are not a dose threshold and should not be used to decide that an amount is safe.
Rank #2
- Package Contents: the package comes with 3 pieces Christmas pillar candle rings wreaths, enough quantity and simple green style can satisfy your needs of decorating different candles and create a natural and warm living atmosphere
- Suitable Size: the inner diameter of each artificial mistletoe Christmas wreath with pearl accent is about 8 cm/ 3.1 inches, which is of moderate size and can be well matched with many candles, adding bright spots and festive atmosphere to the original simple and inconspicuous candles
- Simulated Plant Material: the mini Christmas candle wreath is made of simulated plant material, which is not easy to fade or tear, and easy to store; The different light green and dark green on the leaves make them look more real, and the matching pearls are like fruits
- Elegant Decoration: the Christmas floral wreath for pillar candle of full of green is decorated with simulated plants and pearls, which is vivid and elegant, adding natural green to the candle holder and making it more beautiful
- Versatile Usage: these Christmas pillar candle wreaths can be applied to decorate homes, housewarming parties, family gatherings, birthdays or other occasions, and can be placed on dining tables, living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, offices, desks, windowsills or other places to create a warm and loving environment
European mistletoe and people
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health warns that European mistletoe berries and leaves can cause serious harmful effects when taken orally. It also says the FDA has not approved European mistletoe to treat cancer or any other medical condition (NCCIH). Do not transfer the relatively reassuring American mistletoe exposure findings to European mistletoe or to medicinal preparations.
What happens if a dog eats mistletoe?
American mistletoe is listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. Possible signs include vomiting and diarrhea; rare or more serious signs include low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and a low heart rate (ASPCA). Pet Poison Helpline says American mistletoe ingestion commonly causes gastrointestinal distress and that large ingestions may lead to low blood pressure with a stumbling gait (Pet Poison Helpline).
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Rank #3
- You will receive: This set includes 1 artificial mistletoe wreath, with dimensions of: 11 inches. These decorations perfectly add a touch of Christmas joy to your home decor, featuring realistic red berries that enhance the festive atmosphere of your home
- Exquisite decoration: Our mistletoe Christmas decoration pendant is made of felt material and features white berries. It is exquisite and beautiful. These lifelike mistletoe Christmas decorations add a touch of vitality to your holiday season
- Easy to hang and display: Each mistletoe decoration comes with a jute rope ring that can be easily hung on doors, walls, fireplaces, or any other place in the home. The convenient design makes it easy to add to any space for holiday touch
- Special Significance: Mistletoe symbolizes love, peace and warmth, creating a unique festive atmosphere. Let its delicate branches and smooth leaves fill your space with an irresistible festive atmosphere, bringing loved ones together for a happy moment. Mistletoe kiss ball decorations make perfect holiday gifts for family and friends, conveying good wishes
- Versatile: These artificial Christmas mistletoe decorations are a wonderful addition to your party decor. They can be widely applied in indoor and outdoor decoration, festival celebrations, classrooms, parties, door frames, walls, fireplaces, Windows, stair railings, corridors, eaves, etc. In addition, they can also be used to decorate Christmas wreaths, table ornaments, winter home decorations, banquets, handicrafts and other creative projects
Human exposure data do not establish the risk for a pet. If an animal may have eaten mistletoe, contact a veterinarian or veterinary poison service rather than trying to diagnose the risk from the reported amount.
What to do after a suspected ingestion
For a person in the United States
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or use its online help service for guidance. MedlinePlus says not to make someone vomit unless Poison Control or a health professional instructs you to do so (MedlinePlus). The Poison Help number cited here is for the United States.
Rank #4
- Perfect Size: Each decoration featuring artificial mistletoe adorned with a red bow is approximately 9.1 inches/23 centimeters, similar to the height of a natural plant. They can be placed around the home or hanging on Christmas trees, mantles, or wreaths, or being used as floral accessories. It is sure to impress your guests and showcase your personal taste
- What's included: You will receive 1 piece of artificial mistletoe hanging ornaments, adorned with snowy glitter green leaves, white berries, red berries, and red bow . These beautiful decorative branches are perfect for creating Christmas decorations. The hanging mistletoe is securely packaged in a cardboard box, instead a plastic bag
- Artificial Mistletoe: These Christmas ornaments are not real plants, they are made of high-quality PVC and ferrous alloy, which are safe and odorless. Each component is handwoven and tightly connected, ensuring they are difficult to fall off, fade-resistant, and free from any worries of wilting or unhealthy materials. They are the ideal choice for Christmas decorations, sturdy and durable, capable of maintaining their shape and color for a long time
- Special Meaning: Mistletoe symbolizes love, peace, and warmth, creating a unique Xmas atmosphere. Its delicate branches and sparkling leaves add an irresistible holiday charm to your home, bringing family and friends together to share joyful moments. The Christmas mistletoe kissing ball decoration is the perfect holiday gift for family and friends, conveying heartfelt wishes
- Application scenarios: These artificial mistletoe picks serve as beautiful embellishments for Christmas trees, wreaths, doors, windows, homes, offices, shopping malls, as well as decorations for weddings, festivals, parties, ceremonies, and more.Create a dreamy and cozy festival scene for you, where every detail is filled with surprises and love
For a pet
Contact your veterinarian or a veterinary poison service after suspected ingestion. Do not wait for symptoms or use human exposure statistics to estimate a pet’s risk; the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline provide pet-specific guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to reduce holiday exposure
Poison Control recommends adult supervision at holiday gatherings, teaching children not to put plants in their mouths, and keeping fallen berries and leaves out of reach. Netting the plant and choosing artificial mistletoe are options to reduce access, not guarantees against exposure. Keep mistletoe away from food and serving areas.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Package Contents: the package comes with 3 pieces Christmas pillar candle rings wreaths, enough quantity and simple green style can satisfy your needs of decorating different candles and create a natural and warm living atmosphere
- Suitable Size: the inner diameter of each artificial mistletoe Christmas wreath with pearl accent is about 8 cm/ 3.1 inches, which is of moderate size and can be well matched with many candles, adding bright spots and festive atmosphere to the original simple and inconspicuous candles
- Simulated Plant Material: the mini Christmas candle wreath is made of simulated plant material, which is not easy to fade or tear, and easy to store; The different light green and dark green on the leaves make them look more real, and the matching pearls are like fruits
- Elegant Decoration: the Christmas floral wreath for pillar candle of full of green is decorated with simulated plants and pearls, which is vivid and elegant, adding natural green to the candle holder and making it more beautiful
- Versatile Usage: these Christmas pillar candle wreaths can be applied to decorate homes, housewarming parties, family gatherings, birthdays or other occasions, and can be placed on dining tables, living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, offices, desks, windowsills or other places to create a warm and loving environment
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