By Cole Lauterbach for the Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (IRN) — Eating winter decorations like holly, poinsettia, and mistletoe can lead to an unpleasant experience, but the Illinois Poison Center said the plants are not deadly.

“Unlike popular belief, these traditional holiday plants are not deadly when consumed,” said Dr. Michael Wahl, the medical director for the Illinois Poison Center. “However, the side effects are a bit unpleasant and can sidetrack your holiday plans.”

The Illinois Poison Center advises people to keep the holiday staples out of reach from children and pets.

“Ideally, you want to avoid ingestion of this plant at all, especially by young children,” said Carol DesLauriers, assistant vice president of the Illinois Poison Center.

The Illinois Poison Center recommends keeping track of any rogue berries or leaves or buying plastic plants.

“All you have to do is dust them off and then you can use them again next year,” DesLauriers said.

Should anyone ingest something they should call the Illinois Poison Center at 800-222-1222 at any hour. Doing so, DesLauriers said, could save an expensive trip to the emergency room.