Ilex spp. is toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The reported severity is mild. Also known as Hollies, American Holly and European Holly.
If your animal ate this plant, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661. Fees may apply.
Vomiting Diarrhea Depression
The color of each symptom follows the severity scale above.
Ilex or holly is a genus of over 570 species of flowering plants in the family Aquifoliaceae, and the only living genus in that family. Ilex has the most species of any woody dioecious angiosperm genus. The species are evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide. The type species is Ilex aquifolium, the common European holly used in Christmas decorations and cards.
Holly can contain caffeic acid, caffeoyl derivatives, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, quinic acid, kaempferol, tannins, rutin, caffeine, theobromine, and ilicin. Holly berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea. They are especially dangerous in cases involving accidental consumption by children attracted to the bright red berries. Ingestion of over 20 berries may be fatal to children. Holly leaves, if eaten, might cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach and intestinal problems. Holly plants might be toxic to pets and livestock.
Also recorded as Holly.
More plants with mild severity:
Countries with the most wild observations, from GBIF data.