The bright red berries adorning festive greenery are a classic sight during the winter season. These small, colorful orbs are not a single species, but rather the fruit of several different plants commonly incorporated into holiday decorations like wreaths and garlands. Understanding which plant species are being used is important for proper identification and ensuring safety, especially regarding potential toxicity.
The Most Common Berry: Holly
The quintessential red berries used in wreaths belong to the genus Ilex, most notably English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) and American Holly (Ilex opaca). The berries are small, typically about a quarter-inch in diameter, and feature a brilliant, glossy red color. Holly is an evergreen plant, meaning the berries are presented alongside foliage that remains green year-round. The leaves are dark green, leathery, and possess sharply tipped or spiny edges. The combination of the bright red fruit against the dark, spiky, evergreen leaves is the traditional look for this plant.
Other Real Berries Used in Wreaths
While the classic holly provides the signature look, the most common alternative is Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), a deciduous shrub belonging to the same genus. This plant sheds its leaves in the fall, allowing the bright red berries to cluster densely along the bare, gray-brown stems. The absence of the traditional spiny, evergreen foliage is the key differentiator for Winterberry, which often has a more profuse berry display. Occasionally, other natural materials like small ornamental crabapples or dried cranberries are incorporated into wreaths for texture and color.
Toxicity and Safety for Homes and Pets
The primary concern regarding real berries on wreaths is their toxicity, as the majority of those used are not safe for consumption. Both Holly and Winterberry contain saponins, chemical compounds that cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. These saponins are found in the berries and leaves, and the berries are particularly appealing to children and pets. Ingestion of even a small number of berries can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
While the effects can cause discomfort and dehydration, all wreaths containing real berries should be placed completely out of reach of small children and household pets. If accidental ingestion is suspected, contact a medical professional or the Poison Control Center immediately for guidance.
Identifying Artificial Berries
Most commercially produced wreaths utilize artificial materials. These faux berries are typically made from plastic, foam, or coated styrofoam, often mounted onto a fine wire stem or a plastic sprig. A close inspection will reveal several key differences from natural fruit. Artificial berries usually exhibit a perfectly uniform color and shape, often with an unnatural, high-gloss sheen. The lack of a true stem connecting the berry to the branch, instead being glued or wired in place, is a clear sign the fruit is not real.