Are Holly and Liriope Berries Poisonous? The Truth About Landscape Plant Toxicity

Paracelsus, the father of modern medicine, famously said, “The dose makes the poison.” That principle applies to holly berries: one berry won’t kill you, but a pie made from them would be dangerous. Most landscape plants—including liriope, holly, and beautyberry—may cause an upset stomach if ingested in large quantities but are rarely fatal to children or pets.

True high-toxicity exceptions include castor bean seeds, lantana seeds, and Carolina jessamine leaves. For a comprehensive list, consult the North Carolina Extension Service’s database on poisonous landscape plants.