Are Poinsettias Poisonous?

With Christmas fever in the air, everyone is getting ready with their holiday decorations. Holly plants are popular Christmas plants, whose leaves and berries are often used as wreaths to decorate the doors. Similarly, poinsettias too are Christmas plants due to their red and green coloration. The big, wide green leaves and the prominent red flowers, bring alive the holiday spirit. As much as one would love to bring home poinsettias for Christmas decorations, a constant fear stops many from doing so. This fear is related to an alleged myth that poinsettias are poisonous. Everyone is bound to have at least a kid, dog or cat at home. Who would want to risk poisoning of their loved ones during this festive mood? This urban legend has many skeptical minds thinking, are poinsettias poisonous? So, let us find the truth.

Is Poinsettia Poisonous

Poinsettias were first associated to Christmas in the 16th century. These flowers are native to Mexico. Legend has it, a young Mexican girl did not have anything to gift Jesus on his birthday. An angel came over and inspired her to pick up the weed growing along the road. She then placed this weed on the altar and miraculously red flowers blossomed from these weeds. These weeds were poinsettias and thus, they soon became a part of the celebration. Also, the leaves are shaped like a star that symbolized the Star of Bethlehem. Soon, the poinsettias became a part of the American X'mas celebration. Find some interesting facts about poinsettia flower.

But, how is poinsettia associated with poison? People often ask are poinsettias poisonous before they bring home one. This is all because of an urban legend spread during 1919. It was said a 2-year-old daughter of an army officer died after she ate a poinsettia leaf. However, the story was found to be hearsay, but the rumor still lingers on. So, is poinsettia poisonous in reality?

Poinsettias are not toxic or cause poison. However, the thick milky sap may cause some kind of skin irritation or upset the stomach. If one consumes poinsettia leaf or flower, diarrhea and vomiting may be the only symptoms of irritation observed. The milky sap may even cause temporary blindness when exposed to the eye.

So, how did the rumor gain so much momentum when poinsettias are not fatal in any way? This is because Euphorbia pulcherrima or poinsettias belong to genus Euphorbia. This genus is known for its plants with poisonous and caustic milky sap. This fact may have added fuel to the rumor of poisonous poinsettias. The poison control center has proved that more than 500 to 600 bracts of poinsettias need to be consumed by a 50 pound child, before it may lead to a poisonous reaction. However, if one has allergy to the plant sap or latex, they should avoid coming in contact with the plant. This will avoid any form of allergic reactions to develop to be on the safe side.

Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Cats and Dogs

People with pets are often worried about the safety of their loving pets. As explained above, poinsettias are not poisonous to cats and dogs. However, poinsettias may cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats. Old cats or cats with some illnesses may react severely to the poinsettia sap. Thus, one should keep away poinsettias from out of reach of the cat. The Animal Poison Control Center, too claims mild reactions are observed in pets who eat up poinsettias. Gastrointestinal tract irritation is the only problem your pet may suffer from.

Poinsettia plants do not taste very good. A bite or so is enough for any curious mouth to spit out the plant eaten. Thus, the underlying fact related to the question are poinsettias poisonous is 'NO'. Just make sure you exert some precaution and keep away your kids and pets away from the plant. Or you may end up cleaning vomit on your expensive rug. So, if you wish to decorate your home with poinsettias this Christmas, go ahead. Happy holidays!