2006-12-04 15:38:41 · 10 answers · asked by eppate@sbcglobal.net 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
(m)
Poinsettias are commonly thought to be poisonous and cause death. THIS IS NOT TRUE. No case of poisoning by the plant is recorded. In fact, members of the Society of American Florists commonly eat poinsettias for the press each year to dispel the rumor.
However, this doesn't mean you should eat the plant. No plant should be eaten that isn't grown to be eaten.
The milky sap might cause an allergic skin reaction, though it does not affect everyone. Allergic conditions to poinsettias are similar to allergic conditions to chocolate, milk, wheat and poison ivy -- some people are affected but not everyone.
2006-12-04 15:55:31 · answer #1 · answered by mallimalar_2000 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No! This is a long standing "urban legend." Check out
snopes.com
for more information.
Nearly a century ago, a young child died of poisoning, and the poinsettia plant was blamed. However, there has NEVER been a documented case of fatal poisoning from ingesting poinsettia plants. The marketing manager of Paul Eckes Ranch, one of the premier poinsettia producers in the world, demonstrates this by eating poinsettia leaves. He says that they taste TERRIBLE, and it would be highly unlikely that anyone would ever eat the quantity (more than a pound of leaves!) that would be dangerous. You might get sick to your stomach, but you would not be poisoned.
2006-12-04 15:54:39 · answer #2 · answered by sonomanona 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nope. They are perfectly safe. My mom always told me they were poisonous as well. It comes from a death back in the early 1900's that they thought resulted from poinsettia leaf ingestion. Research was done and they found that none of the parts of the plant are toxic. A child of 50 pounds would have to eat 500 to 600 leaves in order to be harmed! If they are eating that many leaves then you had better feed them more! Anyway, they are as safe as anything. Go ahead and have them in your home.
2006-12-04 15:52:00 · answer #3 · answered by Wiirdo 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Like many plants that have a milky sap - they can cause skin irritation to some people.
FYI: They grown into trees here in Barbados and they do in fact bloom during December.:0)
2006-12-04 22:56:35 · answer #4 · answered by Barbados Chick 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go here to find out:
Fact or Fiction, Are Poinsettia Plants Really Poisonous? by MedicineNet.com
(although I read somewhere that the berries are not good for birds to eat)
2006-12-04 15:48:37 · answer #5 · answered by Paula G 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no i do not think they are dangerous because if they really were than people wouldnt want them
but every plant has its toxic parts and the poninsettias do have toxic parts but the good thing is that the toxic parts do not lead to death
2006-12-04 16:10:05 · answer #6 · answered by Do or Die You'll Never Make 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES! They are poisonous to both pets and people. Though, they are beautiful, keep them out of childrens reach or pet paws! So are holly leaves and berries. May I suggest going silk? Some are so lifelike, only you will know and they last longer, too! Merry Christmas, anyway!
2006-12-04 17:01:15 · answer #7 · answered by dwamback 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you or your child or pet eat them.
2006-12-04 15:40:50 · answer #8 · answered by Bullfrog21 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If consumed.
2006-12-04 16:37:30 · answer #9 · answered by steviewag 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes I think so my mother has always told me they were.
2006-12-04 15:41:55 · answer #10 · answered by heavenlli_61 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋