2007-01-09 07:27:14 · 16 answers · asked by thedougster 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
No, poinsettias are not poisonous. Check out snopes.com for info. This has been a myth since the early 1900s.
The sap from the plant is very irritating, though, and some people with sensitive skin get a rash from handling it. If someone with a sensitivity to the sap ate some of the plant, they would likely get a very irritated and swollen throat, with a remote possibility of developing a breathing obstruction from the swollen throat. But because the taste is really nasty and bitter, it is unlikely that anyone would eat more than a tiny taste.
If you do a web search on "poinsettia" (which is the correct spelling) you will find lots of information.
2007-01-09 15:13:50 · answer #1 · answered by sonomanona 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Poinsettias are mildly toxic (or at least irritating) to babies and small animals but most pets and children do not feel inclined to eat them anyway... they don't taste good.
Learn all about keeping your poinsettias after the holidays here:
http://myforum.speakingofplants.net/user/Discussion.aspx?id=3145
The poinsettia is NOT poisonous
The widespread belief that poinsettias are poisonous is a misconception. The scientific evidence demonstrating the poinsettia's safety is ample and well documented. Studies conducted by The Ohio State University in cooperation with the Society of American Florists concluded that no toxicity was evident at experimental ingestion levels far exceeding those likely to occur in a home environment. In fact, the POISINDEX Information Service, the primary information resource used by most poison control centers, states that a 50-pound child would have to ingest over 500 poinsettia bracts to surpass experimental doses. Yet even at this high level, no toxicity was demonstrated. As with all ornamental plants, poinsettias are not intended for human or animal consumption, and certain individuals may experience an allergic reaction to poinsettias. However, the poinsettia has been demonstrated to be a safe plant. In fact, in 1992, the poinsettia was included on the list of houseplants most helpful in removing pollutants from indoor air. So, not only is the poinsettia a safe and beautiful addition to your holiday decor, it can even help keep your indoor air clean!
Info from this link: http://www.fernlea.com/xmas/poininfo.htm
2007-01-10 04:13:46 · answer #2 · answered by rabble rouser 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you mean poinsettia, the pretty red and green christmas plants, yes, the white berries on them are poisonous.
2007-01-09 15:35:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello Doug!
Do you mean Poinsettia? If so, the answer is a big YES. All plants from the genus Euphorbia will give you a severe stomach ache if you eat it. If you break a stem you'll notice a milky sap that flows out, and this irritates the skin too. Hope that helps! x
2007-01-10 08:12:35 · answer #4 · answered by Riskyt69 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've always been told that yes they are, but I can see where people can say no that they can irriate things... I found some crums from a leaf not that long ago and my dog did throw it up. I do know that it is best to keep pets away from the plant, and I was never allowed to 'touch' them as a small child..
2007-01-09 23:48:36 · answer #5 · answered by Samantha B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. Old Wives' Tale. Probably not too tasty though. Poinsettias do not have berries. Some answerers must be smokin' the yellow bits.
2007-01-09 17:19:00 · answer #6 · answered by Emmaean 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes they are poisonous
2007-01-09 15:36:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes the berries are poisonous, the rest will not do you any good if you eat it or feed it to your dog! Dont try it !
2007-01-13 06:47:46 · answer #8 · answered by kenjinuk 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do believe the berries are poisonous!
2007-01-09 15:37:01 · answer #9 · answered by bugear001 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes.
2007-01-09 18:31:17 · answer #10 · answered by Jeanne M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋