Are Poinsettias Poisonous?
As the holiday season rolls around, poinsettia plants begin to show up in stores and at nurseries. As tempted as you are to have the traditional holiday plant in your home, you may hesitate because you've heard they're poisonous to humans and pets. Yet you've probably never known anyone who has been poisoned by ingesting poinsettia parts. Fortunately, you do not have to worry about suffering ill effects from having this plant in your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
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Misconceptions
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The myth persists year after year, but poinsettias are not toxic. The milky white sap that oozes out if you should break a leaf or stem can irritate your skin, but it will not cause severe illness or death. Any nonfood item that is ingested may cause a reaction, including poinsettias. Display any holiday decorations out of the reach of small children or pets to be safe.
Effects
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If you or anyone else should happen to ingest poinsettia parts, which taste bitter, typically there is no reaction. Those who have sensitive stomachs or who have ingested a large quantity of poinsettia are liable to suffer from upset stomach and/or diarrhea. No lasting adverse affect has ever been documented, however. Though they are not poisonous, remember that poinsettia plants are not meant to be consumed by humans or animals.
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How the Myth Started
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If the poinsettia is not really poisonous, you might wonder how this persistent myth ever got started. In 1919, word spread that a 2-year-old child died after eating a leaf. No medical records exist to substantiate that story. It likely persists as a way of keeping children away from the colorful, fascinating plant.
The Poisindex
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If anyone in the medical profession were to check with the Poisindex Information Services, used by the majority of the country's poison control centers, they could reassure you of the non-poisonous nature of poinsettias. To illustrate their findings, they state that a 50-pound child would have to eat 500 to 600 bracts (leaves) to surpass testing levels. At that level there is still no toxicity.
More Good News
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Despite the myth, the poinsettia is still the top flower sold during the holiday season, representing about 85 percent of holiday flower sales. Nationwide sales amount to $220 million dollars or more each year. Poinsettias are grown in all 50 states, with over 100 varieties being offered. By an Act of Congress, December 12 is designated National Poinsettia Day. Celebrate with the purchase of your own poinsettia or give one as a gift.
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References
- Photo Credit gurdonark/Flickr.com
