This is your seasonal reminder that Poinsettias are not toxic.
So how did this rumor start? Thank the 1944 book Poisonous Plants of Hawaii, which stated the entire plant was poisonous, from sap to bract. This assertion came from a 1919 case where a child of a U.S. army officer in Honolulu passed after eating a poinsettia leaf. There was no medical basis for this claim, though, and the doctor later retracted their statement.
Today, the American Association of Poison Control Centers states in very clear terms, “The poinsettia plant is often considered deadly. That’s wrong. Poinsettia can be irritating but it is not fatal if eaten.” Even the ASPCA states it may cause stomach issues or irritate the mouth, but it’s “generally over-rated in toxicity.”
So this holiday season, let’s just enjoy the beautiful Poinsettia and not fear for our life.