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You'll Be Surprised to Hear This About Poinsettias

By stacy ling

Gardening Tips & Tricks

Poinsettias are not as poisonous as they were once believed to be. They are no longer considered to be deadly. Here's what you need to know.

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According to the U.S. Poison Control Center, poinsettias were believed to be deadly for many years, but research has shown consistently that they are not lethal when eaten by humans.

If ingested, it can cause mild illness that includes nausea or vomiting.  And there have been some reports of the plants causing a rash if  touched frequently, so it’s recommended to wear garden gloves when handling the foliage, bracts, and other plant parts.

The ASPCA rates poinsettias as being mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with the potential to cause nausea and vomiting too.

If you have small children or pets, I recommend keeping them away from live poinsettia plants anyway or go with faux.

A great way to grow them around pets or small children is to get them up off the floor and shelves so they are out of reach. Hang poinsettias from the ceiling in beautiful planters instead.  

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Follow along to learn more about how to care for poinsettias.

Gardening Tips & Tricks

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