Are Poinsettias Actually Poisonous? What to Know About These Festive Flowers

Poinsettias have a two-faced reputation. On one hand, they're associated with holiday cheer and colorful seasonal decor. But, on the other, many people are under the impression that it's one of the most poisonous houseplants they can bring into their home.

That's not necessarily the truth, however. Here's what you need to know, once and for all, about whether or not poinsettias are poisonous and what you should do if your dog, cat, or child comes into contact with one of these festive red blooms.

Are Poinsettias Poisonous?

While it's generally been accepted for years that poinsettias are extremely poisonous, it turns out that they are not actually poisonous in any significant way. They are not necessarily pleasant to eat, and they certainly won't taste good, but they are only mildly toxic. That means they will not cause any harm besides mild irritation.

This means the poinsettia's reputation as equal parts festive and fear-inducing can finally be laid to rest. You should be able to keep a poinsettia in your home without worrying whether you're potentially poisoning all of your dependents, both human and furry.

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Poinsettias and Children

While children may be tempted by the poinsettia's vibrant leaves, they should not have anything beyond mild irritation if they decide to take a bite. Given the taste, they will hopefully stop after one bite. However, if they decide to make a meal of these crimson flowers, you should expect only mild stomach discomfort.

What to Do If a Child Comes Into Contact With a Poinsettia

If a child eats poinsettia leaves, monitor them for any stomach issues, though they should not require medical attention. If they decide to touch a poinsettia or handle its leaves, ask them to wash their hands—this is less about a reaction and more to do with spreading a mess from their sticky sap. And who needs that all over their holiday decor?

Poinsettias and Pets

It's safe to say that more than a few cat owners have avoided keeping poinsettias in their homes to prevent curious felines from taking a bite. It's long been accepted that poinsettias are poisonous to pets, and it can be nearly impossible to keep cats away no matter where you try to hide these festive florals. It's usually easier to keep the blooms out of the reach of dogs by putting them on a high surface but, now, you don't need to worry about either.

Poinsettias are mildly toxic, but generally not poisonous enough to pets to cause harm. They can cause irritation and they shouldn't be at the top of your pet's diet, but they will not cause issues that are enough to merit a trip to the vet.

What to Do If a Pet Eats a Poinsettia

If your pet decides to eat a poinsettia's leaves, you can monitor their behavior to make sure they do not start to show any signs of distress. They may have stomach irritation, but it should pass. Make sure they have access to food and water to help move the poinsettia through their system.

Of course, if your pet does show any significant issues, you should contact your vet to be on the safe side. There may be an allergy present that could cause a more substantial reaction.