Scientific Name
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Common Name
Poinsettia, Christmas flower

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Euphorbiaceae
Plant Description
Shrub with large, alternate leaves, with or without teeth on the margin; the cup-shaped "flowers" in a cluster above the showy red, pink, or cream leafy bracts; a large yellow gland on the rim of the "flower."
Origin
Mexico.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; florist plant.
Mode
Very low toxicity, occasional dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Occasional abdominal pain with vomiting and diarrhea when ingested. Redness, swelling, blisters after some delay following frequent contact with skin.
Toxic Principle
Diterpene esters in milky latex.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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